In September, as autumn settles over Changchun, the "Spring City" of northeast China, a warm gathering of young people from around the world is drawing near. On September 14, the Heads of Delegation Meeting (hereinafter referred to as the HoD Meeting) for the Changchun 2027 Winter Universiade (hereinafter referred to as the Universiade) opened in Changchun. Representatives of the International University Sports Federation (FISU), the Ministry of Education, the General Administration of Sport of China, the Federation of Chinese University and School Sports, along with delegations from countries and regions around the world came to Changchun to discuss the preparatory work for the Universiade and exchange views on the future of winter sports. It serves as a pre-game curtain-raiser, a coordination meeting and a consultation session, and more importantly, extends an ice and snow invitation to the world in the name of the HoD Meeting.

It is a mobilization meeting for "the final sprint". With 100-odd days to go before the opening of the Universiade, preparations have entered the final stage. The HoD Meeting will include venue inspections, Q&A sessions, and city tours and visits. It will also coordinate specific matters concerning preparations for the Universiade and delegation services, and clarify arrangements for registration, reception and competition. The meeting focuses on matching needs, solving problems, and building consensus. Ultimately, it means adopting a problem-oriented approach, bringing all parties' concerns to the table, and clearing operational bottlenecks ahead of the Universiade. The more thoroughly potential issues are considered and the more effectively plans are implemented before the event, the more smoothly the Universiade will proceed once competition begins. As a key milestone in preparation ahead of the Universiade, the HoD Meeting has laid a solid foundation for the Universiade and shown the world Changchun's commitment to hosting this youth gala with all preparations in place.

It is a "moment in the spotlight" for Changchun's strength and confidence. At the HoD Meeting, Changchun presents the achievements of months of preparations to the international delegations, demonstrating that its preparations can meet the international standards. Since Changchun was selected to host the Universiade on November 26, 2025, the city has steadily and swiftly advanced preparations for the event through concerted efforts. A well-structured organization has been set up; competition venues have been renovated; volunteer recruitment and training have advanced smoothly; the Universiade's emblem, slogan and mascots have been unveiled; a series of official partnerships have been established; and street concerts and countdown-themed events have been held in succession. From hardware facilities to supporting services, Changchun has demonstrated its robust capabilities and sense of responsibility as the organizer of an international sports event with a commitment to excellence and pragmatic action. This has shown the world both the speed of its preparations and the warmth of its services.

Moreover, it is an "ice and snow invitation" to the world. Located at 43 degrees north latitude within the world’s "Golden Ice and Snow Latitude," Changchun is renowned for its "powder snow, calm winds and warm sunshine." The city boasts unique powder snow resources and a long snow season, making mid-to-late January an ideal time for winter sports. Beyond its exceptional ice and snow resources, Changchun features both a deep-rooted winter sports tradition and vibrant youthful energy. The city is home to nearly 50 universities and colleges, and more than 600,000 young students, infusing the Universiade with enduring youthful dynamism. With the Universiade as a bond and ice and snow as a link, Changchun opens its arms to embrace the world. With warm and attentive services, as well as youthful vitality, the city extends a sincere invitation to global youth. It welcomes friends from all continents to come to Changchun, pursue their winter sports dreams, and join in this gala of youth and winter sports that bridges distances and brings people together.

With ice and snow as the bond and youth as the main force, Changchun is fully prepared and sincerely awaits the world's young people. Next January, skate blades will carve across the ice surface, and skis and snowboards will glide across the snowy slopes. Changchun welcomes student-athletes worldwide to gather in Changchun, giving their all on the field of competition, and joining in this long-awaited gala of youth and winter sports.

Source: Changchun Government Affairs  Editor: Liu Jiadi