The Public Ice Skating Open of the 5th China Datong Ice and Snow Festival and the launch of the Shanxi Datong Joyful Ice and Snow Season take place in Datong, Jan 7. [Photo/Yellow River News] 

The Public Ice Skating Open of the 5th China Datong Ice and Snow Festival was held in Datong on Jan 7, coinciding with the launch of the Shanxi Datong Joyful Ice and Snow Season. 

The public ice skating open was hosted by the Sport Bureau of Shanxi and the Datong municipal government, with support from the Ulaanqab bureau of culture, tourism, and sports and the Zhangjiakou sports bureau. This event is part of the 10th National Public Ice and Snow Season in the Shanxi sub-venue. 

The competition took place on the frozen moat surrounding the Ancient City of Datong, making full use of Datong's local resources to promote the development of ice and snow sports. More than 200 athletes from 11 teams representing six cities – Beijing, Taiyuan, Zhangjiakou, Ulaanqab, Datong, and Xinzhou – participated in the event.

Children skate on the frozen moat of the Ancient City of Datong, Jan 7. [Photo/Yellow River News] 

The competition included four events: 2-kilometer cross-country skiing, 100-meter skating, 200-meter skating, and 500-meter skating. The contestants were separated into three age groups: children, teenagers, and adults. 

The Shanxi Datong Joyful Ice and Snow Season is a grand event organized by Datong Culture and Tourism Investment Group Co. It is currently ongoing at Heyangmen Square, the moat area and the Daomiaojiao area of the Ancient City of Datong, and the north side of Wenyin Lake. Visitors can experience various ice and snow sports, admire ice and snow sculptures, and witness the charm of ice and snow culture.

People skate on the frozen moat of the Ancient City of Datong during the public ice skating open, Jan 7. [Photo/Yellow River News]

The events have greatly satisfied the growing demand for ice and snow activities in Datong and its surrounding cities. It will promote the deep integration of ice and snow tourism, culture, sports, and education, playing a crucial role in the continuous development of Datong's ice and snow economy. 

Datong has been committed to building brands that integrate culture, sports, and tourism. The city has organized a series of high-quality events, such as the China Datong Ice and Snow Festival, the Datong Great Wall Road Cycling Open, and the Datong International Roller Skating Festival. In particular, ice and snow sports have become an important means for Datong to promote its tourism market. On Oct 27, 2023, the city was recognized as one of China's top 10 sports tourism destinations at the China Sports Culture Expo and China Sports Tourism Expo.