'Vasa' cross-country race windfall for Changchun

By Wu Yong | China Daily | Updated: 2013-01-01 09:29

From left: Winter charm of Jingyuetan; top three winners of the Miss Ice and Snow Angel beauty contest held during the gala; massive snow sculpture at the festival depicts galloping horses. Provided to China Daily, Liu Xiao and Ding Luyang / China Daily

Natural beauty

Equipped for the cross-country ski race ahead. Ding Luyang / China Daily

The Jingyue National High and New Technology Development Zone is known for its natural beauty and rich ecology. It is not only an economic engine driving the city, but also a major tourism destination.

Although there are many other major events in the zone, including an agricultural expo, cross-country run and mountain bicycle race, the most famous is the Vasaloppet Ski Festival.

Ten years ago, few Chinese people knew about cross-country skiing. But thanks to the festival, more and more Chinese are interested in the sport.

Many local residents like Liu in Changchun or even in Northeast China have become good skiers while the skiing world learned there is an international quality piste in Northeast China called Jingyuetan.

"Vasa has gradually changed the lifestyle of Changchun citizens, breathing in a much healthier, more fashionable and casual lifestyle. Moreover, it is a platform for the zone and even the city to communicate with the world," said Guan Shusen, director of the development zone.

"Thanks to the gala, the city's internationalization has been improved and the friendship among ski amateurs home and abroad has been strengthened."

Supreme trails

Jilin's snowfall and long winter create supreme conditions for skiing. As a result, many top ski resorts from Asia come from within the province's boundaries. In total, there are nearly 100 ski trails.

The festival that combines both Nordic and Chinese cultures not only attracts top athletes to show their skills, but also new business opportunities with dozens of commercial fairs, tourism activities as well as cultural exchange programs.

Xiao Wanmin, deputy mayor of Changchun emphasized that 131 projects involving 114.85 billion yuan ($18.42 billion) have been attracted to Changchun over the past decade thanks to the winter gala.

"We signed 14 contacts of investments this year, which sets new record in history. And this is Jingyue's best new-year gift for the city, " said Xiao.

"I would join this game in the future if I came here," said Storsten.

Liu Yushi contributed to the story.

wuyong@chinadaily.com.cn