Lee grateful for heartwarming visit to Ice City

Wallis Wang and Ayra Wang

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu savored local flavors of Harbin before heading back to Hong Kong yesterday.

During his visit to the Ice City for the Asian Winter Games, Lee enjoyed a traditional breakfast on Hongzhuan Street, featuring lamb offal soup, beef siu mai, and dumplings stuffed with pork and celery.

Lee, accompanied by officials from the Office of the HKSAR government in Beijing and the Liaoning liaison unit, said: "In the cold weather, the food emitted a white mist, filling the air with its enticing aroma. We relished the meal, which warmed our stomachs and hearts."

Lee, along with his wife Janet Lee Lam Lai-sim and other government officials, including Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui, arrived in Harbin on February 6.

They watched several competitions featuring Hong Kong athletes and Lee made a point to visit three injured ice hockey players who had been assaulted by Turkmen athletes after a match.

He also met with Heilongjiang officials, including governor Liang Huiling.