On December 1, 2025, Changchun’s Jingyue High-Tech Zone officially unveiled its new winter snow season plan, announcing 52 specific activities covering infrastructure upgrades, international event hosting, and public ice and snow experiences. This plan not only marks a comprehensive upgrade of local winter tourism but also serves as a vivid practice of the concept that "ice and snow are as valuable as mountains of gold and silver."
Infrastructure Upgrades: A Holistic Evolution from Slopes to Experiences
The most notable aspect of this year’s ice and snow layout in Jingyue High-Tech Zone is the systematic renovation of its major ski resorts. The upgrade of the Jingyuetan Ski Resort has been quietly completed, adding three intermediate slopes suitable for skiers of varying skill levels and introducing smart enhancements to existing slopes. The resort’s operations manager noted, "We have implemented a real-time snow condition monitoring system that automatically adjusts snowmaking parameters based on temperature and humidity, ensuring optimal snow quality at all times."
Meanwhile, as another key ice and snow destination in the region, the Wanda Changbai Mountain International Resort Ski Area (Changchun zone) has focused on improving service facilities and the nighttime skiing experience. A newly installed lighting system has increased visibility on nighttime slopes by 40%, while an expanded equipment rental area and additional express lanes have reduced average waiting times for visitors by one-third.
"This isn’t just about adding facilities; it’s a complete redesign based on the user journey," explained the head of Jingyue High-Tech Zone’s Culture and Tourism Bureau. "We analyzed movement data from over 100,000 visitors during last year’s snow season to identify congestion points and experience gaps, making targeted improvements."
Event Matrix: A Dual Focus on International Standards and Public Participation
This year’s plan features a clear "dual-track" approach to events. On one hand, the traditional international event, the Jingyuetan Vasa International Ski Festival, will celebrate its 23rd edition, attracting professional athletes and skiing enthusiasts from over 30 countries. Unlike previous years, this edition will introduce a "Digital Vasa" segment, allowing audiences unable to attend in person to experience the slopes through VR technology.
On the other hand, the National Public Ice and Snow Season series will lower the barriers to participation, featuring more than 20 activities suitable for ordinary residents, such as ice dragon boat racing, snow football, and family-friendly ice and snow games. "We’ve specially designed an 'Ice and Snow First Experience' program, offering free lessons and equipment rentals for those who have never tried ice and snow sports," an event planner shared.
This balanced strategy of catering to both professionals and the public reflects Jingyue High-Tech Zone’s deep understanding of the ice and snow economy. "Professional events build brand prestige, while public activities cultivate market depth," analyzed Wang Liping, a professor at Jilin University’s School of Physical Education. "This structure maintains the region’s international influence while strengthening local participation, which is key to the sustainable development of the ice and snow economy."
A New Ice and Snow Ecosystem: From "Seasonal Heat" to "Year-Round Fire"
Notably, nearly one-third of the activities in Jingyue High-Tech Zone’s snow season plan are not traditional ice and snow projects but rather cross-disciplinary integrations of ice and snow with technology, culture, and art. For example, the "Digital Ice and Snow Art Exhibition" will use holographic projection technology to display dynamic art on snow-covered grounds, while the "Ice and Snow Technology Experience Camp" will invite local high-tech companies to showcase new materials and equipment designed for low-temperature environments.
Behind these innovative attempts lies a shift in the region’s economic development mindset. "In the past, the ice and snow economy was narrowly understood as winter tourism. Now, we are more focused on building a composite industrial ecosystem with ice and snow as the link," stated the head of Jingyue High-Tech Zone’s Economic Development Bureau. Data shows that last winter, ice and snow-related industries in Jingyue High-Tech Zone generated over 1.5 billion yuan in revenue for surrounding sectors such as catering, accommodation, and transportation. This figure is expected to grow by 25% this year.
Challenges and the Future: The Path to Sustainable Development of the Ice and Snow Economy
Despite the optimistic outlook, Jingyue High-Tech Zone’s ice and snow development still faces numerous challenges. Issues such as snow season uncertainty due to climate change, increasing competition from similar ice and snow tourism destinations, and balancing commercial development with ecological protection require long-term strategies.
In response, Jingyue High-Tech Zone has begun implementing countermeasures. In terms of ecological protection, all ski resort upgrade projects have undergone rigorous environmental assessments, incorporating water-saving snowmaking equipment and biodegradable materials. To address climate uncertainty, the plan includes indoor ice and snow experience centers as supplementary solutions, ensuring year-round access to ice and snow activities.
"Our goal is not only to create a successful snow season but to build a complete ice and snow ecosystem," emphasized the director of Jingyue High-Tech Zone’s Administrative Committee during the plan’s launch ceremony. "We aim to make ice and snow a lasting driving force for regional development and to help more people fall in love with this city through ice and snow."
As the first snowflakes begin to fall, a new chapter in ice and snow has opened for Jingyue High-Tech Zone. These 52 activities are not just winter entertainment arrangements but a clear roadmap for the region’s development. Under the glow of ice and snow, Changchun’s Jingyue High-Tech Zone is writing its own winter legend, a tale whose warmth grows with each participant’s involvement.
When this winter ends, what people will take away is not just the fatigue and satisfaction after skiing but also a profound insight into how a region transforms natural gifts into developmental momentum. Beneath its icy exterior, Jingyue High-Tech Zone is embracing a new era with a calm yet fervent spirit.
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