Intl Media Tour showcases Jilin's winter tourism

From Dec 2 to 4, over 50 journalists from 33 countries, including Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, Mongolia, and South Africa, along with Chinese media, participated in the Explore Jilin: International Press Tour on Jilin's Culture & Tourism event. The event took them to the cities of Changchun and Jilin, where they experienced the province's vibrant tourism offerings, cultural heritage, and technological innovations, while learning about Jilin's tourism industry and emerging consumer trends.

On Dec 3, the group visited the Vanke Songhua Lake Resort in Jilin, a national 4A scenic spot and premier ski tourism destination located just 15 kilometers from downtown Jilin. The resort recently added nine new ski trails, bringing the total to 50 trails, which span 55 kilometers, including five certified by the International Ski and Snowboard Federation. Covering a ski area of 220 hectares, the resort accommodates up to 15,000 skiers at once.

During their visit, the journalists marveled at the bustling slopes and interviewed tourists. For some, a journalist from Papua New Guinea's The National, it was their first time ever seeing snow. "Although it's very cold, it's an extraordinary experience," he shared. "Next time, I'll sign up for skiing lessons here to fully enjoy the thrill." Others engaged in playful snowball fights or live-streamed their experiences from the summit of the advanced ski trails.

Ren Peng, vice president of the Jilin Tourism Association, highlighted the region's rich winter tourism offerings. "Here, visitors can immerse themselves in local culture, savor distinctive cuisines, and enjoy world-class ski facilities," he said.

Last winter, Jilin received 23.4 million tourists, a 178.09-percent year-on-year increase, generating tourism revenue of 47.09 billion yuan ($6.47 billion), up by 198.9 percent, achieving a historic growth milestone. During this ice and snow season, the city plans to host an array of activities that combine ice and snow with culture, business, agriculture, tourism, sports, and wellness, ensuring a warm and memorable experience for visitors.