Ice-snow events ignite winter tourism fever in northwest China's Gansu

A series of ice and snow events, together with characteristic activities infused with ethnic Tibetan culture, are drawing flocks of visitors to Tianzhu Tibetan Autonomous County in northwest China's Gansu Province to experience the joys of winter.

This autonomous county is home to one of the highest-altitude ski resorts in Gansu -- the Wushaoling International Ski Resort.

At the resort, situated over 3,000 meters above sea level, a three-day alpine skiing competition kicked off on Saturday, bringing together nearly 100 skiing enthusiasts from around the province to compete. Here, they are experiencing the rush of the descent while also testing their skills against one another.

To better meet the demands of the event, the ski resort has widened its two existing advanced ski slopes and carried out upgrades to intermediate slopes and viewing platforms.

"The slopes at the Wushaoling Resort are relatively even and wide, which makes them especially enjoyable. Participating in the competition is also a valuable learning experience," said Ma Nengxiang, a competitor.

Additionally, the resort has installed 80 new smart lockers and improved public service facilities.

Beyond the competition, it also offers a variety of activities featuring distinct ethnic Tibetan cultural elements, seamlessly blend fitness, recreation and tourism. Visitors can join performers in the traditional Tibetan Guozhuang dance, participate in Tibetan-style tug-of-war competitions, or try snow biking.

To further unlock the consumption potential of winter tourism, the resort has increased ticket discounts. The ticket price has been reduced from last year's 198 yuan (about 28.12 U.S. dollars) per person on weekdays and 238 yuan (about 33.8 U.S. dollars) on weekends to a flat price of 139 yuan (about 19.74 U.S. dollars) so far this year.

During the New Year holiday period later on, the resort will also introduce various package options, including accommodation-and-ski packages, parent-child packages, couples' packages, and family tickets, to attract more visitors.

Ice-snow events ignite winter tourism fever in northwest China's Gansu

Israeli forces have launched fresh strikes across multiple areas of the Gaza Strip, with local sources reporting civilian casualties and a further worsening of the humanitarian crisis.

According to Gaza's Civil Defense, the Israeli artillery strike on Friday evening in the Tuffah neighborhood east of Gaza City has killed five local residents, including children. The strike brought the number of Palestinians killed since the October ceasefire to around 400.

"A classroom at the displacement site, where five families were sheltering, was targeted. I was inside when the walls collapsed on us during the strike. I was trapped under the rubble along with my grandson, who was injured. After the bombing, I tried to get up and managed to get out of the place. There were many dead and body parts everywhere," recalled Ismail Al-Barsh, an eyewitness of the attack.

Abu Hamza Affana, an ambulance director who took part in the rescue operation, said Israeli forces repeatedly obstructed emergency efforts.

"When ambulance crews first responded to the distress call, the Israeli army opened fire, forcing us to withdraw due to the continued shooting and shelling of the school. After we were later allowed to proceed, we reached the site and dealt with the casualties," he said.

The Israeli military said the incident is under investigation.

The attacks came as displaced families grapple with severe weather and growing shortages of shelter and basic supplies, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

Local sources said that as a powerful storm swept through the region recently, at least 13 Palestinian children died due to shortages of essential supplies and medical services.

Gaza humanitarian crisis worsens as Israeli strikes continue