by sportswriters Dong Yixing and Wang Hengzhi
HARBIN, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- With the 9th Asian Winter Games in full swing in Harbin, the Siberian tiger-inspired mascots are stealing the spotlight. Yet few may recall the mascot from the third Asian Winter Games, when China's "Ice City" first hosted the continental event.
Among the vibrant lineup of mascots inspired by animals, one stands out with its unique charm: "Dou Dou," the beloved soybean. Despite not being a living creature, the soybean-inspired mascot Dou Dou perfectly embodied the spirit of Heilongjiang's rich agricultural legacy when the province first hosted the Asian Winter Games in 1996.
That year, Heilongjiang celebrated an impressive harvest, achieving a total grain output of 30.4 billion kilograms - an increase of 4.54 billion kilograms from the previous year. Renowned as the "Home of Soybeans," Heilongjiang played a pivotal role in China's soybean production, contributing an average annual yield of approximately five million tons to a national total of 13.5 million tons.
Nearly three decades later, the introduction of "Bin Bin" and "Ni Ni" as the Asian Winter Games returns to Harbin, marks a significant shift for Heilongjiang.
The name Bin Bin, derived from Harbin, establishes a direct connection to the city, while Ni Ni - based on the Chinese word meaning "you" - conveys a welcoming message, together creating the sentiment of "Harbin welcomes you."
"We aimed to create a mascot that encapsulates the rich history, courageous spirit, and fashionable yet hospitable essence of Harbin, Heilongjiang," said Chen Lei, head of the design team for the emblem and mascot of the 2025 Asian Winter Games.
"We chose the Siberian tiger, which boasts a remarkable evolutionary history of three million years. The Siberian tiger symbolizes triumph and represents a harmonious coexistence with nature, making it the quintessential wild animal of Heilongjiang."
Due to habitat destruction, illegal hunting and other factors, the population of Siberian tigers in China had plummeted to fewer than ten by the end of the 20th century. In response, significant ecological efforts were made, resulting in the establishment of the Northeast Tiger and Leopard National Park in 2021.
Spanning 14,100 square kilometers, this park serves as a sanctuary for endangered species. Recent monitoring shows that the park has seen a resurgence in wildlife populations, with approximately 70 wild Siberian tigers and 80 wild leopards thriving within its borders.
In addition to wildlife conservation, Heilongjiang's forest management practices have undergone a transformative shift over the past decade. Following the comprehensive ban on commercial logging in 2014, the province's key state-owned forest area expanded from approximately 18.45 million hectares to 21.62 million hectares, while forest stock has grown to 2.158 billion cubic meters. This increase not only restores ecological balance but also supports a flourishing habitat for around 500 species of terrestrial wildlife.
As a result of these efforts, Heilongjiang has seen significant growth in its eco-tourism sector. Visitor numbers in the Greater Khingan Mountains have surged eightfold in the past decade, with annual revenue rising from tens of thousands to over 13.5 million yuan (1.8 million U.S. dollars).
Alongside these ecological reforms, Heilongjiang has actively leveraged its ice and snow resources to drive economic growth. This winter, the province has intensified its efforts to transform its ice and snow industry, capitalizing on the momentum created by the Asian Winter Games.
According to the Heilongjiang Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, during the 2025 Chinese New Year, the province welcomed over 26.26 million visitors, generating revenue of 33.65 billion yuan (4.6 billion U.S. dollars) - an increase of 18.3 percent and 23.8 percent respectively compared to the previous year.
At the Yabuli Ski Resort, the site of the snow events for the Harbin Asiad, tourism has continued to boom, with visitor numbers having increased by approximately 20 percent since January. The growing interest in winter sports has led many local residents to engage in related professions, such as ski instruction and guest house operation, further increasing their incomes and contributing to the local economy.
According to provincial department data, the ice and snow industry is expected to yield revenues of 5.47 billion yuan (748 million U.S. dollars) in 2024, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 7.9 percent. This robust market demand has translated to an increasing need for high-quality ice and snow equipment.
Companies in Heilongjiang, recognized for their expertise in producing ice blades, ski lifts and skis, are improving product designs and expanding their market share. Notable brands such as Black Dragon Blades and Hongji Cable Engineering have made significant innovations, with exports of snowmobiles and other industrial products reaching international markets.
"Overall, the transformation from 'Dou Dou' to 'Bin Bin' and 'Ni Ni' has come to symbolize Heilongjiang's remarkable journey - a narrative of resilience, growth, and commitment to sustainability," commented senior sports editor Xie.
"As the province presents its rich agricultural legacy alongside its determination to embrace ecological responsibility, the ongoing Asian Winter Games serve as a vibrant testament of Heilongjiang's evolving identity," he added. ■
