The first China International Snow Volleyball Tournament took place in Harbin, Northeast China’s Heilongjiang province from March 2 to 3.

Snow volleyball is played widely in European countries but it is still an emerging game in China, and is not yet an official Olympic sport.

The Harbin leg of the contest saw more than 200 competitors take part in the event, with athletes traveling from China and Russia. And the contest is the most professional snow volleyball competition held in China.

It is hoped that through the tournament, Chinese snow volleyball players will become better at the sport, putting them in improved shape for future international competitions.

The opening ceremony for the first China International Snow Volleyball Tournament takes place in Harbin, Northeast China’s Heilongjiang province, March 2. [Photo/Chinanews.com]

Chinese and Russian snow volleyball teams attend an opening ceremony for the first China International Snow Volleyball Tournament in Harbin, Northeast China’s Heilongjiang province, March 2. [Photo/Chinanews.com]

Snow volleyball players compete at the first China International Snow Volleyball Tournament in Harbin, Northeast China’s Heilongjiang province, March 2. [Photo/Chinanews.com]