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
Streets in downtown Jerusalem became notably calm on the third day of the U.S.-Israel joint strikes against Iran, with few pedestrians navigating the usually bustling streets.
Footage captured by a China Media Group (CMG) correspondent on the ground showed that most shops were closed, a stark contrast to normal days on Jaffa Street, a vital commercial thoroughfare in Jerusalem.
The street was teeming with shoppers, trams and vendors, but now it is quiet, with only sporadic foot traffic and a noticeable increase in police patrols and emergency personnel.
The heightened security presence, including numerous police vehicles and rescue teams from Israel's Magen David Adom rescue service, reflects ongoing tensions. Recent reports of missile intercepts, believed to be launched by Iran, have prompted increased alertness and precautionary measures.
Despite the tense atmosphere, supermarkets maintained stock levels similar to usual while shoppers were making additional purchases amid uncertainty.
Public transportation continues to operate normally, while traffic on the usually congested major roads has decreased sharply.
Early Tuesday morning, air raid sirens were sounded across northern, central, and southern Israel.
The Israeli military confirmed it detected missile launches from Iran and was actively intercepting the projectiles.
The Magen David Adom said no casualties or injuries from the attacks were reported on Tuesday.
Jerusalem streets quiet amid Middle East tensions
