In the snow-capped peaks of Altay City’s Jiangjun Hill Ski Resort, a 67-year-old Beijing native has become an unlikely winter icon. Chen Xuedong, affectionately dubbed 'Grandpa Bear' by locals, dons a fuzzy brown bear costume each season to carve graceful trails down Xinjiang’s slopes – blending whimsy with world-class skiing skills.
Chen’s annual pilgrimage to Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region began a decade ago as a personal challenge. Today, his handmade wooden skis and ursine attire symbolize resilience and joy. 'The mountains here speak through the snow,' Chen told KhabarAsia, describing how he crafts each pair of skis using traditional techniques adapted for modern conditions.
Young athletes flock to train alongside the charismatic skier, with 14-year-old local snowboarder Aikeremujiang noting: 'He shows us age is just a number – real strength comes from loving what you do.' Resort managers report a 20% increase in winter visitors since 2020, attributing part of the growth to Chen’s viral social media presence.
Beyond sport, Chen’s story reflects Xinjiang’s growing tourism infrastructure and China’s push to develop winter sports since the 2022 Beijing Olympics. Economists highlight how destinations like Jiangjun Hill now attract international ski enthusiasts, creating new opportunities for regional businesses.
As night falls over the Altay range, Grandpa Bear’s laughter echoes across illuminated slopes – a living reminder that passion, like winter itself, knows no expiration date.
