Changbai Mountain area hosts snowfield marathon

A feast of frozen fun was to be had, as the 2019 China Changbai Mountain International Marathon Festival of Forest and Snow kicked off at Changbai Mountain Scenic Area in Northeast China's Jilin province, on March 31.

The two-day event featured a hike on the north slope of Changbai Mountain, a 16-kilometer marathon on the west slope, and a summit on the ice and snow economy of the area.

Around 1,500 participants took part in the hiking and marathon events.

Changbai Mountain boasts an extended snow season every year, with large amounts and excellent quality snow about, making it an ideal place for winter sports.

During the summit, sports, economic, cultural and tourist representatives -- from places including Hong Kong, Australia, Finland and Austria -- shared their views on how to develop the ice and snow sector in Changbai Mountain area, and how to strengthen cooperation with other parts of the world.

Representatives participate in the opening ceremony of the 2019 China Changbai Mountain International Marathon Festival of Forest and Snow, on March 31. [Photo/VCG]

Wu Dajing, China's 500 meter short-track speed skating Olympic champion, attends the opening ceremony. [Photo/VCG]

A group of hikers treks through the snow in Changbai Mountain area, on March 31. [Photo/VCG]