The opening ceremony of the 22nd China Changchun Jingyuetan Vasaloppet International Skiing Festival was held on January 4 at the Jingyuetan National Forest Park.

Over 700 athletes from China, the United States, Sweden, Finland, Japan and other countries and regions joined together to experience the unique challenge of cross-country skiing.

The Vasaloppet International Cross-Country Skiing Festival originated in Sweden and is one of the world's largest cross-country skiing events. In 2003, the first China Vasaloppet started in Changchun. Following Mora, Hokkaido and Minnesota, Changchun became the fourth global venue for Vasaloppet.

Produced by Xinhua Global Service