The province also has China's only natural ski field on the west slope of Changbai Mountain. Without ropeways or cable cars, skiers need to take off-road vehicles to get back to the top of the mountain.

The resort boasts many ski tracks, providing different slopes for skiers of all abilities. It also offers many other activities, such as snowmobiling and sledging, for tourists without any skiing skills to take part in.

In addition to skiing, Jilin is also famous for its hot springs and a spectacular natural winter phenomenon known as rime-an opaque coating of tiny, white, granular ice particles, caused by rapid freezing.

Tourism has become a pillar industry in Jilin and is of great significance to powering the transformation and upgrading of the old industrial base of the province, according to local cultural and tourism authorities.

In October, a promotional event for the province's winter tourism was held in Beijing, which was attended by Jilin Governor Jing Junhai.

"Jilin is greatly developing its tourism, sports, culture and equipment related to ice and snow, with an aim to build the province into a world-class winter tourism destination," Jing said.

The governor added that he hoped Jilin and Beijing could further deepen cooperation and pursue mutually beneficial arrangements under the framework of their cooperation agreement, and promote mutual development by seizing the opportunity of the 2022 Winter Olympic Games being held in China.

Contact the writers at haonan@chinadaily.com.cn.