2025.01.07
On January 5, the 41st China Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival officially opened at Harbin Ice and Snow World, welcoming distinguished guests from across China and abroad to celebrate this spectacular winter event. Mr. XU Qin, Secretary of the CPC Heilongjiang Provincial Committee and Chairman of the Standing Committee of Heilongjiang Provincial People’s Congress, announced the opening of the festival, while Ms. LIANG Huiling, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Heilongjiang Provincial Committee and Governor of Heilongjiang Province, delivered a warm welcome speech. Also in attendance were Mr. GAO Zhidan, Director of the General Administration of Sport of China; Mr. Nga Kor Ming, Minister of Malaysia’s KPKT; Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT); and Mr. LAN Shaomin, Chairman of the Heilongjiang Provincial Committee of The People’s Political Consultative Conference. Mr. ZHANG Xu, Chair of the World Tourism Alliance (WTA), delivered a keynote speech during the opening ceremony, joined by Ms. Pansy HO, Vice Chair of the WTA and Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of the Global Tourism Economy Forum.
In her address, Ms. LIANG Huiling emphasized that Heilongjiang Province is implementing President XI Jinping’s key directives issued during his visit to the region. The province is committed to building three industrial bases, one ecological barrier, and one economic powerhouse, focusing on the comprehensive development of ice and snow sports, culture, equipment, and tourism. She highlighted Heilongjiang’s efforts to transform its “cold resources” into a “hot economy”, positioning itself as a globally influential ice and snow economic hub and a premier winter tourism destination. With the 9th Asian Winter Games set to open in Harbin in 33 days, Ms. LIANG Huiling extended a warm invitation to guests to join the celebrations, experience the excitement of winter sports, and enjoy the unique charm of Heilongjiang’s winter scenery.
In his speech, Mr. ZHANG Xu, Chair of the WTA, praised Heilongjiang Province for its commitment to the development philosophy of "ice and snow are also invaluable assets" and for leveraging its natural tourism resources and rich cultural heritage. He highlighted the vital role of tourism in promoting social, cultural, and ecological well-being, noting that Harbin’s unique ice and snow attractions, vibrant activities, and rich cultural experiences captivate visitors worldwide. He affirmed the WTA’s continued dedication to fostering global exchange and collaboration in the tourism sector, supporting Heilongjiang and Harbin in exploring new dimensions of ice and snow tourism and advancing the broader winter economy.
This year’s festival, themed "Dream of Winter · Love among Asia", seamlessly incorporates elements of the upcoming 9th Asian Winter Games. The event showcases ten premium themed tourism routes under the concept of "Travel with the Games", presents six innovative ice and snow tourism scenarios and features over 100 festive events and competitions.
During the opening ceremony, Mr. ZHANG Xu also participated in the 2025 Ice and Snow Tourism Development Forum and delivered a speech. Jointly organized by the China Tourism Academy and Harbin Madier Cultural Tourism Investment Group Co., Ltd., the forum, themed "Revitalize Ice and Snow Consumption Dynamics · Forge a High-End Ice and Snow Economic Powerhouse", gathered industry experts, scholars, and tourism leaders to share insights and strategies for accelerating the development of the modern ice and snow industry.