Schoolchildren in Altay, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, are spending this week on the ski slopes as the region has launched a nine-day "snow holiday" for primary and junior high school students.
Since Saturday, large numbers of children have flocked to ski resorts in Altay, including the General Mountain International Ski Resort, accompanied by family members.
"I basically go skiing every year. I think the snow break is really great. Skiing with good friends is delightful, and we've planned to come every day during this holiday," said Dong Qiye, a fourth-grade student at Altay Experimental Primary School.
As one of China's most popular winter destinations, Altay offers student-exclusive discounts at four major ski resorts, cultural venues, and hotels, including free admission to ski resorts, 15 percent off dining at resorts, and 20 percent off ski lessons. Several resorts also provide free half-hour beginner classes to help children get started.
"The demand for ice and snow experiences from students will attract parents to travel with them. It can boost local weekend tourism and draw wider attention to Altay's winter resources and services. This will drive spending on skiing, lodging, dining and cultural products," said Delida Nabi, head of the region's culture, sports, broadcasting and tourism bureau.
Altay in China's Xinjiang launches nine‑day "snow holiday" for students
As much as 37 percent of Americans saw their debt increase during this year's holiday shopping season, with average debt rising to 1,223 U.S. dollars from 1,181 dollars last year, according to the latest holiday debt survey of LendingTree, the nation's online loan marketplace.
The survey, conducted earlier this month among more than 2,000 U.S. consumers, found that rising tariffs and higher prices have put additional pressure on household budgets.
In a statement, LendingTree's chief consumer finance analyst Matt Schulz said the strain becomes more pronounced during the holiday season, as many consumers are reluctant to change long-standing shopping traditions, even as costs rise, leading to higher debt levels.
According to the survey, 63 percent of borrowers expect it will take three months or longer to repay their holiday-related debt, while about 41 percent said they are still paying off debt from last year. Schulz warned that if borrowers need six months to a year or more to repay their balances, the situation becomes more serious due to high credit card interest rates.
Data from Bankrate show that the average U.S. credit card interest rate currently exceeds 20 percent.
Meanwhile, U.S. consumers have grown increasingly pessimistic about their financial situation. Data released on Tuesday by The Conference Board showed that the U.S. Consumer Confidence Index fell for the fifth consecutive month in December, dropping to 89.1, the lowest level since April, amid deepening anxiety over jobs and income.
Over one-third of Americans rack up holiday debt: survey
