In Harbin, ice and snow take center stage

Yabuli Ski Resort in Harbin, Heilongjiang province, welcomed its first ski enthusiasts at the start of the winter season on Friday, marking the full launch of the new ice and snow economy in the province.

The opening ceremony of the 2026-27 Harbin Ice and Snow Season and Yabuli Ski Season featured performances of song and dance, followed by a skiing formation at the resort.

Skiing enthusiasts descended from the mountaintop, carving arcs of snow mist through snowy forests, igniting a passion for ice and snow in the crowd of spectators.

This season, Yabuli offers 56 ski trails with a maximum vertical drop of 912 meters. The resort caters to skiers of various skill levels. It has invested more than 10 million yuan ($1.5 million) to upgrade the ski trails and has expanded its offerings to include training, luxury dining and mountain biking, creating the potential for year-round, all-day experiences.