As winter brings colder temperatures, the ice and snow economy is flourishing across various regions in China, with Qinghai Province in northwest China launching its tourism activities on Friday to welcome visitors looking to enjoy the winter wonderland.
The 2024-2025 Qinghai winter-spring tourism series opened at the magnificent Gangshika snow peak, the highest point in the eastern section of the Qilian Mountains.
The event features 15 activities, including ice sculpture displays and horse racing, blending the natural beauty of the region with local culture. Local authorities have also set up wildlife observation points, offering tourists an immersive experience.
Running through May 2025, the event is expected to further stimulate the tourism market that has been boosted by consumption coupons and free tickets issued by Qinghai Province.
Endowed with its abundant ice and snow resources, Qinghai takes full advantage of its snow-capped mountains to attract ice and snow sports enthusiasts who enjoy skiing and climbing.
At over 5,000 meters in altitude, the Gangshika snow peak is a popular destination for mountaineers, offering various climbing routes.
"Gangshika snow peak is incredibly charming, and it's a place where people are amazed by the artistry of nature and its endless changes. It's also a place where we can challenge ourselves and push our limits," said Han Bin, a climbing enthusiast.
The perpetual snow on the peak also makes it a natural ski resort, drawing 60 ski athletes to enjoy the untouched snow.
"Skiing on this mountain is an exhilarating experience. I was stunned by the fairyland-like scenery," said Xia Lina, an alpine skiing team leader from northeast China's Heilongjiang Province.
Data shows that over 13,000 tourists have climbed to the top of the mountain since June of this year. This booming ice and snow tourism economy has also provided tangible benefits to 160 locals by increasing their incomes.
From an aerial view, one can take in the full majesty of this stunning mountain with the snow-covered slopes creating a breathtaking sight. The gorgeous scenery also attracts numerous tourists to enjoy the beauty of the sky.
"We're from Xi'ning City, and this visit feels different from before. There are new amusement facilities, ski resorts, and racecourses. We skied and felt very excited. The mountain made us feel relaxed, and we're in a beautiful mood," said Lei Liya, a tourist.
Qinghai's winter tourism thrives at Gangshika snow peak
Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese president, said on Monday that the relationship between China and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) stands at a new historical starting point.
Xi arrived in the DPRK capital of Pyongyang earlier on Monday to begin a two-day state visit at the invitation of Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the DPRK, marking his first trip to the country in seven years.
Delivering a speech at a welcome banquet hosted by Kim, Xi pointed out that China and the DPRK, linked by mountains and rivers and sharing a common future, have seen their traditional friendship passed down across generations and grow ever stronger over time through the test of the evolving international landscape.
This year marks the 65th anniversary of the China-DPRK Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance, and the China-DPRK relationship stands at a new historical starting point, Xi said, noting that he has reached important consensus with Kim during his visit.
From the strategic perspective of the future and destiny of socialism, both leaders have agreed to seize the general trend of the times, respond to the shared aspirations of the two peoples, strengthen high-level exchanges, deepen strategic communication, expand practical cooperation, enhance people-to-people bonds, promote the high-level development of China-DPRK relations, jointly open up brighter prospects for the socialist cause of both countries, and contribute to the continuous progress of human society, Xi said.
The successful convening of the Ninth Congress of the WPK this year has made strategic plans and major arrangements for the long-term development of the Party and the country's cause, ushering in a new period of comprehensive development of the DPRK's socialist cause, Xi said.
As good neighbors, good friends and good comrades, the Chinese side sincerely wishes that, under the strong leadership of the Central Committee of the WPK headed by General Secretary Kim, the DPRK people will successfully accomplish the goals and tasks set by the Ninth Congress of the WPK and make constant new achievements in the socialist cause of the DPRK, Xi said.
On behalf of the WPK, the government and the people of the DPRK, Kim extended the warmest welcome to Xi on his visit. Kim said that Pyongyang was filled with an atmosphere of friendship on this special day as the DPRK's Party, government and people warmly welcomed their most distinguished guest.
Noting that Xi's first overseas trip of the year had brought him to the DPRK, Kim said this fully demonstrated the great importance Xi attached to developing relations between the two parties and the two countries, and constituted the most valuable support for the DPRK's socialist cause.
Noting the meeting with Xi came nine months after their previous meeting, Kim said that during this meeting, they reached important consensus on further advancing DPRK-China relations with new contemporary connotations in light of new changing circumstances, and exchanged views on international and regional issues of mutual concern, which will surely accelerate the development of the DPRK-China friendship with profound historical traditions, and contribute to peace and stability in the region and the world.
The DPRK people take heartfelt joy in the remarkable achievements made by the brotherly Chinese people, Kim said, expressing belief that under the leadership of the CPC with Xi at its core, the great Chinese people will surely create greater achievements in building a great modern socialist country in all respects, realizing the Second Centenary Goal, and completing the new journey toward the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
Xi says China-DPRK ties stand at new historical starting point
