Guiyang's ski resort proves popular this winter

Skiing and other ice and snow sports are currently popular, attracting visitors to Guiyang. [Photo/ddcpc website]

As winter approaches, ice and snow sports are becoming increasingly popular. Ski season at Yunding Ski Resort in Guiyang, capital of Southwest China's Guizhou province, started on Dec 29 last year, and the resort has been receiving an average of about 1,000 visitors per day since then, with approximately 1,500 visitors during the New Year's Day holiday.

Located at an altitude of 1,500 meters, Yunding Ski Resort is equipped with four high-temperature snowmaking machines, producing 480 metric tons of snow per day. Even when the temperature is above freezing, visitors can still enjoy the winter wonderland. The resort is only an hour's drive from downtown Guiyang, with direct shuttle buses available from major transportation hubs, making it easily accessible.

Covering an area of 800 mu (53.33 hectares), Yunding Ski Resort has two beginner ski slopes, a 3,000-square-meter snowmobile area, and various other ice and snow entertainment facilities. It can accommodate nearly 1,000 people at a time.

Last year, the resort received 45,000 visitors, generating tourism revenue of over 10 million yuan.

The popularity of Yunding Ski Resort has also boosted the development of the surrounding areas. Luo Shihai, manager of a hotel located 6.8 kilometers away from the ski resort, explains that during the winter season, most of the customers who come to their restaurant and accommodations are from the ski resort.

Since the start of winter, Guizhou has launched more than 500 cultural and tourism activities, focusing on its natural and cultural resources such as mountains, hot springs, winter climate, and ethnic culture. By integrating various industries and offering favorable policies such as discounts and exemptions, it has attracted a large number of tourists.