Shiliuyun-Xinjiang Daily (Reporter Yao Gang) news: In the heart of winter, the lands north and south of the Tianshan Mountains are blanketed in white, with vast stretches of snow covering the fields. The "Run! Youth" National Sunshine Sports Games for Youth commenced on January 29, 2026. Once again, Xinjiang is leveraging its ice and snow to warmly invite people from across the nation.

From intense competitions on the snowy plains of northern Xinjiang to joyful folk celebrations in the villages of southern Xinjiang; from the thrilling speeds on professional tracks to the cheerful sounds of families playing in the snow, Xinjiang is hosting a series of lively winter events. These activities are transforming the harsh cold season into a dynamic force for high-quality development, turning "cold resources" into a real boost to development.

Photo shows Narat scenic area has attracted numerous tourists who come specially for its magnificent ice and snow scenery. (Photo by Zhang Wenting)

Winter events sparkle excitement

Throughout Xinjiang, a variety of snow sports competitions and traditional cultural activities are unfolding side by side, driving a fresh wave of public enthusiasm for fitness and integrated cultural tourism.

A player of the Russian team, said that the competitions had let them truly feel the passion of sports along the Silk Road and had also helped them build valuable friendships.

On January 25, the "Belt and Road•The Silk Road" Journey International Snow Volleyball Invitational Tournament wrapped up successfully at the Tianshan Tianchi International Ski Resort in Fukang City, Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Over the four-day event, 17 teams from Russia, France, Hungary, Kazakhstan, and China's Xinjiang, Ningxia, and Inner Mongolia competed intensely. Through both the matches and off-court exchanges, they shared in the distinctive appeal of Xinjiang's winter landscape.

At the "Run! Youth" National Sunshine Sports Games for Youth, more than 800 young athletes from 35 delegations took part. The delegations represented all of China's 31 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities, along with the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions, the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, and Urumqi. The athletes immersed themselves in the fun of Xinjiang's snowy setting, learning and improving together through interactive activities.

At the same time, folk ice and snow events across Xinjiang are just as vibrant. In Barkol Kazak Autonomous County, the Pulei Grand View Garden comes alive at night with multicolored ice sculptures. The intangible cultural heritage performance of molten "iron flower" fireworks adds to the excitement, lighting up visitors' spirits. The 2026 Barkol Ice and Snow Culture and Tourism Series highlights the deep blend of winter sports, cultural heritage, and tourism, and will run through March.

In the ancient city of Kashi, visitors stroll through lanes and alleys, taking in the skill of local artisans and the lively atmosphere of daily life. The touring exhibition focusing on Chinese ceramics and Xinjiang porcelain hosted by Kashi Museum has become a cultural attraction where guests stop to look and learn. The livestock bazaars in Kashi offer a vivid glimpse into authentic local market culture. Meanwhile, in Ili, Tacheng, and Altay, traditional activities like snowfield horse racing, Buzkashi (horseback competition for possession of a goat), and Kyz kuu (a traditional Kazak entertainment) are held around New Year's Day, drawing visitors keen to experience the unique festive traditions of Xinjiang's border regions.

Ski Resorts enter peak season

As the host area for the "Run! Youth" National Sunshine Sports Games for Youth, six major ski resorts in Urumqi County are now offering discounts. More than 20 unique local homestays are also providing special deals, including reduced room rates, discounts for extended stays, complimentary shuttle services, and free meals, creating a smooth "ski-and-stay" experience. "We are fully ready to welcome skiers from all regions. At our homestay, guests can taste authentic Xinjiang cuisine and learn about our local winter culture in the countryside," said Ma Chao, who runs a homestay in Fangjiazhuangzi Village, Shuixigou Town, Urumqi County.

With the winter break now underway, ski resorts in Urumqi County are seeing a surge in visitors. This season, Baiyun International Ski Resort has organized a continuous series of activities so that guests can enjoy not only skiing but also local food, fireworks, and performances, for a well-rounded winter experience. According to Fan Lanlan, deputy general manager of the resort, these varied offerings are drawing an average of around 3,000 visitors each day.

Photo shows tourists take the cableway to the top of ski runs in Nuerjia Ski Resort in Changji City, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Photo by He Long)

Building on its reputation as "the birthplace of human skiing," Altay Prefecture continues to highlight its winter appeal. Through ongoing promotion, improved tourism services, and increased flight frequency by airlines, the four major ski resorts in Altay have seen a steady rise in visitors. According to local cultural and tourism departments, Jiangjunshan International Ski Resort has already welcomed over 500,000 skiers this season.

Creating new business opportunities

Places in Xinjiang are actively combining winter activities with other industries under the "ice and snow +" model to develop varied experiences that boost economic activity during the winter.

On January 25, 2026, the Fifth Ice and Snow Culture and Tourism Carnival opened in Xinxing City. Locally created winter scenes, such as frost-covered trees, frozen roses, and snowy pavilions, have become popular photo spots for visitors. The event, which runs through the end of February, features over 20 activities, including ice sculpture displays, bonfire gatherings on snow, markets for traditional handicrafts, and coffee served in ice houses. It drew more than 5,000 visitors on its first day alone.

In Changji City, the "Silk Road Ice City" Ice and Snow World has drawn large crowds of locals and tourists eager to enjoy winter fun. "Since its opening on December 31, 2025, it has already welcomed more than 200,000 visitors," said Ma Chao, the site manager. The park displays intricate ice sculptures and offers over 20 snow and ice activities, including penguin encounters, photo opportunities with reindeer, snowmobiling, and ice biking.

At the Snow Mountain Tourism Resort in Hetian County, visitors from near and far glide on sleds, strap on snowboards, and slide on snow tubes, fully embracing the thrill and speed of winter sports amid expansive snowy landscapes.

Snow reflects joyful smiles, and sports ignite excitement. Across Xinjiang, a vibrant wave of winter tourism and cultural exchange is in full swing.

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