Ski resorts open for business in Jilin

Ski resorts across Jilin province, including Miaoxiangshan Ski Resort, Beidahu Ski Resort and Songhuahu Ski Resort, have recently opened for business as snow continued to fall in the northeastern province this week.

The Miaoxiangshan Ski Resort, located in Changchun, Jilin province, covers an area of 160,000 square meters and contains 100,000 cubic meters of snow. It consists of a ski area, an ice and snow playing field, an exploration zone, a culture and art display area and a comprehensive service zone. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

"I've waited for a year!" said ski enthusiast Zhou Liang, who couldn't wait to show his skiing skills at the Miaoxiangshan Ski Resort on the morning of Nov 18.

A series of themed activities and celebrations will be carried out across the province during this year’s ice and snow season, which lasts from November until next march, including the China Jilin International Snow, Ice and Rime Festival, the Chaganhu Winter Fishing Tourism Festival, and the Vasa International Skiing Festival.

Jilin has long been a strong player in China's winter sports. With a growing number of tourists and rising revenue, winter tourism has developed into one of the major engines for Jilin's economic growth over the past few years.

A young athlete takes part in a ski competition at the Beidahu Ski Resort in Jilin city, Jilin province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

According to statistics from Jilin's tourism authority, the province hosted 72.64 million tourists during the winter season between 2017 and 2018, an increase of 17.18 percent from the previous period.

Revenue from tourists during that time came in at 142 billion yuan ($20.45 billion), accounting for about 40 percent of Jilin's total revenue.

People ski at the Songhuahu Ski Resort in Jilin city, Jilin province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]