In Western Administrative Okrug parks, Muscovites are making helmets for SVO fighters and writing letters to them.

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Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

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At two project sites Winter in Moscow In the Western Administrative District, children and adults are taught how to make useful items for special military operations (SVO) fighters at workshops. Humanitarian aid collection points are also operating there.

At the Fili Children's Park on Bolshaya Filevskaya Street (Building 9), guests are taught how to make helmets, personal protective equipment for soldiers, and at Nikulino Park on Vernadsky Prospekt (Building 100a), young Muscovites write letters with wishes and fold them into frontline triangles.

Master classes for everyone

As reported by the deputy head of the Fili children's park, Alexey Melnikov, on December 26 at 3:00 p.m. master class The event will be led by community councilors from the Filevsky Park district. Since the beginning of the Second World War, they have been collaborating with one of the assault brigades, weaving helmets for soldiers and "Leshiy" capes for snipers, and sending humanitarian aid to the front.

Anyone can participate in the workshop. Simply arrive at the "Santa Claus Workshop" pavilion at the designated time. The district's community councilors will continue their workshops after the New Year. They will be held on January 16 and 30, starting at 2:00 PM.

The weave of the helmet covers is reminiscent of the technology used to make camouflage nets. High-strength strips of a special polymer material with a camouflage pattern are woven into the knitted base. The choice of color depends on the terrain where the soldiers are currently located and the time of year.

Where to apply skills

Anyone who learns how to make helmets at the workshops will have the opportunity to join volunteers who have been doing this work for a long time. Vitaly and Ksenia Ivanov, a married couple from the Dorogomilovo district, attended one of these workshops and now plan to put the knowledge they gained to good use. They said they were inspired by the feedback from soldiers returning from the front lines. Camouflage is crucial for soldiers today. Therefore, volunteers have a lot of work to do; they are always in need of help.

Volunteers are welcome, for example, at the "Golden Hands of an Angel" workshop in the Kuntsevo district. According to Amira Magomedova, head of the Kuntsevo branch of "Molodogvardeets," they are ready to offer everyone the opportunity to apply the skills they learned in the workshops.

"The demand for protective equipment is truly high right now—soldiers are constantly sending us requests. Helmets and hard hats reflect the sun, which can make soldiers vulnerable to enemy drones. Everyone on the front line needs helmet and hard hat camouflage," Amira Magomedova noted.

For those who weren't able to attend the workshops at Fili Children's Park, the volunteers of the "Golden Hands of an Angel" organization are organizing them themselves. You can contact them atTelegram channel or throughwebsite.

Muscovites who attend the helmet-weaving workshops have the opportunity to become permanent assistants to their mentors—public councilors of the Filevsky Park district. The volunteer workshop is located at 17 Bolshaya Filevskaya Street, Building 2. Anyone interested in helping the SVO soldiers is welcome here on weekdays from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

Weavers of protective equipment are also in demand at volunteer centers in the village of Rublevo. Workshops are open from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM daily at the administration building on Sovetskaya Street (building 11a) and at the Church of the Icon of the Mother of God "Never-Fading Flower" on Vasiliya Botyleva Street (building 45).

Field mail

Warm words of support, especially from children, are just as essential to those on the front lines as personal protective equipment. At Father Frost's workshops in Fili and Nikulino Parks, children can learn to make 3D cards and fold triangle letters. The activities are designed for the whole family.

At Fili Children's Park, the next classes will be held on January 10 at 11:00 AM and January 11 at 12:00 PM, as well as on January 17 at 1:00 PM and January 18 at 11:00 AM. At Nikulino Park, master classes will be held throughout January on Saturdays and Sundays, starting at 4:00 PM.

"We're currently sending New Year and Christmas greetings to the soldiers, and after the holidays, we'll be writing words of support on craft paper, whose texture creates the impression of authentic front-line letters from the Great Patriotic War. We're explaining to the children why they were triangular in shape," shared Olga Krasikova, deputy director of the Troparevo-Nikulino club center and master class leader.

Help and gifts for fighters

Humanitarian aid collection points for military personnel stationed in the SVO zone continue to operate in both parks. They are located in the "Santa Claus Workshop" pavilions next to the skating rinks.

The points are open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays: in the Fili children's park – from 10:00 to 20:00, in the Nikulino park – from 16:00 to 18:00.

For the SVO fighters, you can bring warm clothes, thermal underwear, portable hand warmers, heated insoles, as well as long-life packaged food products.

Members of the Kuntsevo Cossack Society send supplies to the SVO fighters.How the FlyButterflies aid center helps SVO participants

Winter in Moscow— the main event of the season. The project aims to strengthen social and family ties, create an atmosphere of unity and mutual support, and provide assistance to those currently defending the Motherland. Through a variety of programs, including cultural, educational, and sporting events, it brings together Muscovites and visitors of all ages and interests, creating an environment for creative development, active recreation, and warm communication. Particular attention is paid to supporting participants and veterans of the special military operation and their families, as well as all those providing assistance to the front.

Get the latest news quickly on official Moscow messaging channels. MAX AndTelegram.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Get creative and take a walk in the woods: what events have eco-centers prepared for the New Year's holidays?

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Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

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Winter holidays are a great time to get the whole family outdoors and take a break from everyday worries. You don't have to leave the capital to enjoy beautiful landscapes and learn new and interesting things about forest creatures. You can spend your winter holidays in the city's natural areas. Specialists from eco-centers under the jurisdiction of the capital's Department of Nature Management and Environmental Protection, have prepared a variety of events. Guests can look forward to creative activities, science lectures, and educational tours.

Create holiday decor and explore New Year's traditions

On December 26, at the Dom Lani eco-center (Zelenograd, 4921st Drive, Building 4, Bldg. 1), guests will learn how to paint Christmas tree decorations made from recycled materials. They will also learn how the spruce became the main attribute of the holiday and will be reminded of the history and traditions of New Year's celebrations in Russia since the 18th century. Visitors will also be able to solve a New Year's crossword puzzle. The holiday program at the eco-center begins at 2:00 PM. To participate, please register by calling 7 499 735-64-83.

The "New Year's Adventure" quest, "Pine Expert" class, and "Winter Eco-Trail" excursion will take place on the same date and time at the Kuskovo Eco-School eco-center (3rd Muzeynaya Street, Building 40, Bldg. 1). Pre-registration is required by phone: 7 495 370-07-50.

To learn about New Year's traditions from different countries, attend a class at the Terletsky Ecocenter (41 Metallurgov Street, Building 1). It will take place on December 27 at 12:00 PM. The meeting will also cover the types of conifers, their characteristics, and their importance to forest dwellers and humans. To register, call 7 495 672-88-65.

A class on proper waste disposal and energy and water conservation will be held at the Kuzminki Ecocenter (10 Kuzminskaya Street, Building 1) on December 28 at 11:00 AM. Those interested in attending should submit a request by calling 7 495 377-35-93.

Additionally, on this day, city residents will have the opportunity to make holiday decorations from natural materials for their homes or New Year's trees. Creative workshops are scheduled for December 27 and 28 at 12:00 PM at the Bitsevsky Les Ecocenter (Novoyasenevsky Tupik, Building 1, Building 2). You can register for a class by emailing epts-bittsles@eco.mos.ru. A similar event will take place on December 28 at 12:00 PM at the Losiny Ostrov: Russian Life Ecocenter (Bumazhnaya Prosek, Building 21, Building 1). Admission is free.

Learn to read animal tracks and unravel the mysteries of the sleeping forest

In early January, ecocenters invite city residents to enjoy exciting outdoor walks. For example, on January 5th at 12:00 PM, the Terletsky Ecocenter will host a class called "Trees of Our Park." Visitors will be introduced to the diversity of Moscow's trees, learn to identify their species, and discover their amazing features, including how they adapt to winter. Following the class, a short tour will be organized dedicated to the park's trees. Pre-registration is required by phone: 7 495 672-88-65.

Muscovites will learn about how plants and animals adapt to winter on January 5th during a walk through the Bitsevsky Forest Natural and Historical Park. The walk will be led by specialists from the Lesnaya Skazka Ecocenter (36th kilometer of the Moscow Ring Road, outer side, Bitsa recreation area). To register, please call 7 495 410-21-49 or email epts_lesnaya-skazka@eco.mos.ru. Participants will meet at 11:00 AM at the ecocenter gates.

On the same day, a tour of the Skhodnya River Valley in Kurkino Landscape Reserve will take place. Specialists from the Nature Museum Ecocenter (2 Rodionovskaya Street) will introduce guests to the local flora and fauna and explain winter bird feeding practices. The tour begins at 1:00 PM. Pre-registration is required by phone: 7 495 753-12-68 or email: ecomuseum@eco.mos.ru. Participants will be provided with the meeting location upon registration.

Children and adults will be able to admire natural landscapes and search for traces of forest creatures on the "Winter in Nature" walk through the Kuzminki Ecocenter. Participants are welcome on January 5th at 1:00 PM. To register, call 7 495 377-35-93.

The following day, January 6, city residents will have the opportunity to explore the Kuskovo Forest Park. During the tour, specialists from the Kuskovo Ecoschool ecocenter will tell you about local animals and their winter habits and offer the opportunity to participate in bird feeding. Registration is available by calling 7 495 370-07-50.

Those interested in learning to identify animal tracks and bird calls are encouraged to take a walk through Losiny Ostrov National Park. It's scheduled for January 7th at 12:00 PM. Visitors should arrive at the gates of the Losiny Ostrov: Russian Life Ecocenter. Admission is free.

Those interested in learning more about wintering birds and observing their habits can join a tour of the Izmailovo Natural and Historical Park. It is organized by the staff of the Tsarskaya Paseka Ecocenter (Izmailovskaya Paseka Village, Building 1) on January 9 at 10:00 AM. Participants will gather at the ecocenter gates. Admission is free.

Learn about bird feeding rules and the role of nature reserves

On January 9, several ecocenters will dedicate their classes to bullfinches. This day is an annual holiday in Russia dedicated to these red-breasted birds. A lecture on bullfinches will be held at the Kuzminki Ecocenter. Guests will learn how the female and male bullfinches differ, what they eat, and why they are more often seen in winter. To register in advance, please call 7 495 377-35-93.

An event called "The Leader of the Red-breasted" dedicated to bullfinches is planned for January 9th at 12:00 PM at the Terletsky Ecocenter (registration by phone: 7 495 672-88-65) and the Nature Museum (registration by phone: 7 495 753-12-68 or by email: ecomuseum@eco.mos.ru). Guests will be told the most interesting facts about these birds and their way of life. A similar event will take place on January 10th at 12:00 PM at the Losiny Ostrov. Krasnaya Sosna Ecocenter (12th Line of Krasnaya Sosna, Building 28). Admission is free.

Learn about bullfinches and other birds, as well as winter feeding tips, at an educational lesson on January 9 at 1:00 PM at the Vorobyovy Gory Ecocenter (1 Andreevskaya Embankment). Register in advance by calling 7 495 225-65-92. On the same day, a lesson on feeding birds during the cold season will be held at 2:00 PM at the Bitsevsky Forest Ecocenter. To register for the lesson, email epts-bittsles@eco.mos.ru.

Winter holidays at Moscow's eco-centers will conclude on January 11th. Events will be held to mark Nature Reserves and National Parks Day. For example, classes will be held at 12:00 PM at the Terletsky, Nature Museum, Forest Fairy Tale, and Losiny Ostrov. Krasnaya Sosna eco-centers, and at 2:00 PM at the Bitsevsky Les and Kuzminki eco-centers. Participants will be introduced to the types of specially protected natural areas, their status explained, and their important role in preserving the environment. Residents will also learn about the inhabitants of forests, seas, and much more.

You can find a list of winter and New Year's events in the capital on the project page. Winter in MoscowIt aims to strengthen social and family ties, create an atmosphere of unity and mutual support, and assist those currently defending the Motherland. Through a variety of programs, including cultural, educational, and sporting events, it brings together Muscovites and visitors of all ages and interests, creating conditions for creative development, active recreation, and warm communication. Particular attention is paid to supporting participants and veterans of the special military operation and their families, as well as all those providing assistance to the front.

Get the latest news quickly on official Moscow messaging channels. MAX And Telegram.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

The Libyan army chief of staff and four other officers were killed in a plane crash near Ankara.

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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Ankara/Tripoli, December 24 (Xinhua) — Libyan Armed Forces Chief of Staff Mohammed al-Haddad and four other officers were killed in a business jet crash south of Ankara on Tuesday evening.

Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said gendarmes discovered the wreckage of a Falcon 50 aircraft in the Haymana district of Ankara province.

Libyan Prime Minister Abdel Hamid Dbeibah later confirmed the deaths of the military personnel, stating that M. al-Haddad and several high-ranking officers died in the plane crash. They were en route home after an official visit to Turkey. The government will investigate the "circumstances of the accident," the politician promised.

The aircraft, tail number 9H-DFJ, took off from Esenboga Airport in Tripoli at 8:10 PM local time. Contact with the jet was lost at 8:52 PM shortly after the crew issued an emergency landing notice near Haymana, according to A. Yerlikaya. –0–

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Xizang has carried out 42 archaeological excavation projects in the past five years.

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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Lhasa, December 24 (Xinhua) — Southwest China's Xijiang Autonomous Region has systematically carried out 42 archaeological excavation projects since 2021, uncovering key findings of human activity on the plateau dating back 100,000 years, as well as compelling evidence of long-standing cultural ties with China's Central Plain region. This was announced at a press conference on Tuesday to discuss the achievements of Xijiang's cultural heritage sector during the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025).

The work under these projects focused on key historical issues such as human origins, the emergence of agriculture and livestock farming on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, and the region's connections with China's Central Plain. The projects covered 19 ancient sites and tombs with a total excavation area of 8,100 square meters, Xu Shaoguo, deputy director of the SAR's Cultural Heritage Protection Bureau, said at a press conference.

Archaeological research has established that humans first appeared on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau approximately 100,000 years ago, and that most regions of Xizang entered the Neolithic period around 5,000 years ago, said Xie Xuwei, an official with the Cultural Heritage Protection Administration of the SAR. He added that the use of bronze and iron began here around 3,800 and 2,800 years ago, respectively.

Artifacts such as silk fabrics and tea leaves discovered at various excavation sites provide direct evidence of continuous cultural exchange and trade between Xizang and the Central Plain region of China throughout history, Xie Xuwei added.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

China-Europe freight trains create an inspiring story of Eurasian development

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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Since the first China-Europe train departed from Chongqing to Duisburg, Germany, in 2011, this transcontinental "steel caravan" has undergone more than a decade of development. Over these ten years, the China-Europe Express has evolved from its initial, single-route, single-stop service to today's hundreds of routes and thousands of trips; from its first tentative steps, to a vibrant symbol of the Belt and Road Initiative. The China-Europe railway connection has become not just an important logistics corridor, but a living chronicle of the interconnectedness and mutually beneficial development of the Eurasian continent.

China-Europe trains emerged amid a shared need across Eurasia for efficient and convenient logistics corridors. Amid anti-globalization trends and rising trade protectionism, the China-Europe rail link has become a bridge linking the two ends of the Eurasian continent with the shared goal of prosperity and dynamic development.

China-Europe trains are not only a logistics corridor but also an economic belt. Like a golden thread, they connect industrial parks, shopping centers, and logistics hubs in countries along the route, stimulating the economic development of the entire region. In Chongqing, the China-Europe rail link has facilitated the development of electronic information industries such as laptop manufacturing, making Chongqing the world's largest laptop manufacturing base. In Xi'an, China-Europe trains have facilitated the transformation and upgrading of the machinery industry, allowing Xi'an-made goods to enter the global market. And in Yiwu, they have helped small goods enter the mainstream market, stimulating the flourishing of local trade and logistics.

At the same time, the China-Europe Express has also opened up new opportunities for European development. Cities along the route, such as Duisburg (Germany), Małaszewicze (Poland), and Budapest (Hungary), have gained new vitality thanks to this logistics corridor. China-Europe trains deliver automobiles, mechanical equipment, food, and other high-quality European goods to the Chinese market, meeting the growing demand of the Chinese people for a better life.

China-Europe trains carry more than just cargo; they also bring friendship and mutual understanding. Thanks to this "steel caravan," people of different civilizations, cultures, and faiths meet, communicate, and learn from each other.

The history of China-Europe trains is an inspiring epic of the interconnectedness and joint development of the Eurasian continent. In this epic, each participating country is a protagonist, each shipment a new page, each cooperation a continuation of the narrative. Looking forward, China-Europe trains will undoubtedly write even more vibrant chapters in this story, in the grand vision of building a Community of Shared Future for Humanity.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

The lower section of the panda pavilion at the Chongqing Zoo has reopened after renovations.

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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

CHONGQING, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) — The lower part of the panda house at Chongqing Zoo in southwest China was reopened Monday after renovations to provide a more comfortable living space for pandas and a better experience for tourists.

CHONGQING, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) — The lower part of the panda house at Chongqing Zoo in southwest China was reopened Monday after renovations to provide a more comfortable living space for pandas and a better experience for tourists.

CHONGQING, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) — The lower part of the panda house at Chongqing Zoo in southwest China was reopened Monday after renovations to provide a more comfortable living space for pandas and a better experience for tourists.

CHONGQING, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) — The lower part of the panda house at Chongqing Zoo in southwest China was reopened Monday after renovations to provide a more comfortable living space for pandas and a better experience for tourists.

CHONGQING, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) — The lower part of the panda house at Chongqing Zoo in southwest China was reopened Monday after renovations to provide a more comfortable living space for pandas and a better experience for tourists.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

BMW has launched trial production of its Neue Klasse electric vehicles in China.

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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

SHENYANG, Dec. 24 (Xinhua) — BMW has begun trial production of Neue Klasse (New Class) electric vehicles at its Shenyang plant in northeast China's Liaoning Province, combining advanced Chinese technology with the company's innovation system.

The long-wheelbase version of the BMW iX3 electric crossover is at the core of the automaker's electrification and digitalization strategy. The start of trial production of the new model suggests the company will be fully prepared for mass production as early as next year.

Also starting in 2026, as part of BMW's sixth-generation electric battery project, costing 10 billion yuan (approximately US$1.4 billion), supplies of batteries for Neue Klasse electric vehicles will begin.

Michel Melchiorre, Senior Vice President of Technology and Production at BMW Brilliance, emphasized that the new model combines global engineering excellence with local innovation, and also reflects the Shenyang plant's commitment to quality and sustainability.

BMW is actively collaborating with Chinese partners such as CATL and Alibaba on battery production and artificial intelligence applications. The goal of this joint effort is to provide an intelligent driving experience tailored to Chinese roads.

In line with environmental requirements, the BMW plant in Shenyang runs exclusively on electricity from renewable sources. Starting with the current heating season, it has also switched to geothermal heating to further reduce carbon emissions.

China, the BMW X3's largest global sales market, remains a strategic focus for the automaker. Total investment in BMW's Shenyang production facility since 2010 has exceeded 116 billion yuan.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Sobyanin: Another UAV flying toward Moscow has been shot down.

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Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

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Another UAV that attacked Moscow has been destroyed. This was reported on their channel inMAX messenger Sergei Sobyanin reported.

"Emergency services are working at the site of the fallen debris," the Moscow Mayor wrote.

Source: Sergei Sobyanin's channel inMAX messenger

Earlier, the Mayor of Moscow stated that the air defense system successfully repelled the attack. one drone heading towards the capital.

Subscribe to Sergei Sobyanin's official channels on messengers MAX AndTelegram.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

China's largest ice and snow economy ecosystem is being developed in Heilongjiang Province.

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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

HARBIN, Dec. 24 (Xinhua) — As an important window for China's northward opening-up, Northeast China's Heilongjiang Province is making every effort to turn its snowy expanse in winter into a driving force for high-quality development.

Through the development of cross-border tourism, international sports cooperation, and industrial transformation, Heilongjiang Province is creating China's largest ice and snow economy ecosystem.

INTERNATIONAL TOURISM

Harbin, the capital of Heilongjiang Province, is known as the "Ice City" due to its frigid winter climate. For eight consecutive years, Harbin has held the top spot in China's top 10 winter tourism cities, boasting a thriving "ice and snow economy" estimated to be worth over 160 billion yuan (approximately $23 billion).

The world's largest ice and snow theme park, the 27th edition of the Great World of Ice and Snow Festival, officially opened to the public in Harbin on December 17.

This year, the park reached a record size, covering 1.2 million square meters and utilizing 400,000 cubic meters of ice and snow. This year's theme is "Ice and Snow, a Fairytale World."

It's worth noting that Harbin is becoming an increasingly popular winter destination for Russian travelers. According to statistics, during the 2024-2025 winter season, the city saw 135 million tourist visits, of which approximately 6.3% were foreign tourists, with a significant proportion from neighboring Russia.

Industry experts predict that, thanks to China's visa-free regime for Russian citizens, Harbin expects an even greater influx of tourists from that country this winter.

The village of Hengdaohezi, located in southeastern Heilongjiang Province, has become an important link in the provincial railway network due to its advantageous geographic location. In winter, after several snowfalls, it becomes a popular tourist destination, renowned for its rich exotic charm and deep historical heritage.

According to Liu Jiayu, a representative of the village's publicity department, one of the key reasons for its popularity among visitors is its various ice and snow features. Furthermore, over 200 Russian-style buildings have been preserved here. Unlike artificially constructed winter landscapes, this village is a true snow arena, where pristine snowscapes seamlessly intertwine with unique cultural heritage.

In Heihe, a city near the Russian border, the local Administration of Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism has organized specialized training for hotel and restaurant staff, including Russian language instruction, to improve services for visiting foreign tourists.

"With the simplified visa regime, the flow of tourists from Russia has increased significantly. Now, over 80 percent of our guests are Russian. Our staff, who speak Russian or use electronic translators, communicate easily with guests. Furthermore, the hotel has bilingual information signs," said Hu Xiaorong, manager of the Wangjiang Holiday Hotel in Heihe.

It should be noted that in Heilongjiang Province, in tourist-rich areas, including hotels, tourist attractions, and business districts, the network of currency exchange offices has been expanded, and POS terminals and ATMs accepting foreign bank cards have been installed, significantly simplifying the payment process for foreign visitors.

According to data, after the introduction of a visa-free regime for Russian citizens, the number of Russian tourists visiting Heilongjiang on a visa-free basis jumped by 134.7 percent year-on-year.

SPORTS COOPERATION

In recent years, Heilongjiang Province has actively promoted the key role of the China-SCO Winter Sports Demonstration Zone (Shanghai Cooperation Organization) as a platform in its efforts to promote exchanges and cooperation in sports, culture, human resources training, industry, and other fields between SCO countries and countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative.

Zhang Yu, Head of the Comprehensive Coordination Department of the aforementioned Demonstration Zone, noted that, taking advantage of the opportunity to host the 9th Asian Winter Games, Heilongjiang Province comprehensively transformed and modernized a number of facilities, thereby attracting sports teams from 16 SCO countries to participate in the competition. Furthermore, the Demonstration Zone successfully hosted eight branded competitions, attracting over 2,000 athletes from more than 10 SCO countries.

In addition to hosting various competitions and events, Heilongjiang Province actively cooperates with Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and other countries, conducting joint training sessions with hockey and figure skating teams. Russian and Belarusian coaches in speed skating, cross-country skiing, and other winter sports are also invited to enhance the skills and competitiveness of local athletes.

Building on Heilongjiang's strong scientific and educational potential, the China-Russia Regional Association of Winter Sports Universities was established in November. Within this association, 15 universities from China and Russia are jointly training personnel and conducting scientific research.

Liu Jin, deputy head of the International University Sports Federation, stated that the creation of this association will positively impact the development of international education in winter sports and contribute to the sustainable development of this sector.

Zhang Yu added that in the future, this Demonstration Zone will continue to unleash new drivers for the development of the ice and snow economy and deepen practical cooperation in many areas within the SCO.

INDUSTRIAL TRANSFORMATION

In recent years, Heilongjiang Province has witnessed the close integration of ice and snow resources and various industries, giving birth to a kaleidoscope of new products, scenarios, and formats. Ice and snow, like an artist's brush, paint new horizons for business, and more and more companies are striving to unlock their potential in this glittering realm.

A highlight of these transformations is the Harbin Creative Design Center, founded in December 2022. Since its inception, it has not only attracted businesses from southern China to serve the national market but also boldly entered the international arena, establishing fruitful collaborations.

Deputy Director of the Center, Yan Shi, enthusiastically describes the partnership with Russia, which encompasses the production of materials, creative design, and the training of highly qualified specialists. Products created by talented designers from both countries are incredibly popular with Russian tourists, captivated by their uniqueness and beauty.

According to him, the center also actively uses prestigious venues such as the Harbin International Economic and Trade Fair and the China-Russia Expo to present its masterpieces to the world, demonstrating innovation and craftsmanship.

In the city of Heihe, like an oasis in an icy desert, rises Asia's first indoor, all-season, low-temperature automotive testing facility, Honghegu. It eliminates the seasonal and geographical limitations of traditional testing, giving automakers the ability to conduct precise and efficient testing in extreme cold conditions year-round.

Jiang Shijun, assistant general manager of this testing facility, proudly notes the uniqueness of the climate chamber—the only one of its kind in the world capable of testing entire vehicles. Its impressive length, reaching 800 meters, makes it the largest in the world.

The "China Ice and Snow Industry Development Report 2025" paints an impressive picture of growth in this sector. The industry's size has soared from RMB 270 billion in 2015 to RMB 980 billion in 2024, and is projected to surpass RMB 1 trillion by 2025, confirming its growing impact on the country's economy.

According to data, as of November 28, 2,296 enterprises related to the ice and snow economy have been registered in China since the beginning of 2025, an increase of 9.1 percent compared to the same period in 2024.

Industry experts believe that the transformation of formats, industrial integration, and related policy measures continue to strengthen the viability of the ice and snow economy, which is becoming a powerful driver of consumption growth and the promotion of high-quality regional development.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

It's time for beautiful scenery in Yiheyuan Park

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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

On December 21, the winter solstice (Dongzhi Festival), a unique scenic phenomenon can be observed on the Shiqikongqiao Bridge (literally, "17-Span Bridge") in Beijing's Yiheyuan Park: the golden rays of the setting sun piercing the bridge's arches. This stunning spectacle attracts numerous tourists, amateur photographers, and professionals. (Xinhua News Agency photojournalist Chen Yehua)

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.