Shunyi stages its first winter carnival

Visitors with butterflies at a theme park in Shunyi district.[Photo provided to China Daily]

Visitors to Beijing's Shunyi can enjoy nearly 100 winter activities during the district's first "snow-and-ice" carnival.

The ongoing celebration will include more than just the usual suspects among fun activities associated with the coldest months. It will integrate industry, agriculture, commerce, culture, sightseeing and sports.

Visits are expected to peak around the upcoming festivals of New Year, Spring Festival and Chinese Valentine's Day, says Shen Zhihong, head of the district's tourism authority.

Two- and three-day itineraries have been developed.

Most feature skiing－both indoors and outdoors.

The Lianhuashan Ski Resort features natural landscapes and tracks for various skill levels. It will stage races on Jan 10 and 30.

The resort is using the carnival to pitch the natural food it grows and serves in its 12,000-square-meter restaurant.

Nearby Qiaobo Snow and Ice World hosts indoor ski facilities year-round.

It also features a children's playground fashioned from snow.