Yang Andi is interviewed online on May 24. [Photo by Li Xin/Xinhua]

Yang Andi, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and director of the Jilin Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, gave an online interview on May 24 in Beijing, in which she showcased the major successes that have been achieved by her province in the winter tourist sector.

Yang in particular talked about its success in developing the ice and snow economy in Jilin, China's northeastern province, as well as the current situation for ice and snow tourism development.

She said that Jilin began to expand the development of its ice and snow tourism in 2016. Yang added that the province boasts excellent-quality snow and is one of the three best places in the world for powder snow -- the other two being the European Alps and the Rocky Mountains in North America -- making it a hot place for ski enthusiasts and tourists from around the world.

Based on such excellent resources, Jilin has developed an integrated winter tourism sector -- including ice and snow tourism, sports, culture, equipment manufacturing, trade, transportation and other areas. This initiative has promoted prosperity and the development of the entire regional economy, Yang added.

During the current year, the COVID-19 epidemic have had a great impact on Jilin's ice and snow industry, although the province was offering support to its companies and it was hoped that next winter visitors return to Jilin to enjoy the snow, the CPPCC member said.

Yang said she had submitted a proposal to the CPPCC National Committee on promoting the development of ice and snow economy, suggesting formulating a policy support system, promoting its integrated development with other industries, as well as attaching great importance to innovation and professional training.