Weekenders head to resorts

The resort's success mirrors a national trend. Data shows the scale of ice and snow consumption in China exceeded 187.5 billion yuan ($26.86 billion) during the 2024-25 season, a year-on-year increase of more than 25 percent, with tourists expected to make 520 million visits.

Beyond recreation, Caiwei Manor fuels local growth. Most of its over 100 staff are from nearby villages, working in snowmaking, security and hospitality. "In the future, we will take ice and snow sports as a key driver to continuously fuel rural vitalization," said manager Fu. Supported by the district's development plans, the resort is expanding with an ice and snow center and upgrades aimed at creating a distinctive, year-round cultural tourism destination.

Sun Shuyue contributed to this story.

Contact the writers at zhouhuiying@chinadaily.com.cn