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February 12 marked the dazzling Lantern Festival, the grand finale of Chinese New Year celebrations, right in the heart of Harbin, the host city of the 2025 Asian Winter Games.
Co-hosted by CGTN and the Heilongjiang branch of China Media Group, the event was a vibrant melting pot of athletes, delegation members, and media representatives from various Asian countries and regions. They came together to celebrate with a mix of traditional cultural performances and interactive folk customs.
Attendees immersed themselves in the festival's charm by making and tasting tangyuan (sweet rice dumplings) – a delicious symbol of reunion – and solving lantern riddles. These activities not only entertained but also deepened everyone's appreciation for Chinese traditions.
The festivities featured an exhibition showcasing China's rich intangible cultural heritage. Visitors had the chance to explore Chinese calligraphy, fish-skin painting, lacquerware, and enjoy live performances of the Guzheng and Guqin. Plus, there were hands-on sessions to learn lantern-making techniques!
The energy was contagious with traditional dance performances like the powerful Long Drum Dance and the lively rhythms of the Northeast Yangko Dance. International guests didn’t just watch – they joined in, learning to play the drums and dance the Yangko, adding a global flair to the celebrations.
A futuristic twist was added by the appearance of a patrolling robot dog, which captivated many and showcased the blend of tradition and technology.
Notable figures such as Ho Zhen Ting, vice president of the Olympic Council of Asia; Zhou Jian, director of media and broadcast for the Olympic Council of Asia; and Kenneth Fok Kai-kong, a deputy to the National People’s Congress and head of the Hong Kong, China delegation, were in attendance. Delegations from nine countries and regions, including the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Mongolia, brought over 40 representatives to join the festivities.
This year's Asian Winter Games set a new record with more than 1,270 athletes from 34 countries and regions, making it the largest edition in history. For the first time, athletes from Saudi Arabia, Cambodia, and other countries participated, with Saudi Arabia set to host the next Winter Games!
The Lantern Festival at the Asian Winter Games provided a unique opportunity for cultural exchange, fostering greater understanding and friendship across Asia. It was a night where tradition met modernity, and athletes from diverse backgrounds united under the bright glow of lantern light.
