"Unexpectedly, the youth ice hockey invitational tournament in Shenyang drew a remarkable crowd," remarked Song Li, director of the Shenyang Sports Bureau.

"Over seven days, domestic and international children engaged in exchanges and friendly competition, honing their athletic prowess and fostering cross-cultural friendships."

The second "Revitalization Cup" Shenyang Youth Ice Hockey Invitational Tournament brought together 68 teams from 10 cities worldwide, including Belarus, Russia, the United States, Canada, and South Korea. With over 1200 coaches and athletes in attendance, the event served as a platform for global camaraderie amidst the ice and snow.

The tournament is part of the city's commitment to propelling the development of youth ice hockey in China on an international stage.

Looking ahead, Shenyang is poised to make history as the inaugural city to host both the National Games and the National Winter Games, slated for 2028.

Liu Gang, chairman of Shenyang Aomei Sports Company, the event's organizer, emphasized the occasion's significance as an opportunity to learn from international ice hockey powerhouses and position Liaoning province as a premier leisure tourism destination in Northeast Asia.

The year 2023 witnessed a robust revival in Liaoning's cultural and tourism market, marked by a surge in both supply and demand, showcasing a trend of high-quality development in the tourism economy.

According to tourism data, Liaoning welcomed 510 million tourist visits in 2023, marking a staggering 142.9 percent increase from the previous year, with tourism revenue reaching 502.26 billion yuan($69.79 billion), reflecting a 166 percent year-on-year surge.

Sun Lin contributed to the story.

[Video by Yang Yutong and Ma Ye]