The closing ceremony of the sixth Asian Winter Games was held on the 4th February in changchun .[cnsphoto]

The sixth Asian Winter Games ended in northeastern China's Changchun city on Sunday after eight days of competition. Host China made a breakthrough in games' history by ranking the first with 19 gold medals.

CRI's Sun Yang has more. 

The magnificent show of the last eight days carrying the dreams and aspirations of Asia passed into history as the Asian Winter Games came to a close on Sunday night at Wuhuan Gymnasium in an atmosphere of friendship and unity.

A colorful art show was staged in the gymnasium after Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao declared the close of the games.

The performance, featuring the theme of "Eternal Asia," portrayed a crystal ice and snow wonderland of northeastern China and its harmonious relations with other members of the Asian Olympic family.

As the games wound down at the gymnasium, the flag of the Olympic Council of Asia was handed over to Almaty, Kazakhstan, which will host the next Asian Winter Games in 2011.

The sixth Asian Winter Games ended with China topping the medal count. The host country dominated the overall medal table with a record number of 19 golds, 19 silvers and 23 bronzes.

Head of the Chinese delegation, Xiao Tian, highly praised the breakthrough made by Chinese athletes.

"The Chinese delegation successfully accomplished their tasks for the Asian Winter Games. We had an outstanding performance in biathlon and produced best-ever results for cross-country skiing and snowboarding. We're proud of the breakthroughs of our athletes."

However, the official admitted Chinese athletes have a long way to go in order to compete with the best at the Vancouver Winter Olympics in 2010.

"Although we've achieved a good result, it's not good enough for us to meet top world standards. We must train harder to face the tough challenges at the upcoming 2010 Vancouver Olympics."

Nevertheless, Xiao Tian added that through the experience gained from the Asian Winter Games, China is confident of more breakthroughs at the Winter Olympics.

Sun Yang, CRI News, Changchun.
For China Drive, I'm Sun Yang in Changchun.