CHINA DAILY
Hot springs are also a draw for winter tourists.
A local of Songyuan city in Jilin province, Zhang Xin is proud because his hometown has been gaining popularity due to the local winter fishing festival at Chagan Lake.
Despite no luxuries, parties or elaborate performances, the winter fishing festival in 2013 gave tourists a memorable experience because it was held in its traditional style featuring ceremonies to worship the lake and "wake up" the fishing net along with auctions to sell the first fish caught.
The festivities reflect an emerging lifestyle in the Northeast China province that makes an increasing contribution to the provincial economy and people's livelihood.
Distinctive experience
The 2014 China Changchun Ice and Snow Travel Festival that kicked off on Jan 2 offered many ice and snow sports and games including a winter swimming contest, amateur skating competition, a ski race for college students and a best-made snowman contest.
Organizers said that the festival offered alternative ways to experience fun and leisure.
One of the main venues of the festival, Nanhu Park was filled with people on the first morning of the new year. They were attracted to the many activities offered including a kite show, skating race, snowfield soccer games and a spinning top championship held on ice.
Since it began in 1998, the festival has attracted 95 million tourists from around the world and generated 95.8 billion yuan ($15.8 billion) in total revenues.
The annual International Tree Frost Ice and Snow Festival was first held 1991 in Jilin city and restarted in 2000 after a five-year hiatus. It has evolved into a complex event that includes sightseeing tours, sports, international trade and cultural exchange activities.
Improved services
The Jilin city government has been making strong efforts to improve infrastructure and services. New hotels have opened as well as restaurants and resorts that feature local characteristics. The average occupancy rate in the city's hotels was higher than 90 percent during the tree frost festival last year.
Helped by the government's efforts in environmental protection, the city is becoming a habitat for wild ducks. The Changbaidao area on the banks of the Songhua River is now home to more than 4,000 wild ducks that attract thousands of visitors and photographers from around the world, said local wildlife volunteer Ren Jianguo.
"The growing number of wild ducks over the recent years is a symbol of improving air and river water quality in the city," said Photographer Zhang Mo.
Many winter routes promoted by travel agencies in the province include local features such as snowthemed sports, hot springs and winter fishing.
The countryside lifestyle is also popular with tourists. Hantun village in Jilin city attracts some 20,000 visitors a year on average with its tree frost scenery and Manchu-style inns, restaurants and clubs.
"Years ago I usually stayed at home in winter, but now my winter life is no longer dull thanks to the festival," said local resident Qi Xin. "Looking at the tree frost and playing in the snow with my children－that is how life should be."
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