Hongxing News:

Transportation services are not only the cornerstone for a successful sporting event but also a crucial factor in enhancing the experience for both athletes and spectators. What measures have Harbin implemented to better serve athletes and spectators? Thank you.

Wang Hesheng:

For this Asian Winter Games, there are two competition areas: one in Harbin and the other in Yabuli. As the Games coincide with the peak winter tourism season, transportation services will be an arduous task. We insist on systematic planning and careful organization, and strive to enhance the overall transportation carrying capacity, convenience and comfort.

In terms of aviation, Harbin Taiping International Airport is the official entry and exit port for this Asian Winter Games. Currently, 12 Asian routes, including flights to Japan, South Korea and China's Hong Kong, are already in operation. A second runway will be operational in January next year, increasing the number of aircraft stands from the current 91 to 181 and allowing for over 60 flights to take off and land per hour. Additionally, Beijing Capital International Airport, Beijing Daxing International Airport and Shanghai Pudong International Airport have been designated as official entry and exit ports. Other domestic ports will also offer dedicated convenience services for the Harbin Asian Winter Games.

In terms of railways, the infrastructure renovation projects involving Yabuli West Railway Station and Yabuli South Railway Station and the electrification of the Weihe-Yabuli South Railway have all been completed. During the Asian Winter Games, Yabuli South Railway Station will launch three special lines, allowing direct train services from Beijing to Yabuli; Yabuli West Railway Station will increase high-speed train services to 40 trips, running every 30 minutes on average, from the current six trips per day. Yabuli Railway Station has added six passenger trains to Beijing, Kunshan and other destinations. "Point-to-point" high-speed train services have been launched, connecting the Harbin downtown city directly to Yabuli. The carriages have been modified to include ski storage areas, providing great convenience for skiing enthusiasts.

In terms of highways, dedicated service channels for the Asian Winter Games have been set up at Harbin Railway Station, Harbin West Railway Station and Harbin Taiping International Airport. There are 46 shuttle bus routes from the airport and train stations as well as 36 local shuttle bus routes for the Games. A new Yabuli West Tourism Passenger Station has been built and the Yaxue Highway has undergone a complete upgrade. The section from Yabuli to the ski resort has been upgraded to a two-way, four-lane first-class highway, ensuring smooth connections between air, rail and road transportation. Whether it's railways, highways or airport upgrades, these improvements not only meet the demands of the Asian Winter Games but also provide great convenience for both future urban development and skiing enthusiasts.

In terms of transportation within the city, Metro Line 3 will be fully operational by the end of this November, providing access to competition venues, hotels and major attractions. During the event, 972 additional new energy vehicles, including methanol-powered vehicles, will be provided. Temporary bus services between venues will be introduced, and the operating hours of the metro and buses will be extended. Dedicated lanes for the Asian Winter Games will be scientifically planned to minimize the impact on daily travel for the public and ensure transportation needs during the event.

Thank you.