Tourists pose for photos at a ski resort in Altay City, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Dec. 30, 2022. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)
ALTAY, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Altay Prefecture in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is known for its long winter season that can last up to eight months a year. It is attracting skiers worldwide with its vast area of natural powder snow.
The region has aspired to boost winter tourism in recent years, alluring visitors with skiing, ice fishing and other winter activities. It welcomed some 1.02 million tourists between December 2022 and Jan. 11, 2023.
This aerial photo taken on Jan. 12, 2023 shows the snow resort of Hemu in Altay Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)
This aerial photo shows cars entering the snow resort of Hemu in Altay Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Jan. 12, 2023. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)
People have fun at a ski resort in Altay City, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Jan. 2, 2023. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)
A staff member puts skiing equipment in place at a ski resort in Altay City, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Jan. 4, 2023. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)
A herdsman shows a pair of fur-covered skis at home in Altay Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Dec. 22, 2022. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)
Tourists ride horses in Altay Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Jan. 7, 2023. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)■
