North China region to launch sports tourism activities

Hulunbuir, one of the host cities of the 14th Chinese National Winter Games, will launch a series of sports-themed tourism activities in the summer, Shi Juhua, deputy director of the Hulunbuir Sports Bureau told Xinhua on Thursday.

The city, located in North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region, will hold a skating challenge, ice games for middle school students, and ice hockey and curling competitions until August 31.

During this period, tourists can watch the competitions and visit the National Winter Games venues, including the speed skating hall and short track speed skating gymnasium, Shi said.

Visitors will be offered several traveling routes, such as the ski area in Yakeshi and the mogul field in Zalantun, both of which will be put into service during the National Winter Games.

Free entrance is provided for local students under 16 to watch all local games and visit sporting places, while other visitors can enjoy a discount with vouchers handed out by local government, Shi added.

The 14th Chinese National Winter Games, originally scheduled to open on February 16, were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.