SHENYANG/SAPPORO, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Located in northeast China's Liaoning Province, Shenyang, at 41 degrees north latitude, boasts diverse ice and snow, hot spring resources and a long history of winter-related culture.
These unique advantages provide the city with a strong potential to develop winter tourism.
At the ice and snow parks and hot spring resorts here, visitors can fully experience the unique charm and fun of winter via various activities.
Leveraging the abundant hot spring resources, Shenyang and surrounding cities like Anshan and Benxi have built multiple hot spring towns and developed a hot spring tourism industry.
According to statistics, the number of ice and snow projects in Liaoning Province during the 2023-2024 ice and snow season reached 110, nearly double compared to the year of 2020.
Located approximately 1,300 kilometers east of Shenyang, Japan's Sapporo, at 43 degrees north latitude, is also a renowned ice and snow city.
Forty-five years ago, the two cities established a sister-city relationship.
An annual grand snow festival is held in Sapporo every February.
As one of Japan's most famous winter celebrations, the Sapporo Snow Festival is the most representative winter event in Hokkaido Prefecture since its inception in 1950 with millions visiting every year to enjoy the ice and snow art and culture.
Sapporo is also famous for its winter sports industry. In 1972, Sapporo successfully hosted the 11th Winter Olympic Games, becoming the first Asian city to host the event. Moreover, it was also the host city for the Asian Winter Games in 1986, 1990, and 2017.
Thanks to the sports events, Sapporo and its surroundings are now home to several world-class ski resorts.
Shenyang and Sapporo, two cities along the "golden latitude belt" for ice and snow, share a profound friendship with a long history.
Reporters: Li Gang, Yang Qing, Pan Yulong, Jia Haocheng, Zhang Xiaoyu, Du Xiaoyi, Li Ziyue■