The Vasaloppet China for 2016 got off to a great start, on Jan 4 in Jingyuetan Park in the city of Changchun, Jilin Province, with a range of events, from a skiing marathon to many other activities.

Visitors get a photo in front of one of the sculptures at Jingyuetan park, Changchun, on Jan 4. [Photo by Ding Luyang/China Daily]

It gives students and children a chance to test themselves on skis for the first time and to promote tourism, cultural exchanges and business.

Massive ice sculpture is just one of the tourism attractions. [Photo by Ding Luyang/China Daily]

Vasaloppet China has grown rapidly -- from 750 registered participants, back in 2003, to about 10,000, this year, coming from China and abroad.

Skiers are at the start of a race in Jingyuetan Park, Changchun, Jilin province, on Jan 4.