A grand opening ceremony for the 14th National Winter Games is held in North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region on Feb 17. [Photo/Inner Mongolia Daily]

Chinese State Councilor Shen Yiqin officially opened the National Winter Games at the Inner Mongolia Ice Sports Training Center in Hulun Buir on Saturday.

The 14th edition of the Games is set to showcase the exceptional talent of the athletes, the public's enthusiasm for winter sports, and the rich diversity of China's culture.

With the participation of over 3,000 athletes across the nation, the Games, featuring 176 events in eight sports, will continue until Feb 27.

A grand opening ceremony for the 14th National Winter Games is held in North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region on Feb 17. [Photo/Inner Mongolia Daily]

A grand opening ceremony for the 14th National Winter Games is held in North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region on Feb 17. [Photo/Inner Mongolia Daily]

A performance is staged at the opening ceremony of the 14th National Winter Games. [Photo/Inner Mongolia Daily]

A grand opening ceremony for the 14th National Winter Games is held in North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region on Feb 17. [Photo/Inner Mongolia Daily]