Game on for tourism bureaus across China after Harbin travel frenzy

Wulingyuan District's Cultural and Tourism Bureau is also promoting the ancient Maogusi dance of the Tujia ethnic group in western Hunan Province. The dance originated from local sacrifice rituals and is now preserved as a cultural heritage.

Many departments are also teaming up with celebrities to further push the promotion. Henan Cultural and Tourism Bureau invited homegrown actor Wang Yibo to record a promotional video, while Hebei featured the actress and singer Zhao Liying, and Jilin authorities announced that actor Wei Daxun would become their tourism ambassador.

Competition for tourist attention ahead of the Spring Festival holiday between the various cultural and tourism departments is unfolding as a grand spectacle in its own right.