The launch ceremony of the One-Year Countdown to Changchun 2027 33rd Winter Universiade. [Photo provided to gojilin.gov.cn]

The One-Year Countdown to Changchun 2027 33rd Winter Universiade began on Jan 15, marking a new phase in preparations for the global university winter sports event and extending an ice-and-snow invitation to young people worldwide.

The games will bring together student-athletes from more than 50 countries and regions to compete on Changchun's winter stages.

The launch ceremony opened at 5:30 pm with an energetic dance performance. Dynamic lighting, music, and choreography quickly ignited the atmosphere, while audiences and guests revisited Changchun's cityscape through large on-site screens.

A short film showcasing progress in venue construction, event organization, and ice-and-snow sports development followed, showing the momentum behind the games. Amid growing anticipation, leaders from Changchun and Jilin jointly activated the one-year countdown, with cheers filling the venue as 33 landmark screens across Changchun lit up simultaneously, illuminating the city skyline.

The launch ceremony of the One-Year Countdown to Changchun 2027 33rd Winter Universiade. [Photo provided to gojilin.gov.cn]

Preparations for the Universiade are accelerating across Jilin province. This winter season has seen a record number of ice rinks open, including 15 public ice venues in Changchun alone.

The event is catalyzing Jilin's push to build a national hub for the ice-and-snow economy. Efforts are underway to transform winter resources into growth drivers spanning tourism, sports, and equipment manufacturing, with a target of 420 billion yuan ($58.8 billion) in ice-and-snow consumption during the 2027-28 season.

The games are also spurring growth across sectors such as airport-based industries, cross-border trade, wellness tourism, and cultural travel, helping elevate Jilin's ice-and-snow brand and global visibility.