Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in northwest China is enchanting growing numbers of tourists with its unique winter scenery, ski resorts and cultural events.
As the region embraces a five-month snow season, its ice-snow tourism has picked up speed since winter began, injecting vitality into the local economy.
In Altay Prefecture, four major ski resorts are now receiving over 10,000 skiers every day after their seasonal opening in late November.
Data showed that Altay has received 2.35 million visits since mid October, up more than 60 percent year on year.
"I am here a few times each year to ski. The ski resorts in Xinjiang are great, and I particularly enjoy night skiing," said Zhang Jingyi, a resort visitor from Shanghai.
Meanwhile, numerous ice and snow activities were held in the prefecture's Hemu Village, where visitors have gathered to watch performances and appreciate the snowy scenery. Sport enthusiasts are often drawn to competitions involving local customs, including ancient fur skiing, snow horse racing, and archery competitions.
"I feel lucky to catch the local events taking place here. The ski resort and horse racing are particularly enjoyable, and the jockeys are especially impressive," said a tourist from south China's Guangdong Province.
With favorable natural conditions and multiple high-standard ski resorts, Xinjiang has played a starring role in the development of China's booming winter sports industry.
Winter tourists flock to Xinjiang's ski resorts, culturally rich villages
