Winter tourism drives economy

Ski resorts in the provinces are converting their resources into a niche market, drawing millions of visitors during the winter months. The "ice and snow economy" is gaining momentum in the northern provinces of Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning, and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Heilongjiang was the first province in the country to see the potential of developing its resources as a major winter tourist attraction. Its winter lasts for about four months with heavy snowfalls throughout the period. It has more than 70 ski resorts and 150 ski slopes, accounting for more than 60 percent of the country's winter resort facilities. Heilongjiang's capital, Harbin , is famous for its annul ice and snow extravaganzas. The city's ice lantern shows, and ice and snow sculpture competitions are becoming world famous, attracting local and foreign visitors every year.

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