Ski resorts draw big crowds during Spring Festival holiday

By Yan Wanqin, Yichang Three Gorges International Communication Studio

During the Spring Festival holiday, ski resorts across Yichang welcomed big crowds.

Zhaojun International Ski Resort, the largest in central China, boasts 12 national standard slopes and two extra-long tube skiing slopes. Located 60 kilometers from Xingshan Railway Station and 160 kilometers from downtown Yichang, its convenient location helped attract an average of over 2,500 tourists daily between January 28 and February 4, generating more than 3.38 million yuan (US$462,750) in revenue.

The neighboring Yunxigu International Ski Resort, also located in Xingshan County, drew more than 5,000 tourists during the same period, bringing in about 1.7 million yuan.
 

As Yichang's highest altitude ski field, Wufeng International Ski Resort has become a top winter destination. Between January 28 and February 8, it recorded 20,023 visitors and over 4 million yuan in revenue, both figures more than 30 percent higher than last year.

"Since the Spring Festival, we’ve averaged 2,000 visitors per day. The Yunding Hotel has been fully booked," said Shu Chengcheng, manager of the resort.

A 70-minute drive from downtown Yichang, Qu Yuan Hometown International Ski Resort also saw an increase in visitors. Between January 29 and February 4, it hosted 13,794 visitors, setting a record-high revenue of more than 2.6 million yuan. On February 3 and 4, daily  visitor numbers exceeded 3,000.

Winter tourism has also boosted the local hospitality industry. The occupancy rate of B&Bs and hotels near the ski resort exceeded 90 percent during the holiday.

In the Wuling Gorges Ecological Tourism Area, tourists can enjoy both hot spring baths and skiing. The area welcomed 3,656 tourists, generating nearly 270,000 yuan, while its ski resort alone received 1,023 tourists and earned about 84,500 yuan.