Chanatip Sonkham, a retired female taekwondo practitioner who won bronze at the 2012 London Olympics in the under 49 kg weight class, recently made a surprising comeback to the international stage — on the ice sheets at the ongoing 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin.

In quite the switch from the martial arts mat, Sonkham competed in the curling mixed doubles competition, a sport that contrasts starkly with taekwondo in its nature, rules, but perhaps most notably, in temperature.

The 33-year-old secured bronze medals at the 2010 Asian Games and the Asian Taekwondo Championships in 2010 and 2012. She also once clinched victory in the women's 49 kg final at the 2013 World Championships.

In the frigid climate of Harbin, however, the former summer games participant only managed an 8th place finish in the mixed doubles curling, alongside her partner Teekawin Jearateerawit.

To prepare for the continental sports gala, they had been to the Republic of Korea to participate in a week-long training camp.

The duo teamed up for the competition after practicing together for just four months, a period which also marks Sonkham's entire curling career.

Last year, officials from the National Olympic Committee of Thailand extended an invitation to Sonkham to participate in curling.

Initially intended for leisure, the games she participated in quickly revealed Sonkham's innate talent for the winter sport.

"Perhaps, due to my background as a taekwondo athlete, my body balance is quite good, which aids in delivery of the stones," she recalled.

Encouraged by her natural aptitude, Sonkham was urged to pursue a competitive career in the ice sport.

Four months ago, she began training with the Curling Association of Thailand.

"I then developed a strong interest in the sport," she stated.

She found it particularly attractive because of its emphasis on friendship and inclusivity among different age groups.

"In curling competitions, I collaborate closely with teammates. We can talk to each other and support each other during matches. In contrast, when I competed in taekwondo, I had to rely on just myself," she said.

"And no matter if we are young or old, you can just come and enjoy the game."

She added that taekwondo is a fighting sport, so there is a lot of impact, and injuries are common. She personally suffers from knee issues.

"In curling, there is no body contact. What we need to learn is how to control the stone. I don't need to worry about getting injured in this sport," said Sonkham.

However, there are still some similarities between the two sports.

"Focus on the match and just enjoy the process" is a mindset Sonkham has learned from competing in taekwondo, and she finds it applies to curling as well.

It's Thailand's first time sending a national curling team to the continental winter sports gala.

This is also the first time that Sonkham and her partner have competed against curlers from other countries and regions.

"It's a good experience for me. This is surely beneficial for the improvement of my curling skills," she said.

For Sonkham, one of the challenges for professional athletes is planning for life after their sports career ends.

"When I finished my taekwondo career, everyone thought my life as an athlete had come to a complete end. However, now I have come back with a new role, and a new passion for a new sport," she said.

"Maybe by curling, I can inspire my compatriots to realize that, even though we are from a country without winter, we can still excel in winter sports."

Thailand, as a tropical country, has sent its largest-ever delegation of 133 people, 87 of whom are athletes, to the Asian Winter Games in Harbin.

Its participation in the Asian Winter Games highlights its growing presence in winter sports, and reflects the country's commitment to expanding its athletic achievements on the international stage.

Supitr Samahito, vice-president of the National Olympic Committee of Thailand, told Xinhua in an interview that sports play a vital role in fostering cultural connections among countries and regions.

She praised China's expertise in hosting major sporting events, noting that it has raised expectations for the Harbin Games.

"The Asian Winter Games are not just a sporting event, but also a unique opportunity for Asian countries and regions to showcase their cultures and deepen mutual understanding," she said. "Although Thailand is a tropical country, its active participation in the Winter Games is a testament to cross-cultural exchange," she added.

"Thai athletes competing in Harbin will not only be able to refine their winter sports skills, but also immerse themselves in the diverse cultures of their fellow competitors."

xinwen@chinadaily.com.cn

Traditional Chinese cultural elements and aesthetics have been subtly woven into the ceremonial dresses and officials' attire being worn at the ongoing 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin, Heilongjiang province, reflecting the city's unique features while extending best wishes to participants through Shanghai-style designs.

Shanghai's Donghua University led the design efforts, with three faculty members and eight students from the university's College of Fashion and Design working on the project since July. Together with production partners, they submitted more than 20 designs for approval and produced over 1,900 sets of attire for technical and Olympic Council of Asia officials, as well as 116 ceremonial dresses and thousands of accessories, including silk scarves and neckties.

"We came up with about 40 designs in total, and 20 were ultimately approved," said Ni Jun, a professor at Donghua University and one of the leaders of the design team. "The Asian Winter Games is not just a sports gala, but is also a cultural gathering. We wanted to showcase traditional Chinese culture in our designs, which integrate Shanghai-style elements and craftsmanship."

Among the designs, the blue ceremonial attire stands out. Inspired by the wintry conditions of Harbin, known as China's "ice city", the dress combines traditional Chinese cultural aesthetics with modern tailoring techniques.

The design team said the blue color symbolizes purity, nobility, trust and reliability, representing the sky, sea and glaciers, as well as enduring friendship and faith, aligning with the spirit of sports.

Ni noted that the wavy hair ornaments draw inspiration from Chinese scrolls, while the hairpins are based on ancient Chinese designs, and present a dynamic effect when in motion. The skirts flow smoothly with each step, while the upper parts of the dresses are an updated version of the qipao, featuring a Shanghai-style waistband with cloud patterns and handmade, snowflake-shaped Chinese knot buttons.

Beyond the design, production posed challenges. The attire worn by officials is made from high-quality wool fabric, which provides warmth, comfort and breathability. However, the fabric is extremely light and soft, making design, shaping and production difficult. The clothing also needed to be inclusive enough to accommodate the varying body sizes of roughly 1,900 wearers.

"We received strong support from factories across the country that collaborated with our university. They are equipped with advanced technologies and, as we requested, follow a sustainable and environmentally friendly production process. Producing a single set of the officials' attire involves an average of 396 steps. Without their expertise and flexibility for urgent adjustments, we couldn't have completed the task," Ni said.

Leading a team of 20, Ni is now overseeing the use of the clothing on-site in Harbin.

"So far, things are going well, with few requests for adjustments. But we're not overthinking it. I feel deeply moved to see our team so united and focused on getting the job done. It is a great honor for us and Donghua University to be part of this sports gala," she said with a smile.

China's gold medalists in ski mountaineering sprint believe their achievements at the ongoing 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin, Heilongjiang province, will inspire more young people from different ethnic groups, especially those living in mountainous areas, to participate in the sport.

Chinese athletes claimed all six podium positions in Sunday's ski mountaineering competition, dominating both the men's and women's sprint races as the sport made its debut in the Games, sending a strong message that the nation's ski mountaineering team is a formidable contender on the international stage.

In a stunning display of skill and endurance, Buluer from the Mongolian ethnic group clinched gold in the men's ski mountaineering sprint final at the Yabuli Ski Resort with a time of 2 minutes 22.29 seconds.

Buluer edged his compatriot Zhang Chenghao by 0.62 seconds, while Bi Yuxin took home the bronze, 2.74 seconds further back.

Cidan Yuzhen from the Tibetan ethnic group triumphed in the women's event, crossing the finish line in 2 minutes 55.88 seconds. Yu Jingxuan claimed silver, while Suolang Quzhen from the Tibetan ethnic group finished third.

"I hope my performance encourages more young people from the Kazak and Mongolian ethnic groups in the villages of the Altay Mountains to take on the sport, because we have the natural grit and passion for mountain life and sports," Buluer said.

The 19-year-old is one of the most talented skiers in China's ski mountaineering men's team. Born in Hemu village at the foothills of the Altay Mountains in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, he probably gained basic understanding of the sport while using fur skis since he was 6 years old.

In Hemu, where winters from late October to early April are characterized by heavy snowfall, skis made of pinewood and horsehide from a horse's lower legs are an important means of getting from one place to another. When sliding downhill, the fur sticks to the skis, increasing speed. When trekking uphill, it goes against the board, increasing friction to provide an antiskid feature.

"My friend and I would go skiing on the mountains for fun. We would use the fur skis until we were totally exhausted. That's how much I loved and love skiing," said Buluer.

A childhood spent on a pair of fur skis helped him not only build the skill and stamina required to become a ski mountaineering athlete but also excel in the sport, he said, adding that he is very proud of being a pro on fur skis.

In December 2021, Xinjiang formed its ski mountaineering team, and Buluer, then 16, became one of its first members after being scouted for his talent on fur skis.

Cidan Yuzhen, 18, was born and raised at the foothills of snowcapped mountains in the Xizang autonomous region. A childhood spent in that rugged terrain has today helped her reach the summit of ski mountaineering, she said.

"Locals of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau have a natural bond with the mountains. While growing up, our body adapts to high altitudes and thin air, which gave me a head start in the sport," she said.

"For me, the charm of ski mountaineering lies in conquering more snowcapped mountains and witnessing more breathtaking sceneries. I hope more young people from Xizang find ski mountaineering interesting and try it, because it's a really cool sport," she said, adding that she finds the adrenalin rush while going down very rewarding after a hard climb.

The ski mountaineering competition, which lays emphasis on endurance, technical climbing skills and precise skiing abilities, will feature men's and women's short-distance sprints, as well as a mixed relay.

The inclusion of the sport in the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, which was announced in 2021, adds further significance, positioning the Winter Asiad as a vital testing ground for athletes in the runup to the highly anticipated global sports event.

Established in November 2022, the Chinese ski mountaineering team achieved historic performances at the 2024 Asian Ski Mountaineering Championships, claiming a record seven gold medals.

The Tibetan duo and Buluer are among the most promising contenders for podium finishes at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

cuijia@chinadaily.com.cn

If they are taking their home Winter Asiad as a critical test for next year's Olympics as seriously as they claimed, China's short-track speed skaters should leave Harbin with alarm bells ringing loudly in their heads.

Ignoring some unexpected, tiny errors, due to the not-so-ideal track conditions at the venue and body contact that is part of the sport, Team China has no excuses at all for its poorer-than-expected campaign at Harbin 2025, where it was totally outperformed on home ice by its close neighbor the Republic of Korea, arguably the world's most decorated program in the sport.

Roared on by a boisterous home crowd at the Heilongjiang Ice Training Center, the Chinese women's squad overtook a surging Korean quartet in the final lap in the 3,000m relay Final A on Sunday to snatch the host's only team gold in Harbin, offering fans cold comfort after it failed to deliver on its hefty pre-Games ambitions.

The Chinese men capped off the Games' short-track program with a bronze medal in the 5,000m relay, where it originally finished bottom in the four-team final A, but was promoted to the podium following a penalty that disqualified the second-placed Koreans for an illegal obstruction.

Despite that blip, ROK's speedsters dominated the short-track medal standings with six golds among its total haul of 13 from nine events, while Team China settled for a distant second place, with two gold medals among a total eight, putting it ahead of Kazakhstan with its sole gold medal.

The thin harvest from Harbin, the cradle of China's skating world champions, has provided a sobering reality check for the Chinese squad that, perhaps, has to reevaluate its goals for Milano-Cortina 2026, where mighty Western powers, such as the Netherlands, Canada and the host Italy, will undoubtedly make the hunt for gold extremely hard.

"I got quite emotional after the final race. This is definitely my last Asian Winter Games and I felt like we could've done better," women's veteran Fan Kexin said after steering her team to victory in the 3,000m relay on Sunday.

"We did our best, though. My teammates performed really well today so that we could secure a final gold (in women's events).

"The encouragement from winning a team event is bigger than from individual races. It reflected our team's coherence and collective energy.

"We have a lot of catching-up to do, though, to prepare ourselves for the Winter Olympics in a year's time. Everyone needs to be better for sure, so that we can make it a strong enough team for the Olympics," said the 31-year-old sprint specialist, who's won five world championships titles in 500m.

With Fan no longer in her prime, China's women have been outshone by their Korean counterparts on the international stage over the past seven years, without winning a single gold at the past two Olympics in Pyeongchang and Beijing.

The progress of the next-generation stars, such as distance runner Gong Li, frequent World-Tour medalist Zhang Chutong and 2016 Youth Winter Olympics champion Zang Yize, appears too slow to keep up with the rise of their peers from ROK and Europe.

The pandemic did take a toll on their development, but it was up to them to better manage their training and lives, to be more disciplined and battle more aggressively on the international stage to deliver on their promises, according to Team China's head coach Zhang Jing.

"This relay win really provides us with huge motivation, and is a great confidence boost for our next competitions," Gong, who also won a silver medal in the 1,500m in Harbin, said of her strong showing in the 3,000m win.

"Yet, we should focus on where we have room for improvement, from details in our individual training to our team chemistry."

On the men's side, the lack of roster depth has appeared to be an equally pressing issue, with no youngsters having emerged strong enough at the Harbin Games, where the host squad's only individual gold medal was won by Lin Xiaojun in the men's 500m on Saturday.

Lin, who was born in ROK, but chose to represent Team China as a naturalized athlete in 2021, did his best by battling in both individual and relay events in Harbin, but still saw his effort fall short in delivering the results he'd expected.

Still, the 2018 Winter Olympics 1,500m champion said he won't give up pushing to deliver a gold-laden campaign at his second Olympics next year.

"I've known him since we were at primary school. We competed fiercely on the track, but we are actually still friends off the ice," Lin, known as Lim Hyo-jun in his native country, said of Korean star Park Ji-won, despite being fouled by Park in the men's relay.

"I thought that maybe I am getting old, and no longer strong enough to go the distance (trying to win another 1,500m Olympic gold medal), but watching him achieve good results one after another, I feel motivated to try to do it again," Lin said in Korean after Sunday's relay final.

Both Team China and their Korean counterparts have had to move on quickly, as the 2024-25 ISU World Tour's final leg will kick off at the 2026 Olympic rink in Milan on Feb 14.

Both teams have already boarded their respective flights, setting out for a serious "dress rehearsal" on the actual ice that will host the Olympic races next year.

"We cannot wait to prove that we are a better team (than we were in Harbin) at the next World Tour event and the home world championships (in Beijing) next month," said men's reigning 1,500m world champion Sun Long.

sunxiaochen@chinadaily.com.cn

Xu Mengtao took the gold medal in the Freestyle Skiing Women's Aerials on Sunday at Heilongjiang Yabuli Sports Training Base, securing China's ninth gold. She also became China's first snow sports Grand Slam winner! "Winning at home feels amazing," she said.

Winter Olympic champion Han Cong extends his warmest welcome to all athletes at the 9th Asian Winter Games, hoping that they reach their goals and experience the vibrancy of his hometown Harbin.

During an exclusive interview with China Daily online show Tracking Success, the pairs skating star, who won gold at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, said he was thrilled to participate in the Asian Winter Games' opening ceremony as one of the flag escorts on Friday, and he hopes to pass his passion and love for winter sports to the younger generation.

To find out more, click the video.

A total of 17 gold medals were awarded at the 9th Asian Winter Games on Saturday, the first competition day after the opening ceremony, marking it the day with the most gold medals generated during the Games, according to the organizing committee.

"As of Saturday, three athletes have broken two Asian records and 10 five Asian Winter Games records," Li Guang, director of the committee's competition department, said at a news conference on Saturday. "Among them, Chinese athlete Gao Tingyu, broke the Asian record and Asian Winter Games record for men's 100m speed skating, while Chinese athlete Ning Zhongyan broke the Asian record and Asian Winter Games record for men's 1500m speed skating."

Athletes from 24 countries and regions have registered for the women's giant slalom skiing, which started on Saturday, making it the event with the most participating delegations at the Games.

"We are delighted to see delegations from tropical regions such as Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, as well as countries and regions in West Asia such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the UAE participating," said Li. "It clearly demonstrates the widespread promotion and popularization of winter sports in Asia."

Of the events featured at the Games, 31 percent are making their debut, including two speed skating events, one short track speed skating event, one curling event, three ski mountaineering events, nine freestyle skiing events, and four snowboarding events.

"For instance, although curling originated in Europe, it has a close connection with Asia," said Li. "It was reintroduced to the Olympic family during the 1998 Winter Olympic Games in Nagano, Japan, and has been a regular competition ever since," said Li.

"The mixed doubles curling became an Olympic event at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympic Games, prompting its inclusion in the 2025 Games."

zhouhuiying@chinadaily.com.cn

HARBIN -- Wu Yu won the gold medal as Chinese speed skaters swept men's 5,000m podium at the Harbin 2025 Asian Winter Games (AWG) here on Sunday.

The men's 5,000m victory added to the three gold medals won by Chinese skaters in the Speed Skating Oval of the Heilongjiang Ice Training Center on Saturday, further consolidating China's leading position on the medal tally of the sport after two competition days.

The rest of the three gold medals so far on offer were all taken by the ROK's skaters, with Kim Min-sun bagging two from women's 500m and team sprint on Sunday.

In the men's 5,000m competition, Liu Hanbin, in the fourth pair, was the fastest in six minutes and 29.93 seconds before Wu and Muhamaiti Hanahati stepped on ice in the final pairing.

Wu, despite a comparatively slow start, skated to 6:27.82 to win the gold medal, and Hanahati was third in 6:31.54.

"We thought of a podium sweep, but I didn't expect myself to be on top of it because I wasn't at my best before the Games," Wu revealed. "This marks a breakthrough for Chinese speed skating in the long distance, but it's just a beginning. We hope to achieve more at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics."

In women's 500m, Kim and Lee Na-hyun had a 1-2 finish for the ROK in 38.24 seconds and 38.33 seconds, respectively, a switch of positions from the women's 100m event on Saturday. China's Tian Ruining completed the podium in 38.57.

"I'm grateful and happy, because 500m is my main distance. I'm so happy that I can get a gold medal today. I have two more race now," said Kim, silver medalist from the 100m race.

It didn't take long for the 25-year-old to bag another gold medal under her belt as the ROK beat China by 0.23 seconds in women's team sprint, and she was "even happier."

"I'm so grateful because it's a team event. The three of us practiced a lot, so we really wanted to get a medal. But we knew China is really strong, and it would be hard to get a gold, but being able to win it eventually makes me even happier," Kim noted.

The speed skating competitions will continue on Monday with the men's 500m, women's 3,000m, and men's team sprint events.

HARBIN -- China claimed all six podium positions in Sunday's ski mountaineering competition, dominating both the men's and women's sprint races as the sport made its debut at the Harbin Asian Winter Games.

In the men's race, Buluer from China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region secured the gold in two minutes and 22.29 seconds, edging his compatriot Zhang Chenghao by 0.62 seconds, while Bi Yuxin took home the bronze, 2.74 seconds further back.

"I'm happy with my performance and proud to win this gold. It shows my strength," the 19-year-old champion said after the race.

On women's part, Chinese competitors finished top four, underscoring the host nation's strength in the sport. Cidanyuzhen from China's Xizang autonomous region captured the gold in two minutes and 55.88 seconds, while Yu Jingxuan and Suolangquzhen claimed silver and bronze, respectively. China's Ji Lulu finished fourth.

The 18-year-old gold medalist was thrilled with her result, saying, "This is our first Asian Winter Games, and I'm very excited. The course was great, and I was able to race at my own pace."

"Winning the silver medal is the best birthday present," said Yu, who will celebrate her 22nd birthday on Monday.

As ski mountaineering has been included in the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, the Asian Winter Games becomes a crucial testing ground for athletes to show themselves on the international stage.

"There's still a slight gap compared to European ski mountaineering powerhouses," said Buluer, reflecting on the sport's international competition. "We hope to challenge them at the Olympics. I hope to achieve better results and promote the sport to make more people get involved."

Cidanyuzhen also set her sights on Milan-Cortina 2026, saying, "I'm fully prepared for the 2026 Winter Olympics and will continue to improve myself."

HARBIN -- China dominated the men's freestyle skiing aerials with a podium sweep at the Harbin Asian Winter Games here on Sunday.

20-year-old Li Xinpeng claimed the gold with a score of 123.45 points, while his compatriot Yang Longxiao seized the silver with 122.13. Veteran Qi Guangpu took the bronze with 119.47.

In the last round of the final, all three Chinese skiers chose to jump at a 4.4250 difficulty degree, as Li earned the highest score with a clean landing.

"I made a major mistake and fell in my first jump, but I managed to adjust my mindset afterward," Li said. "Although my teammates put a lot of pressure on me in the second round, I focused on performing my best."

"I think I performed normally today, and I want to congratulate my young teammates. Because only when they surpass me and perform better will this sport be able to develop and improve in the future," said 34-year-old Qi.

The freestyle skiing aerials mixed team event is scheduled for Monday.

HARBIN -- China claimed the gold medal in the short track speed skating women's 3,000m relay at the Harbin Asian Winter Games here on Sunday.

The Chinese quartet of Fan Kexin, Gong Li, Zhang Chutong and Wang Xinran finished first in four minutes and 11.371 seconds. Kazakhstan took the silver in 4:13.498, while the bronze went to Japan in 4:13.578.

Led by veterans Choi Min-jeong and Lee So-yeon alongside rising star Kim Gil-li, the Republic of Korea (ROK) dominated the early laps, setting a fierce pace, while China patiently looked for opportunities.

As the race progressed, China's Wang capitalized on a crucial baton exchange to surge into the lead. In the final leg, Gong once lost the top position but swiftly reclaimed the first place and secured victory for China. Meanwhile, the ROK's Kim slipped off the track, ultimately finishing fourth.

"It felt like a dream for me. Even now, when I look back at the moment I overtook my rival, I still find it hard to believe," Gong said after the race, adding that the relay gold is a great reward at her maiden Asian Winter Games.

"This victory strengthened our confidence for the upcoming Winter Olympics and will motivate us to fight even harder in future international competitions," added the 24-year-old.

China's veteran skater Fan kissed the ice after crossing the finish line. "This is my last Asian Winter Games, and I feel reluctant to say goodbye," she said.

Fan also credited her younger teammates for their trust and teamwork. "They gave me so much confidence, because trust between teammates is the hardest thing to build. Winning this gold proves our team's overall strength - only when every individual is strong can the whole team keep improving."

In the men's 5,000m relay, China's Lin Xiaojun was fouled by the ROK's Park Ji-won and then slipped out of the track at the last bend of the final leg. Kazakhstan won the gold in 6:59.415, while Japan and China took silver and bronze, respectively. The ROK was disqualified with a penalty.

"I did my best, and I'm incredibly grateful for the support from so many fans, which also brought some pressure," said Lin. "I look forward to competing with Park in the future and presenting a strong show at the Winter Olympics next year."

Also on Sunday, the ROK's skaters secured a 1-2 finish in both the men's and women's 1,000m finals.

China's Cidanyuzhen wins ski mountaineering women's sprint at Harbin Asian Winter Games

HARBIN -- Chinese star skier Xu Mengtao clinched victory in the freestyle skiing women's aerials at the Harbin Asian Winter Games on Sunday.

The 34-year-old Olympic champion dominated the final with 90.94 points, while her compatriot Chen Xuezheng took the silver with 81.58. Kazakhstan's Ayana Zholdas earned the bronze with 76.54.

Xu performed even better in her first jump with 97.99 to reach the second round. Despite not landing perfectly, Xu still sealed the victory at ease.

"I'm thrilled with my performance," said Xu. "The first-round score is my seasonal best for that routine. In the final, I focused on consistency, and it paid off." (Watch video)

HARBIN -- Bayani Jialin pocketed the women's 5km free gold medal in cross-country skiing, leading China to a sweep of the top four in the event at the Harbin Asian Winter Games on Sunday.

Thirty-three skiers began the race in succession with a 30-second interval. Bayani, the ninth to start, crossed the line first in 12 minutes and 7.5 seconds to secure her first-ever Asian Winter Games gold.

"I'm very happy to finish first," said the 25-year-old from Northwestern China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. "I gave it my all throughout the race, and now I'm excited to focus on preparing for the relay race."

Dinigeer Yilamujiang, also from Xinjiang, was just 3.6 seconds behind Bayani to take the silver, adding to her bronze from the cross-country skiing women's sprint classic on Saturday. Chi Chunxue won the bronze, while Chen Lingshuang ranked fourth.

The cross-country skiing men's 10km free will take place on Monday.

A company established by student innovators from the Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT) recently unveiled its line of intelligent thermal control clothing products for the winter at an event held in Harbin, Heilongjiang province.

The company showcased 11 garments and wearable products that are tailored to meet the requirements of Heilongjiang's cultural tourism market, including ski suits, down coats, hats and gloves.

Harbin Yunjing Technology Co, established in November 2023 by Zhou Yang, a doctoral student from the School of Electrical Engineering at HIT, organically integrated new two-dimensional materials, intelligent algorithms, novel control systems and cutting-edge creative design to develop the products, which are designed for applications in areas such as heating, sports monitoring and healthcare.

"Product superiority is a crucial factor in market competition," said Zhou, who is also president of the company.

"As one of the core products of our company, the intelligent thermal control outdoor clothing, based on the new MXene two-dimensional material and our energy security system, can achieve rapid heating in one to three seconds at just five volts.

"In laboratory tests, the heating power of this material at the same voltage is 2.5 times that of carbon fiber," he said.

"With a small portable charger, it can achieve instant heating, just like having an electric blanket inside a down jacket, providing hardcore warmth that can withstand temperatures as low as — 40 C."

In contrast to other products with constant temperatures, the company's products employ intelligent algorithms for temperature control, significantly extending their heating time. The company has also chosen a comfortable, washable material.

Additionally, the system can be applied in broader fields, such as new energy vehicles and satellite battery management.

So far, the company has received 10 national-level scientific and technological innovation awards for its achievement, and it has applied for, and been granted, eight national invention patents and utility model patents.

"Another important factor for a company's development is the talent," said Zhou. "All 10 members of the research and development team are top undergraduates, graduates or doctoral students at HIT."

The company has reached cooperation agreements with several authorized production enterprises for the 9th Asian Winter Games, which opened on Friday in Harbin, and has assisted two large ski equipment makers in developing new and upgraded products using its technologies.

Xi Yuyan, a sophomore from the School of Architecture at the HIT's Shenzhen campus, designed the intelligent thermal control hat and scarf set based on the Games' mascots, the Siberian tigers Binbin and Nini.

"I hope my design can provide visitors some heartfelt warmth and convey the enthusiastic emotions of Harbin," she said.

"Our team aims to help tourists overcome their fear of the cold and provide them with a wonderful experience while enjoying the ice and snow," Zhou said.

"We will continue to intensify our R&D, hoping to bring new technology and better services to consumers, and contribute to the ice and snow economy in the province."

Harbin, capital of Northeast China's Heilongjiang province, scaled new heights culturally and creatively this winter, as its ice and snow and design economies combined to deliver a large number of innovative ideas and technology-driven products.

For instance, the sales volume of an augmented reality refrigerator magnet featuring Harbin-centric design elements has exceeded 20 million yuan ($2.73 million).

"People can scan the refrigerator magnet with their phones and see exquisite images of Harbin's four seasons," said Wang Jing, general manager of Longyue Cultural and Creative Technology Co, which developed the product.

"This winter, our cultural and creative products can also serve as personalized electronic albums. Tourists can store photos and videos taken during their trip to Harbin in the albums, and even record blessings for their friends and loved ones, creating a unique Harbin gift."

Despite it being the middle of winter, many young people queued up for hours in front of a traditional Chinese medicine tea and beverage shop named Zhongqi Shizu to purchase a special ice cream.

"We combined different traditional Chinese medicine and probiotics that fully release the nutritional value of the ingredients, not only making the ice cream healthier, but giving it a distinctive flavor," said Shen Xiaodi, director of the shop's brand operation. "We choose to make ice cream, so that people can easily enjoy the food while managing their health."

So far, the company has opened three stores in Harbin, with daily sales at each averaging around 70,000 yuan.

"We are building a TCM product processing plant in Mulan county of Harbin, which is expected to start production within the year, with an expected annual turnover of 150 million yuan," he said. "In the future, we will be based in Harbin and will promote our products nationwide.

"Riding on the popularity of the ice and snow season, we will continuously upgrade our products, expand consumer awareness, and present a richer range of TCM products to customers," he added.

The booming cultural and creative industry has also inspired talented young people to return to their hometown.

In 2023, Shao Weiwei, a member of the post-1990 generation, quit her job in Beijing to take up the position of chief designer on the design team of Heilongjiang Sino Shine Media Group.

"When our team began the design phase, we walked different routes around the city to seek inspiration," she said.

The team created four sports-themed refrigerator magnets and cups based on one of the mascots of the 9th Asian Winter Games, Siberian tiger Nini.

Cultural and creative products not only open up a new revenue stream for Harbin's ice and snow economy, but also serve as an example to the national cultural tourism market.

Japan's delegation for the Asian Winter Games, boasting a strong contingent of established winter sports stars, has high hopes of winning medals on the field, as well as forging friendships off it with athletes from participating Asian countries and regions.

With 228 members, including 151 athletes, the team will compete across a range of events — including speed skating, figure skating, ice hockey, curling, biathlon, and alpine skiing — hoping to deliver strong performances.

Among the standout athletes are Kaori Sakamoto, the three-time world figure skating champion in women's singles; Yuma Kagiyama, the silver medalist in the men's singles figure skating at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics; and speed skater Wataru Morishige.

Yuko Mitsuya, vice-president of the Japanese Olympic Commit tee, expressed that the slogan for the Harbin Games,"Dream of Winter, Love Among Asia" reflects a vision of deepening ties across Asia through winter sports. She said that after the pandemic, the Games offer a chance to reconnect through sports, fostering communication and mutual understanding.

Shun Sato, the men's singles champion at the 2024 Cup of China ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating, said: "I came last year for the Grand Prix, but didn't have time to explore. If I have the opportunity this time, I would love to do some sightseeing."

At the 2017 Asian Winter Games in Sapporo, Japan, the host topped the medal table, securing 27 golds, 21 silvers, and 26 bronzes, a record-setting performance that placed it first in both total medals and golds.

Ahead of this year's Games, the Japanese delegation held an official launch ceremony in Tokyo on Tuesday. After an eight-year break since the Sapporo event, the delegation head Masahiko Harada is filled with anticipation for the competition.

"In Asia, both Japan and China are eagerly awaiting the Harbin Asian Winter Games," Harada told Xinhua. "This is a pivotal opportunity for winter sports in Asia to demonstrate their appeal on the global stage."

Harada, who visited Harbin in April, was captivated by the city's beauty and the warmth of its people. "Harbin is known as the Ice City," he said. "I could deeply feel the energetic atmosphere China has created for this major winter sports event. The passion and dedication are inspiring, and we look forward to what promises to be an exceptional competition."

At 56, Harada is now head of the Ski Association of Japan. As a ski jumper, Harada competed in five Winter Olympics and helped Japan win the gold medal in the men's team event at the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics. He also served as a torchbearer and lit the cauldron at the 2017 Sapporo Asian Winter Games.

"As someone with a background in snow sports, I'm familiar with winter sports facilities," he said. "The venues at the Beijing Winter Olympics — like the ski jumping and cross-country skiing courses — were beyond extraordinary. They were futuristic, awe-inspiring, and left a lasting impression. I still vividly recall how remarkable they all were."

Harada sees the Beijing Winter Olympics as a turning point, not only for its world-class facilities, but also for the support it provided to athletes, allowing them to perform at their best.

"The success of the Beijing Winter Olympics made me believe that winter sports could experience a significant transformation," Harada said. "I was confident that winter sports in China would continue to thrive."

Harada, who has helped Japan host the Sapporo and Nagano Winter Olympics and multiple Asian Winter Games, believes this experience has garnered global attention and fostered a culture of support for winter sports in Japan, contributing to their growing popularity.

"The development of infrastructure and venues not only ensured the success of the events, but also laid a solid foundation for the future training of athletes," he noted. "Japan's rise in winter sports is built on this history."

Harada also highlighted the significance of regional competitions like the Asian Winter Games, noting that while the Olympics are the ultimate stage, the collaboration between nations is a significant achievement.

"China's natural advantage in ice and snow resources is clear," he said. "I hope we can work together across Asia to share experiences and promote winter sports."

At the ongoing 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin, curling stands out for its unique inclusivity. It's one of the rare sports where age doesn't matter.

This was particularly evident with the Hong Kong, China mixed doubles pair of Hung Lingyue, aged 60, and her partner Yan Ho-tin, who is half her age.

When Hung releases a stone on the sheet, she will sometimes bend down and shout loudly: "Far! Far! Far!" Urging the stone on to land precisely in the opponent's house.

Yan, in turn, deftly and swiftly sweeps the ice ahead of the stone to melt the surface and adjust its speed and trajectory.

The duo has been competing in mixed doubles for three years, proving that their age gap is not a hindrance, but, in fact, more of a help.

"Yan is a good sweeper," said Hung.

"Hung brings years of experience and strategy, while I provide the physical strength to support her. That's what makes us a team," Yan explained.

Based in Ontario, Canada, where curling is a popular winter sport, Hung first encountered the game during her college years.

Her husband, Rick Collins, who comes from a family of curling enthusiasts, guided her into the sport and has been coaching her ever since.

"This is our passion! We love curling, and I love coaching!" Collins explained.

While curling is a relatively new sport in Yan's hometown of Hong Kong, the special administrative region joined the World Curling Federation in 2014.

Having previously been a competitive curler at the Rideau Curling Club in Ontario, Hung made the decision to reach out to Hong Kong, hoping for an opportunity to represent her hometown on the international stage.

"One day, I came across a small article mentioning that Hong Kong had joined the World Curling Federation. So, I did a quick Google search, found a contact address, and sent an email inquiring about the qualifications required to compete for Hong Kong. That's how the ball got rolling," she recalled.

After Hung joined the Hong Kong curling team, her husband Collins was also recruited as a coach for Hong Kong's senior teams, organizing intensive training sessions in Ottawa, Canada, before each curling season.

In recent years, Yan would fly to Canada to train with Hung, practicing on the ice daily to hone their skills and enhance their synergy.

To prepare for the ongoing continental winter sports gala in Harbin, the duo practiced together in Guangzhou and arrived in the Heilongjiang provincial capital ahead of schedule to find another rink for training.

Reflecting on the changes in the sport over the years, Hung has observed advancements in equipment, improved sweeping techniques, faster ice conditions and the increased dedication of athletes.

Curling may look languid, but demands high levels of strategy, precision and power, all of which drives Hung and Yan's obsession with the sport.

"It engages the mind. The sharper you are, the better you perform in this sport," Collins said.

The competition ended in disappointment for the pair, however, after their 11-4 loss to eventual silver medalist Republic of Korea on Friday, meaning the duo missed out on making it to the medal matches.

In the midst of the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin, Heilongjiang province, firefighter Wang Renfeng finds himself navigating an unusual shift in focus. As part of a specialized team, Wang and his colleagues are tasked not with their usual role of extinguishing blazes, but with rescuing injured athletes on the snow slopes — a temporary transition from fire to ice.

No longer equipped with breathing apparatus and hoses, they now don skis, their bright red uniforms standing out against the white landscape as they deftly maneuver down the slopes.

Wang, who has been training for this role since 2022, is among a team of over 100 firefighters from Harbin, all of whom are trained to provide a range of emergency services at the Asian Winter Games, including snow rescues, fire prevention and airlifts.

"Our training started two years ago, and every firefighter involved in the Asian Winter Games is now proficient in skiing," Wang said.

When an athlete is injured during competition, a snowmobile swiftly brings a stretcher to the scene, while Wang and his teammates ski uphill to reach the stricken skier. After the athlete is assessed by medical staff, the team — three firefighters in total — carefully transports the stretcher down the slope, moving in unison to ensure the patient's safe descent.

"Rescue skiing requires a different set of skills from regular skiing," Wang noted. "You must control your speed and direction carefully, and it's vital for the team to work together."

During a test event in January, Wang's team participated in a series of drills that honed their rescue techniques. "Every minute we can save in a rescue is a minute that reduces an athlete's pain and danger," he said.

In addition to Wang and his team, there is another group working alongside them during rescue operations: a team of "ski doctors". These doctors, hailing from several medical institutions in Harbin, like Wang, have undergone professional ski training and have participated in numerous field drills while carrying medical backpacks filled with essential equipment.

The Asian Winter Games ski doctor team at the Yabuli Sports Training Base is the second ski doctor team formed in China, following the Winter Olympics in Beijing in 2022.

Comprised primarily of sports medicine and orthopedic specialists, the team initially faced a challenge — varying levels of skiing ability among its members. Ski training quickly became a mandatory course for all doctors.

In the frigid climate of Yabuli, where blizzards are frequent and temperatures can plummet to as low as — 30 C, the ski doctors train under the harshest conditions.

Pan Haile, the head of the ski doctor team and an orthopedic expert at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, explained that training runs from 9 am to 4 pm daily, with doctors enduring up to eight hours of rigorous practice.

"It's grueling, especially since we wear minimal clothing and carry heavy medical packs," Pan said. "During competitions, we are required to carry oxygen tanks weighing 30kg, which make training even more challenging."

Beyond basic skiing techniques, the doctors must master advanced skills. They need to be proficient in skiing on steep, difficult slopes, executing rapid stops and performing critical rescue operations like trauma first aid and CPR. According to Pan, the doctors' ability to quickly assess injuries, stabilize patients, and remove them from the course is paramount, especially in a high-pressure environment.

Under the regulations of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation, ski doctors must reach the site of an injury within four minutes of an accident and begin treatment immediately.

"The biggest challenge is not the difficulty of the skiing, but how fast we can assess the situation and begin treatment," Pan said.

In sub-zero temperatures, where hands can become numb within minutes, the complexity of medical procedures increases exponentially.

To sharpen their response times and enhance accuracy, the team undergoes rigorous, repeated training and requires massive levels of stamina.

"We are often required to remain stationary on steep slopes for sometimes four to five hours," Pan revealed.

"After a year of intense preparation, I'm now confident that we have the capability to provide quick, effective, on-the-spot medical support for the athletes."

Chanatip Sonkham, a retired female taekwondo practitioner who won bronze at the 2012 London Olympics in the under 49 kg weight class, recently made a surprising comeback to the international stage — on the ice sheets at the ongoing 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin.

In quite the switch from the martial arts mat, Sonkham competed in the curling mixed doubles competition, a sport that contrasts starkly with taekwondo in its nature, rules, but perhaps most notably, in temperature.

The 33-year-old secured bronze medals at the 2010 Asian Games and the Asian Taekwondo Championships in 2010 and 2012. She also once clinched victory in the women's 49 kg final at the 2013 World Championship.

In the frigid climate of Harbin, however, the former summer games participant only managed an 8th place finish in the mixed doubles curling, alongside her partner Teekawin Jearateerawit.

To prepare for the continental sports gala, they had been to the Republic of Korea to participate in a week-long training camp.

The duo teamed up for the competition after practicing together for just four months, a period which also marks Sonkham's entire curling career.

Last year, officials from the National Olympic Committee of Thailand extended an invitation to Sonkham to participate in curling.

Initially intended for leisure, the games she participated in quickly revealed Sonkham's innate talent for the winter sport.

"Perhaps, due to my background as a taekwondo athlete, my body balance is quite good, which aids in delivery of the stones," she recalled.

Encouraged by her natural aptitude, Sonkham was urged to pursue a competitive career in the ice sport.

Four months ago, she began training with the Curling Association of Thailand.

"I then developed a strong interest in the sport," she stated.

She found it particularly attractive because of its emphasis on friendship and inclusivity among different age groups.

"In curling competitions, I collaborate closely with teammates. We can talk to each other and support each other during matches. In contrast, when I competed in taekwondo, I had to rely on just myself," she said.

"And no matter if we are young or old, you can just come and enjoy the game."

She added that taekwondo is a fighting sport, so there is a lot of impact, and injuries are common. She personally suffers from knee issues.

"In curling, there is no body contact. What we need to learn is how to control the stone. I don't need to worry about getting injured in this sport," said Sonkham.

However, there are still some similarities between the two sports.

"Focus on the match and just enjoy the process" is a mindset Sonkham has learned from competing in taekwondo, and she finds it applies to curling as well.

It's Thailand's first time sending a national curling team to the continental winter sports gala.

This is also the first time that Sonkham and her partner have competed against curlers from other countries and regions.

"It's a good experience for me. This is surely beneficial for the improvement of my curling skills," she said.

For Sonkham, one of the challenges for professional athletes is planning for life after their sports career ends.

"When I finished my taekwondo career, everyone thought my life as an athlete had come to a complete end. However, now I have come back with a new role, and a new passion for a new sport," she said.

"Maybe by curling, I can inspire my compatriots to realize that, even though we are from a country without winter, we can still excel in winter sports."

Thailand, as a tropical country, has sent its largest-ever delegation of 133 people, 87 of whom are athletes, to the Asian Winter Games in Harbin.

Its participation in the Asian Winter Games highlights its growing presence in winter sports, and reflects the country's commitment to expanding its athletic achievements on the international stage.

Supitr Samahito, vice-president of the National Olympic Committee of Thailand, told Xinhua in an interview that sports play a vital role in fostering cultural connections among countries and regions.

She praised China's expertise in hosting major sporting events, noting that it has raised expectations for the Harbin Games.

"The Asian Winter Games are not just a sporting event, but also a unique opportunity for Asian countries and regions to showcase their cultures and deepen mutual understanding," she said. "Although Thailand is a tropical country, its active participation in the Winter Games is a testament to cross-cultural exchange," she added.

"Thai athletes competing in Harbin will not only be able to refine their winter sports skills, but also immerse themselves in the diverse cultures of their fellow competitors."