China’s first ski resort gets a face-lift

After 10 months of construction and upgrades, Jinchang Ski Resort in Tonghua, Jilin province — China's first alpine ski resort, built in 1959 — welcomed its first visitors on Dec 18.

The newly burnished facility was renamed Wanfeng Tonghua Ski Resort.

Over the past six decades, the resort has hosted 16 national competitions and 30 provincial ones, and it has attracted many athletes for training.

Shan Zhaojian, China's first ski champion, showed off his skills recently at the age of 83. He was born in Tonghua, a city known for its winter ice and snow.

"It is one of the best ski resorts in China," Shan said. "I'm proud of my hometown."

At China's first National Ski Games in Tonghua in 1957, before the resort was developed, Shan won three gold medals in cross-country events.

Starting in February this year, the rebuild focused on winter sports event services and leisure vacations. The resort now has 33 ski trails covering 1.17 square kilometers.

"I hope more people will participate in winter sports," Shan said, noting increased enthusiasm as the Winter Olympic Games approach. "I also hope to see the blossoming of China's ice and snow industry."