A boost to ice and snow economy

Editor's note: With Chinese people's passion for ice and snow sports ignited by major winter sports events, the 9th Asian Winter Games, which opened in Harbin on Friday, promises to be another spectacular winter sports in China after the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games, promoting camaraderie, peace and prosperity. Four experts share their views on the issue with China Daily.

Late last year China issued guidelines to boost the ice and snow economy through high-quality development of winter sports. The aim is to leverage major ice and snow events to enhance ice and snow sports culture and strengthen the industry chain, marking a crucial step in promoting winter sports and tourism.

With Harbin hosting the 9th Asian Winter Games, Heilongjiang, known for its snow-covered landscapes and strong winter sports tradition, has taken center stage. Hosting Asia's largest and most prestigious ice and snow sports event, the province is poised for a transformative leap in terms of its ice and snow economy.

Heilongjiang has a rare blend of vast forests, pristine snowfields and ice surfaces, making it an ideal location for winter sports. For Heilongjiang, the event represents more than just competition; it is a chance to reshape the local economy by attracting new businesses, technologies and tourists.

The economic benefits of hosting the Asian Winter Games are already evident. In the run-up to the event, local government departments have been upgrading the city's infrastructure, while investments in transportation, accommodation, dining, retail and other services have been made to ensure the stay of athletes and visitors is convenient and comfortable.

In Harbin, the renovation of 10.44 million square meters of old residential areas, the modernization of infrastructure, and environmental improvements along the Songhua River reflect the significant impact of the event on the city's landscape, which not only enhances visitors' experience but also improves residents' quality of life.

Beyond infrastructure, the Asian Winter Games will highlight the huge potential of ice and snow tourism in Heilongjiang. The arrival of thousands of athletes and spectators will boost the province's economy, particularly its hospitality and service sectors.

The Asian Winter Games will enable visitors to experience Heilongjiang's rich cultural heritage. Events such as ice acrobatics, traditional opera performances, and Lantern Festival celebrations will showcase the region's unique traditions, allowing visitors to engage with the local culture and strengthening Harbin's position as a global winter tourism hub.

The legacy of the Asian Winter Games will continue even after the event is over, as the competition venues will remain open to the public. This will boost the development of professional ice and snow sports venues, attracting more tourists who want to take part in or watch winter sports. In turn, Heilongjiang will contribute to China's "300 million people participating in ice and snow sports "initiative and consolidate its leading position as the winter sports capital of China.

The Asian Winter Games will also promote innovation in the ice and snow sports industry beyond tourism. By boosting the ice and snow equipment manufacturing sector and improving winter sports services, the Games will help Heilongjiang enter a new phase of economic growth.

National and local policies have already been implemented to attract investments in the sector, with a focus on advanced technologies such as 5G, artificial intelligence and big data. This will help transform the industry. The emphasis on technological advancement is necessary as Heilongjiang seeks to diversify its economy away from heavy industry. As the ice and snow economy grows, it will create new growth areas for the local economy, with focus on low-energy, low-pollution and high-efficiency industries in line with global sustainability trends. By fostering innovation in the emerging sectors, Heilongjiang can contribute to the broader economic transformation of northeastern China, setting an example for other regions to follow.

The Asian Winter Games will have a far-reaching impact on the country, as it will inspire more people to take part in winter sports and help build a pool of talented athletes. Local governments are already ramping up efforts to train athletes, coaches and referees to ensure that Chinese athletes are competent enough to compete at the highest level.

Furthermore, hosting the Asian Winter Games will give China a unique platform to showcase its winter sports achievements to the world. As Chinese athletes compete and succeed, they will enhance China's global image as a strong competitor in ice and snow sports. In the long run, this will strengthen China's position in the global ice and snow economy and ensure that its industry remains competitive in a rapidly evolving market.

In other words, the Asian Winter Games will serve as a touchstone for the future of China's ice and snow economy, guiding it toward a new era of high-quality, sustainable growth. As Heilongjiang leads the charge, it will help propel China — and the global ice and snow economy — toward an exciting new frontier.

Wang Zhaohong is a professor at the College of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing Normal University.

The Li Jing is a PhD student at the same collage.

The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

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