With the 30-day countdown to the 2025 Asian Winter Games starting, preparations for the Games have been in top gear in northern Chinese city of Harbin, also a popular ice and snow tourism destination.
As the preparations for the Game have entered its final stage, Harbin has already completed seven of the 14 test events, including figure skating, ice hockey, curling and cross-country skiing.
A speed skating test event is scheduled for this weekend, featuring over 65 athletes competing in seven disciplines. Organizers said that key preparations are well underway, and arrival and departure services have been ready at airports and train stations.
To improve transportation, railway capacity has been enhanced in the city, including adding three dedicated sightseeing trains, as Harbin aims to showcase its commitment to making the Games a success.
Harbin Taiping International Airport, the designated entry and exit hub for the event, has set up a "dedicated customs channel of Asian Winter Games." The Harbin Exit-Entry Border Inspection Station has deployed guidance officers to assist with clearance for event participants and staff.
Since December 17, 2024, Harbin Taiping International Airport has been implementing a 240-hour transit visa exemption policy, extending the original three-day stay to 10 days.
This is in line with China's new its visa-free transit policy, which extends the permitted stay for eligible foreign travelers from the original 72 and 144 hours to 240 hours, or 10 days. Effective on December 17 last year, 21 additional ports have been designated for visa-free entry and exit, and the areas in which transit travelers can stay have been expanded, according to a statement from National Immigration Administration.
The number of entry ports where the new policy applies has increased from 39 in 19 provinces to 60 in 24 provinces nationwide, allowing transit visa-exempt tourists to move freely across these specified provincial-level regions during their 10-day stay.
"As the policy is in place now, we no longer need to apply for a Chinese visa for our child, who holds foreign nationality, as we did before. Now, we just need to fly back and can spend about a week in Harbin, then we'll go to Beijing for three days, which will fulfill the requirement of a total of 10 days," said Liu Yicong, an overseas Chinese.
Featuring an extensive air traffic network with 19 international routes connecting with Russia, Japan, South Korea, and other countries and regions, Harbin Taiping International Airport hopes to be well-prepared to welcome participants and officials from across the continent.
The entry and exit services will begin on January 27.
Preparations in top gear in China's Harbin as 30-day countdown to Asian Winter Games starts
Preparations in top gear in China's Harbin as 30-day countdown to Asian Winter Games starts
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
