Games South Korea's Kim Kyeong-ae (L) and Seong Ji-hoon are in action during the mixed doubles curling final against Japan at the Asian Winter Games at the Harbin Pingfang Curling Arena on Feb. 8, 2025.

Under the motto 'Dream of Winter, Love among Asia' and through a festive opening ceremony supported by the spectacle and culture of ice, Chinese

Team China secured eight gold, eight silver and four bronze medals on the first gold medal day of the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin, Northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province on Saturday, topping both the gold medal and overall medal standings.

Asian Winter Games began with an opening ceremony in Harbin, China, featuring 34 participating countries across 11 sports.

Flag bearers Mohammed Al Duaij and Fatema Abdulateef of Kuwait lead their contingent during the parade of athletes at the opening ceremony of the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin, China.

As the 9th Asian Winter Games began their first official day of competition, anticipation soared for the event to foster unity, drive shared prosperity, and deepen friendships across Asia and beyond.

This is a collection of photos chosen by AP photo editors.

Xi Jinping and other leaders of the Communist Party of China and the state attend the opening ceremony of the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Feb. 7, 2025. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

The lit cauldron of the 9th Asian Winter Games is pictured at the Harbin Ice and Snow World Park during the opening ceremony of the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Feb. 7, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao)

With an extensive display of local culture and a spectacle of high-tech visuals, a stunning gala captured the imagination on Friday night as President Xi Jinping announced the opening of the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin, Heilongjiang province.