Ice and snow activities prove popular in Shanxi

Enthusiasts ski at Guangwu International Ski Resort in Shanyin county, Shanxi province. (ZHU XINGXIN/CHINA DAILY)

The Guangwu International Ski Resort at the foot of the Great Wall of China in Shanxi province has become a popular destination among skiing enthusiasts this winter, as growing numbers of Chinese people embrace ice and snow activities.

Fan Chongyuan is a frequent visitor to the resort in Shanyin county.

"I feel a sense of pride skiing at the foot of the Great Wall. It's not just about experiencing the greatness of the wall but also the joy of skiing," said the 22-year-old.

"The ski trails here are plentiful and wide, with soft, powdery snow that makes for an incredibly enjoyable ride," said Fan, who's been skiing since the age of 12.

The successful hosting of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics further fueled his dream of pursuing a career in the winter sports industry, as he watched the competitions live on television.

"I'm constantly drawn to the thrilling videos of skiing, filled with speed and excitement," he said. "Here, I can make friends with skiing enthusiasts from all over the country and share experiences. Ice and snow sports are not just our shared interest but a way of life."

In recent years, leveraging the cultural heritage of the Great Wall and its unique geographical location, Shanyin has actively developed its skiing industry. The Guangwu ski resort — a comprehensive resort offering skiing, mountain sports and other recreation activities — boasts 16 beginner, intermediate and advanced ski runs, and attracts over 80,000 visitors annually.

Wu Tao, general manager of the resort, said that since opening for the current snow season at the end of November, the resort has already welcomed tens of thousands of visitors, with a steady stream coming from the Inner Mongolia autonomous region, Shaanxi province, Shanghai, and even overseas guests from Russia and Thailand.

Designated as a youth ice and snow training base in Shanxi, the resort has spurred the passion and involvement of more young people.

"Each year, our operations face numerous challenges, including climate change and personnel shortages," Wu said.

"Most of the 300-plus staff at the ski resort are locals from surrounding villages, primarily engaged in snow-making, security and cleaning. The resort provides employment opportunities in the local communities and stabilizes household incomes," he added.

According to reports, during the previous snow season, the 36 ski resorts in Shanxi received over 1.3 million skiers, producing revenue of 152 million yuan ($20.8 million).

Exploring a section of the Great Wall, built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), is a major advantage for visitors to the Guangwu resort. Situated just 8 kilometers from the Yanmen Pass Great Wall Scenic Area, the resort is not far from attractions such as the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda and the Yungang Grottoes.

Hu Wenhua, deputy director of the Shanyin Culture and Tourism Bureau, said that the county had comprehensively integrated cultural relics and tourism resources, introducing high-quality tourism routes and promoting the continuous increase in income for local rural residents.