The launch of the inaugural Shanxi Province Ice and Snow Carnival and the opening ceremony of Jinzhong Joyous Ice and Snow Season took place on Dec 14 at the Jiulong International Ski Resort in Jinzhong city, North China's Shanxi province.

Based on its abundant ice and snow resources, Shanxi has identified the ice and snow economy as a new growth driver. It has advanced the development of ice and snow culture, sports, and tourism to support the province's continuous breakthroughs in high-quality and comprehensive transformation.

The launch of the inaugural Shanxi Province Ice and Snow Carnival and the opening ceremony of Jinzhong Joyous Ice and Snow Season kicks off on Dec 14. [Photo/Yellow River News]

Statistics show that this snow season, the pre-sale revenue of ski resorts across the province has exceeded 30 million yuan ($4.12 million). These "cold resources" have become a "hot engine", propelling the ice and snow industry towards healthy, dynamic, and innovative growth.

During Shanxi's first ice and snow carnival season, the province will focus on three main themes: events, tourism, and consumption. It aims to build a consumption chain incorporating elements such as food, accommodation, leisure, entertainment, sports, fitness, hot springs, health preservation, shopping, and sightseeing, allowing the public to enjoy the ice and snow experience.

A ski resort in Jinzhong. [Photo/Yellow River News]

Thirty ice and snow events are scheduled throughout the snow season. These will integrate regional characteristics, folklore, and history into ice and snow-themed activities. Seven travel routes will also be recommended to meet the growing public demand for ice and snow tourism.

The carnival will diversify the province's sports and tourism, promote the ice and snow economy as a new growth driver, and facilitate high-quality development across the province.