North Korea's state media reported Monday that the Asian Winter Games have opened in the northeastern Chinese city of Harbin, where three North Korean athletes are participating.

People pose for photos with a snow sculpture of "Binbin," mascot of the 2025 Asian Winter Games, at the Harbin Ice-Snow World in Harbin, capital of northeast China's Heilongjiang

North Korea's state media reported Monday that the Asian Winter Games have opened in the northeastern Chinese city of Harbin, where three North Korean athletes are participating. The Rodong Sinmun, the North's main newspaper,

Harbin could consolidate its position as one of the world's leading winter tourism destinations. If used properly, this edition of the Asian Winter Games could be a turning point for the city and the rest of the northeast region, transforming it into a global center for winter sports and ice and snow-related tourism.

China's Lin Xiaojun, left, leads the men's 1500m semifinals 2 at the Short Track Speed Skating during the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin, China on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025.

Korea ended the short track events at the 2025 Asian Games with 13 medals, adding four on Sunday, with star Choi Min-jeong claiming gold in every single race.

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.

China's gold medalist Lin Xiaojun poses during ceremonies at the men's 500m finals A of the Short Track Speed Skating during the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin, China on