The 12th National Winter Games of China are officially underway. The games, kicked off at the Rings Stadium in Changchun on Tuesday evening, bringing together some of China’s best winter athletes.

It is the fifth time the event, held every four years, has been staged in Jilin Province, a traditional powerhouse in winter sports. Representatives of 43 delegations from around the country joined the opening ceremony parade into the Stadium.

The opening ceremony of the 12th National Winter Games is held in Changchun, capital of northeast China’s Jilin Province, Jan. 3, 2012. (Xinhua/Wang Haofei)

Some of the largest cheers were of course, reserved for the host Changhun delegation. Changchun, led by Olympic Gold Medalist Zhou Yang is expected to lead the way in speed skating.

The 12th National Winter Games will run until January 13th with 115 gold medals in 12 events covering five sports up for grabs.

Chinese State Councilor Liu Yandong (2nd R) attends the opening ceremony of China’s 12th National Winter Games and proclaims it open in Changchun, northeast China’s Jilin Province, Jan. 3, 2012. (Xinhua/Li Ziheng)

The delegation of China’s Macao walk into the venue of the opening ceremony of the 12th National Winter Games in Changchun, capital of northeast China’s Jilin Province, Jan. 3, 2012. (Xinhua/Sadat)