Shiliuyun-Xinjiang Daily (Reporter Hei Hongwei) news: Data from Chinese on-demand service giant Meituan indicates that since December 2024, the popularity of ice and snow tourism in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has risen significantly, with searches for activities like "skiing" and "skating" increasing by 191 percent annually. This surge has attracted many tourists eager to experience the joy of ice and snow.

Among various ice and snow tourist destinations, Urumqi City, Altay Prefecture, Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, and Shihezi City are the five most popular locations based on search inquiries. These areas not only boast abundant ice and snow resources, but they also offer excellent tourism facilities and services, ensuring visitors enjoy a high-quality ice and snow tourism experience.

Photo taken on November 24, 2024 shows skiers skate in Keketuohai International Ski Resort in Altay Prefecture, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Photo by Jin Bing)

At the Keketuohai International Ski Resort in Altay Prefecture, Pan Chencao, a post-95s generation from Hangzhou, runs a yurt hostel that showcases a strong ethnic style. With a passion for skiing and extensive experience, Pan offers snowboard maintenance and other services to tourists, which has attracted many snow enthusiasts. He said that during the peak season, his homestay generates over 10,000 yuan in monthly revenue, with visitors coming from all over the country. While enjoying skiing, tourists also have the opportunity to deeply experience the unique characteristics of Xinjiang.

People aged 25 to 30 show the greatest interest in the emerging ice and snow tourism in Xinjiang. They are not only enthusiastic about skiing and ice skating but are also keen to explore the "ice and snow +" deep tourism experiences that Xinjiang offers.

After a day on the slopes, young tourists often indulge in local specialties such as "cold water fish" and "rural pit meat with naan." They also enjoy foot massages after skiing, soaking in hot springs, and staying in yurts. According to data from Meituan, since December 2024, searches related to "foot massage" in Xinjiang have increased by 35 percent, searches for "cold water fish" have risen by 34 percent, and searches for "hot springs" have surged by 94 percent. These statistics highlight the growing affection young tourists have for the "ice and snow +" tourism experience.

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