Tourists visit the Palace Museum in snow in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Li Xin)
BEIJING, Dec. 15 (Xinhua) -- Heavy snowfall sweeping north China is presenting not only logistical challenges and disruptions to transportation but is also serving as a welcome surprise and opportunity for many.
As snow accumulates across northern China, delivering ice-and-snow resources and seasonal boosts for multiple sectors, joy and numerous opportunities wrapped in delicate snowflakes abound.
In Beijing, the snow-covered grand ancient architectural sites of the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace have garnered widespread popularity, drawing throngs of visitors dressed in traditional Chinese costumes.
The WeChat mini-program for reservations at the Forbidden City shows that all tickets have been sold until next week.
"Adorned by white snow, the red walls and golden tiles of the Forbidden City create a captivating ambiance," said Wang Ran, who, along with friends, visited the Forbidden City on Thursday to capture the snow-covered scenery. "Walking through the snow, observing the flakes descending onto the magnificent ancient buildings, evokes a special feeling."
For the 28-year-old hailing from China's "spring city" of Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province, the snowy landscape is "romantic." "It is picturesque. Visitors in traditional Chinese attire taking photos make me feel like being on a journey through time," Wang added.
Meanwhile, many people chose to embark on an ice-and-snow tour in a blockbuster world.
"It is enchantingly beautiful in the snow, like stepping into a movie," said Sun Lin, who braved the snow to visit the Universal Beijing Resort on Thursday. Her first stop was the Wizarding World of Harry Potter to capture the magic of the scene.
White snowflakes fell gently on Hogwarts Castle, while warm lights emanated from street-side windows. Many visitors, wearing wizard robes, reveled in the silver-coated area. "It's atmospheric! I took a lot of photos. This scenery must be documented," said Sun joyfully.
Businesses in Heilongjiang Province, China's northernmost province which is prone to heavy snowfall, seize opportunities presented by plunging temperatures to offer specialized services.
Staff members work at the construction site of the Harbin Ice-snow World, a renowned seasonal theme park opening every winter, in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Dec. 14, 2023. (Xinhua/Shi Feng)
At the Harbin Ice-snow World, China's renowned ice and snow theme park, preparations are in full swing. Some 25,000 cubic meters of ice and snow are turning into appealing landscapes and sculptures for people to enjoy.
"We hope to create an ice and snow paradise that integrates arts, culture, performance, architecture, activities and sports, showcasing the charm of ice and snow to visitors," said Sun Zemin, deputy director of the marketing department of the theme park's operating company.
For China's winter sports enthusiasts, heavy snowfall opens up a world of recreational possibilities.
Located about 200 km away from the provincial capital Harbin, the Yabuli Ski Resort, boasting a maximum snow-covered period of 170 days every year, has witnessed traffic exceeding levels of previous years.
"This year, the enthusiasm for learning to ski is particularly high, and it feels like the peak season has come earlier," said Zou Zhongwu, a skiing coach at the resort. "There is virtually no free time for me from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day, I've been continuously teaching."
Since opening on Nov. 9, the ski resort has witnessed average daily traffic of about 5,500 visitors, with a maximum single-day high of around 7,500 visitors, surpassing the levels of previous years during the same period.
In neighboring Jilin Province, Lake Songhua Resort in Jilin City bustled with skiing enthusiasts speeding down the slopes, relishing the joy of ice and snow.
According to Huang Zhongrui, head of the marketing department at the resort, the snowfall this month has further boosted the popularity of the ski resort.
"Natural snowfall makes the slopes softer, fluffier and more elastic, providing a better feel underfoot. Many skiing enthusiasts prefer skiing on powder snow, and our room reservations have increased during the snowfall," Huang said. ■
