With the city offering numerous seasonal activities, people of all ages are getting into the winter sports spirit. PHOTO BY XINHUA

"In addition to demonstrating Harbin's profound tradition and history, we'd like to promote more of the vibrant image of modern China and the aspiring spirit of Chinese people," Sha added.

The Games' official slogan "Dream of Winter, Love among Asia" was also adopted as the inspiration for the theme of the opening show, while the creative team's yearlong preparatory work of research, field study and interviews has added so much more to enrich the ceremony's artistic and cultural flair, according to chief producer Wu Yan.