Winter snow, discount travel packages draw tourists north

Winter tourism is expected to boom this season as snow-themed activities and greater discounts have been made available to travelers, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism said.

It said that cheaper tour packages incorporating higher-quality activities - skiing, for example - are being encouraged to boost tourism development in the nation's northern areas.

Zhangye, Gansu province, has embraced winter tourism in the past two years, promoting new themed activities with cheaper prices since Nov 1. Tickets to attractions in Zhangye will be sold at a 50 percent discount, or even given out free, to travelers during the winter season, according to a release by the city government.