Racing through history

China's Vasaloppet in Changchun witnesses hundreds of elite skiers competing to get their first China stamp on their Vasaloppet 'passport' since the country officially joined the global organization last summer. Wang Jing / China Daily

Her husband has skied 14 Vasaloppets in Finland, Norway and Sweden.

He has earned the Worldloppet master certificate and master medal.

"There's nothing more to do" in terms of honors, he says.

"So, I'm here for the love of it. It's exotic to go skiing in China. It's our first time in the country."

Torbjom Petterson, travel logistics manager of the event's co-host, Nordic Ways, says much has changed since Changchun's first Vasaloppet in 2003.

"I've seen China's race develop from Day 1," Petterson says.

"I'm impressed by the resources they put into this. Everything is already impressive before the race even begins."

Chinese participants were particularly fascinated by 65-year-old Swede Nisse Nystrom, who attended in attire from Vasa's era.

They asked him to pose for "thousands" of photos, Nystrom explains, his breath frosting his beard.

Nearby, spectators also snapped pictures of a chanting huddle of Chinese skiers waving "Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics" flags.

Many hope Worldloppet membership gives oomph to the country's Winter Games ambitions.

But that's another finish line for another day.