The 2026 China-Russia International Winter Sports Series kicked off on the frozen Heilongjiang River between Heihe, Heilongjiang province, and the Russian city of Blagoveshchensk on Saturday, attracting participants and spectators from the two countries.

Part of the Heilongjiang Ice and Snow Sports Super League, the two-day event featured an ice hockey match, an ice and snow auto race, winter swimming, and ice painting.

At the beginning of the opening ceremony on Saturday morning, young Chinese figure skaters gave a performance. A series of winter art showcases followed.

After the opening ceremony, a friendly China-Russia hockey match kicked off, with athletes competing fiercely on the ice.

At the International Ice and Snow Auto Race on the Heilongjiang River, modified racing vehicles sped along a frozen track. Amid the roar of engines, the vehicles drifted through turns, leaving behind beautiful arcs.

As a border city, Heihe has used sports as a bridge to cultivate the fertile ground of cross-border cultural exchange. Such activities have included the China-Russia Cultural Fair, swimming across the Heilongjiang River, and cross-border marathons.

Video by Heihe Daily.