Harbin, the capital of northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, has emerged as this year’s most popular winter tourist destination, drawing record-breaking numbers of visitors to its renowned Ice and Snow Festival.
Since its kickoff on January 5, the International Ice and Snow Festival has captivated tourists with its stunning displays of ice sculptures and snow art. Spanning an expansive 810,000 square meters, the ice and snow theme park used 250,000 cubic meters of ice and snow to create magnificent structures like illuminated castles and towering sculptures, transforming the city into a glittering winter wonderland.
By the festival’s close on February 15, it had welcomed an unprecedented 2.71 million visitors. The allure of Harbin’s icy artistry, combined with cultural events and winter activities, contributed to the city’s soaring popularity.
During this year’s Spring Festival holiday, Harbin received over 10 million tourists, achieving a total tourism income of 16.42 billion yuan (approximately $2.3 billion). Both figures represent record highs, highlighting the city’s significant boost in winter consumption.
Harbin’s rise as a premier winter destination not only showcases the booming ice-snow industry but also reflects China’s growing domestic tourism market. The city’s success is a testament to effective promotion of cultural heritage and innovative tourism experiences that appeal to both local and international visitors.
Local authorities have attributed this success to enhanced infrastructure, diverse entertainment offerings, and stringent safety measures that have instilled confidence in travelers.
As Harbin continues to enchant visitors with its unique winter charms, it sets a benchmark for other cities aiming to capitalize on seasonal tourism and cultural festivities.
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Graphics: Booming ice-snow industry boosts winter consumption
cgtn.com
