“Ice City: Harbin’s Winter Wonderland Sets Tourism Ablaze with Record Visitors and Enchanting Snow Festival”
A Frosty Spectacle Draws Millions
The enchanting “ice city” of Harbin, nestled in the snowy embrace of northeast China’s Heilongjiang province, has once again proven its allure by attracting a record-breaking number of visitors during the recent New Year holiday. The primary magnet pulling in the crowds was the breathtaking Ice and Snow Festival, featuring grand and intricate ice sculptures that lit up the night with a mesmerizing display of lights.
Record-Breaking Numbers and Economic Bonanza
According to the latest report from the state media agency Xinhua, this year’s festival contributed to an astounding 3.05 million visitors descending upon Harbin during the three-day New Year holiday, culminating in a staggering 5.91 billion yuan ($826 million) in tourism revenue. These figures not only surpassed the pre-COVID levels of 2019 but also showcased the resilience and enduring appeal of Harbin’s winter wonderland.
Chilling Origins of Dazzling Creations
The towering ice structures that captivated the masses were crafted from ice blocks harvested from the nearby frozen Songhua River. Illuminated by an intricate array of lights, these architectural marvels transformed Harbin into a surreal world of frozen enchantment, leaving visitors spellbound by the sheer ingenuity and artistry behind each creation.
Tourism Boom Fueled by Social Media and Economic Growth
The surge in tourism during the New Year holiday was not merely a stroke of luck. Harbin’s tourism department credited the city’s increasing popularity on social media platforms as a significant driver behind the boom. Additionally, the city experienced substantial growth in its accommodation and catering sectors, more than doubling from the levels seen in 2019. This upswing coincided with China’s services sector expanding at its fastest pace in five months in December, fostering optimism in the broader tourism industry.
Harbin’s Extravaganza: Beyond Ice Sculptures
Harbin’s authorities left no stone unturned in ensuring a memorable experience for visitors. The city offered a diverse range of activities, including live performances, concerts, theme parks, and spectacular fireworks displays. Moreover, a concerted effort was made to enhance dining, accommodation, and shopping services, making Harbin an all-encompassing destination for winter revellers.
Ice and Snow Festival Park Breaks Its Records
The heart of the festivities, the Ice and Snow Festival park, witnessed an astonishing surge in attendance, welcoming 163,200 visitors over the New Year holidays – more than five times the previous year. Almost 40% of these holidaymakers chose to celebrate New Year’s Eve amid the frozen splendour. This surge translated into an impressive 46.18 million yuan in income, nearly six times higher than the previous year.
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The Ripple Effect on Heilongjiang Province
The tourism boom extended beyond Harbin, impacting the entire Heilongjiang province. The province welcomed a remarkable 6.619 million tourists over the three days, nearly tripling the figures from the previous year. This influx resulted in tourism revenue of 6.920 billion yuan, a staggering fivefold increase compared to the same period last year.
Market Response: Local Companies Reap the Rewards
As the winter tourism wave swept through the region, local companies in the sector experienced a surge in market value. ChangBai Mountain Tourism Co, a travel service company based in northeast China, witnessed its shares skyrocketing by 26% in Shanghai trading since the last week of December. This remarkable performance outpaced benchmark shares, reflecting the positive impact of Harbin’s frozen spectacle on the broader tourism industry.
In conclusion, Harbin’s Ice and Snow Festival Ice City not only shattered records but also demonstrated the resilience and adaptability of the tourism industry in the face of challenges. With its magical ice sculptures, captivating performances, and a thriving winter tourism ecosystem, Harbin has solidified its position as a must-visit destination, ensuring that visitors continue to flock to its frozen wonderland year after year.
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