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　　February 12 marks the Lantern Festival, the grand finale of Chinese New Year celebrations. In Harbin, the host city of the 2025 Asian Winter Games, an international cultural exchange event was held to celebrate the traditional occasion.

　　Co-hosted by CGTN and the Heilongjiang branch of China Media Group, the event brought together athletes, delegation members and media representatives from various Asian countries and regions to celebrate the Lantern Festival. Participants enjoyed a blend of traditional cultural performances and interactive folk customs.

　　During the event, attendees actively participated in traditional Chinese Lantern Festival activities. They made and tasted tangyuan (sweet rice dumplings) – a symbol of reunion – and engaged in lantern riddles, immersing themselves in the festival's traditional charm.

　　Visitors also explored an exhibition showcasing China's intangible cultural heritage, where they could discover Chinese calligraphy, fish-skin painting, lacquerware, Guzheng and Guqin performances, and lantern-making techniques, all offering a deeper appreciation of China's rich artistic traditions.

　　The atmosphere was further elevated by traditional dance performances, including the powerful beats of the Long Drum Dance and the lively rhythms of Northeast Yangko Dance. International guests eagerly joined in, learning how to play the drums and dance the Yangko, which added to the excitement. A special highlight of the event was the appearance of a patrolling robot dog, which captured the attention of many, adding a modern technological touch to the celebrations.

　　Notable figures in attendance included 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 to the Asian Winter Games. Delegations from nine countries and regions, including the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Mongolia, with a total of over 40 representatives, also participated.

　　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 are participating, with Saudi Arabia slated to host the next Winter Games.

　　The event provided a unique opportunity for athletes, delegations and media representatives from across Asia to experience the richness of Chinese culture. It also served as a platform for participants from diverse cultural backgrounds to interact and exchange ideas, fostering greater cultural understanding and friendship across Asia.