The Qilian Mountains' Shenlu Park in Zhangye, northwest China's Gansu Province, has become a winter tourism hotspot this January 2026 as its annual ice-and-snow festival draws record crowds. Visitors are flocking to marvel at intricate ice sculptures, enjoy sledding activities, and experience nighttime light installations against the mountain's snow-capped backdrop.
Local authorities report a 40% year-on-year increase in tourism revenue since the festival's opening, with hotels and restaurants in Zhangye operating at near-full capacity. The event aligns with China's national strategy to develop winter sports tourism following the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics legacy.
Cultural organizers have incorporated traditional Uygur ice-carving techniques into this year's displays, blending heritage preservation with modern tourism appeal. Environmental safeguards ensure minimal ecological impact on the protected mountain region.
