Snow, ice fuel economic rise in Changchun
By Yang Cheng (China Daily)Updated: 2007-01-26 11:08
During the 2005 Trade Fair for the Changchuan Snow and Ice Festival, the total investment for inked projects hit 5.57 billion yuan.
In 2006, the figure doubled, hitting 12.76 billion yuan. This year, the figure has risen to 21.7 billion yuan, showing the marvellous charm of the "snow industry."
Private capital plays an important role in the ice and snow industry. According to an official from the local tourism bureau, most of the large and medium-sized ski slopes in Changchun are funded by private capital.
The total fixed asset investment involved in the Jilin Lianhuashan Ski Resort has amounted to 500 million yuan, making it the largest ski chain group in China.
Due to the unique beauty and large high-quality ski facilities, more and more tourists are flocking to Changchun, injecting more vigor for the city's economic takeoff.
In 2000, the total number of tourists visiting the city was only 1.37 million, bringing the total income for the tourism sector to 416 million yuan.
Owing to the expanding influence of the city's ice and snow industry, in 2006, a total of 5.1 million tourists came to Changchun, with 4.45 billion yuan for the city's tourism sector.
This year, the festival will last as long as 94 days, and a total of 30 activities such as Snow Carnival, Snow Fireworks Evening and "Snow Angel" Competition will make the city a spotlighted tourist resort in Northeast China during the beginning of 2007.
The event also brings the city a warm and festive atmosphere during the
upcoming sixth Asian Winter Games, which open this weekend.
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