Shiliuyun-Xinjiang Daily (Reporter Yao Gang) news: In mid-January, an online theme event brought together 13 internet influencers from the U.S., Tanzania, the Netherlands, and China to experience winter in Xinjiang. They visited ski resorts, winter sports schools, and villages in Altay Prefecture and Urumqi, where they saw the busy slopes, explored the region's diverse winter culture, and got a feel for Xinjiang's thriving winter sports economy.

More than just a trip to see snow and ice, the event was a cultural tour highlighting Xinjiang's winter traditions and showcasing its warm hospitality in welcoming guests from around the globe.

Photo shows internet influencers from home and abroad visit Jiangjunshan International Ski Resort in Altay Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Photo by Shiliuyun-Xinjiang Daily/ Yao Gang)

Thriving ice and snow sports scene　

At the summit of the Jiangjunshan International Ski Resort in Altay City, as evening neared, both domestic and international bloggers, along with hundreds of snow enthusiasts, joined together to dance the "Sunset Cha-Cha." Amidst the lively music, they celebrated the sunset, with the DJ spinning the latest popular hits, immersing everyone in a joyful winter wonderland. American blogger Jong-May Urbonya shared that skiing was an addictive sport and that there, she met people from all over. She also said that the “Sunset Cha-Cha” truly made her feel the vibrancy of Xinjiang's ice and snow. Jong-May Urbonya, who didn't ski, experienced the joy of the ice and snow in Altay City, Xinjiang.

The Jiangjunshan International Ski Resort in Altay is the only alpine ski area located within a city in the country, offering convenient transportation and abundant natural snowfall, with an effective snow season running from late October to early April. Each year, a large number of skiing enthusiasts from both home and abroad flock here to enjoy the thrill of powder snow.

"Although I live in Xinjiang, this is my first encounter with such a significant amount of snow. Ice and snow sports, along with winter tourism, allow everyone to gain a deeper understanding of Xinjiang's vast resources and showcase the unique ice and snow customs of the people living in this land," shared Dili and Diya, who reside in the ancient city of Kashi. The plentiful snowfall in northern Xinjiang, along with various snow activities such as skiing, enjoying hot pot in the snow, and riding horse-drawn sleds, has left a lasting impression on them.

Domestic and international bloggers visited Urumqi County No. 1 Middle School, located at the foot of the Tianshan Mountains, where winter activities promoting ice and snow sports are actively integrated into the school curriculum, establishing it as a distinctive ice and snow sports school. Dutch blogger Stefanus Werther Ydus Oerlemans said that the achievements of Chinese ice and snow athletes on the international stage were closely linked to the country's vigorous promotion of ice and snow sports in schools and the nurturing of talent in that field.

Alluring ice and snow culture

In Altay, foreign and domestic bloggers gathered at the home of Silanbek Sahshi, an inheritor of intangible cultural heritage, to observe the elderly artisan demonstrate the traditional craft of making fur skis. They donned the fur skis themselves, experiencing a moment of connection with ancient practices.

Today, this age-old skill is revitalized, transforming fur skis from mere tools for daily life and labor into tourism products that narrate the rich ice and snow culture of Altay to visitors. Tanzanian blogger Hadiya Msham Abdulla noted that she had learned that the elder's son has also actively been passing down that craft, utilizing platforms like Douyin to showcase the art of fur ski making through short videos and livestreaming and reaching a wider audience. She had witnessed the efforts in Xinjiang to protect and promote intangible cultural heritage, allowing the ancient fur skis to shine with renewed allure.

Photo shows internet influencers from home and abroad learn about the ancient fur ski-making technique in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Photo by Shiliuyun-Xinjiang Daily/ Yao Gang)

Dutch blogger Stefanus Werther Ydus Oerlemans, who participated in various activities during the Winter Fishing Festival in Fuhai County, said that Xinjiang is rich in ice and snow resources and that the people living on this land have cultivated a vibrant ice and snow culture that captivates all. He added that the various activities he participated in left a profound impression on him.

Jong-May Urbonya from the United States said that she had observed the diverse ethnic groups in Xinjiang developing unique lifestyles, folk customs, and festive entertainment in the icy landscape, hosting regionally distinctive ice and snow festivals and skiing events that reflected the unique charm of all ethnic groups. She also said that at the same time, there was a mutual exchange and integration among everyone. She had gained a deeper understanding of the concept of "harmony in diversity."

Ice and snow boost development in Xinjiang

In Hemu Village, Kanas Mongolian Township, Burqin County, winter tourism has transformed this small mountain village into a bustling hub reminiscent of summer, with cafes, tea houses, and milk tea shops dotting the landscape. Visitors from all over the world come here to enjoy the snowy scenery, ski on powdery snow, and experience local customs.

"I never expected that this remote mountain village would have such a vibrant winter tourism scene. Here, I can enjoy a meal while encountering people speaking with various accents. Local farmers and herders have also integrated into the winter tourism industry, increasing their income," said Naiti, a blogger from Xinjiang, as she savored local delicacies and enjoyed performances of long-tune song and Khoomei in a century-old house in Hemu, spending a delightful evening.

Photo shows internet influencers from home and abroad visit Silk Road Mountain Resort in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Photo by Shiliuyun-Xinjiang Daily/ Yao Gang)

During the online event, netizens from various regions witnessed the thriving scenes of Xinjiang's vigorous development of the ice and snow economy through six livestreamings.

Bloggers observed a steady stream of visitors collecting fur skis from Silanbek. This ancient craft has been revitalized through skiing, allowing villagers to increase their income under the guidance of Silanbek.

At the winter fishing fair in Fuhai County, the aroma of steaming fish and mutton soup, the sizzling sound of kabab, and the lively calls of vendors selling fresh fish brought to life the vibrancy of ice and snow resources amidst the frigid winter.

In the Jiangjunshan International Ski Resort and the Silk Road Mountain Resort, local farmers and herders find employment at the ski resorts, providing services to tourists while also earning additional income.

Leveraging its abundant ice and snow resources, Xinjiang is vigorously developing industries related to ice and snow tourism and sports, transforming these cold resources into a driving force for economic development and rural revitalization.

"What we are experiencing is the passionate expression of cold resources in the icy and snowy landscape, transforming the frigid environment into a treasure trove of wealth. I hope more people will come to Xinjiang to explore and witness the enchanting magic of winter snow here." Guznur Maimat, a blogger from Xinjiang, captured through her lens the “magic” of ice and snow tourism driving rural development in this region.

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