Core Viewpoint - The "Global Mayors Dialogue in Harbin" highlights the city's role in promoting its ice and snow economy, showcasing its tourism potential and international cooperation opportunities [1][11]. Group 1: Event Overview - The "Global Mayors Dialogue in Harbin" took place from January 6, 2026, in Heilongjiang Province, China, with participation from mayors and representatives from countries such as Canada, Finland, and the Republic of Korea [1]. - The event included visits to major city landmarks, including the Central Street and the Harbin Ice-Snow World, which is the world's largest ice and snow theme park [3]. Group 2: Economic Impact - The annual Ice and Snow Festival has significantly boosted Harbin's tourism, as noted by Andrew Knack, the mayor of Edmonton, who emphasized its positive impact on the local economy [4]. - Harbin's ice and snow economic output exceeded 160 billion yuan (approximately 22.8 billion U.S. dollars) in 2024, representing about one-sixth of the national total [13]. Group 3: International Cooperation - Heikki Kontiosalo, deputy speaker of the city council of Rovaniemi, expressed interest in strengthening cooperation with Harbin in ice and snow technology, winter sports, and related equipment [8]. - The inaugural Harbin International Ice and Snow Expo coincided with the dialogue, showcasing advanced ice-and-snow equipment and presenting opportunities for international investment and cooperation [10]. Group 4: Sister-City Relationships - Harbin has established sister-city ties with 37 cities across 28 countries, reflecting its open attitude towards global engagement [11].

Core Viewpoint - Slovenia is positioning itself as one of Europe's most vibrant winter tourism destinations, offering a diverse range of winter sports and activities beyond traditional alpine skiing [1]. Group 1: Winter Sports and Activities - Upgraded resort infrastructure includes modern cable car systems, comprehensive equipment rentals, professional skiing and snowboarding schools, and guided experiences, catering to all skill levels [1]. - Activities range from high-intensity alpine skiing, snowboarding, and ski mountaineering to more leisurely options like snow parks, traditional ice skating, snowshoe hiking, torchlight night walks, and dog sledding [1]. Group 2: Cross-Country Skiing - Slovenia's cross-country skiing network remains a highlight this season, with well-maintained trails in popular areas such as Pokljuka, Bohinj, Planica, and Jezersko, suitable for both recreational skiers and advanced athletes [2]. - A unified cross-country skiing pass allows access to major Nordic resorts, encouraging longer stays and promoting sustainable travel in the region [2]. Group 3: Cultural and Relaxation Experiences - In addition to outdoor activities, Slovenia invites travelers to enjoy rich cultural and leisure offerings, including wellness experiences in thermal spas, local cuisine, and festive Christmas markets in historic towns [3]. - Visitors can experience a variety of seasonal activities, from tranquil walks in snow-covered valleys to vibrant city winter atmospheres [3]. Group 4: Global Promotion of Winter Experiences - The Slovenia Tourism Board will launch a global promotional campaign from November to February across 20 markets, utilizing digital storytelling, content partnerships, industry exhibitions, and media familiarization trips [4]. - The official tourism website, slovenia.info, provides comprehensive information, inspiration, and ready-to-use itineraries to help visitors fully understand winter experiences and practical travel planning [4]. - Slovenia invites tourists to experience winter in a vibrant, authentic, and modern way, with activities ranging from thrilling mountain adventures to serene natural retreats all within close proximity [4].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the successful winter tourism season in Xinjiang, particularly in the Hotan region, where the newly established Silk Road Snow Park has received positive feedback from visitors, showcasing the potential for growth in the winter sports tourism sector in the region [2]. Group 1: Tourism Growth - The Silk Road Snow Park in Lop County, Hotan, has become a notable attraction, featuring artificial snow slopes that have garnered acclaim from snow sports enthusiasts [2]. - During the 2024-2025 winter season, Xinjiang's S-level ski resorts welcomed a total of 3.5728 million visitors, generating a tourism revenue of 844 million yuan [2]. - The region has introduced a series of winter tourism incentives, including the distribution of 45,000 consumption vouchers in six rounds to stimulate consumer spending [2].

Core Insights - The program "The Coldest City in China, the Hottest Party" by CGTN highlights the rising popularity of Dongbei, or Northeast China, as a premier winter destination [1] - Dongbei, once seen as a barrier due to its snow and ice, has transformed into a catalyst for incredible progress and prosperity [1] Group 1: Economic and Industrial Transformation - Dongbei was historically a major industrial power in China but fell behind warmer regions; revitalization has been a key national strategy for over two decades [2] - The region is experiencing a transformation with new industries, factories, and ski resorts contributing to its economic resurgence [4] - The winter economy, particularly through ice and snow tourism, is proving to be as valuable as traditional resources like gold and silver [4] Group 2: Cultural and Social Impact - The popularity of winter festivities, such as the Harbin Ice and Snow World, showcases the region's cultural revival and attracts significant tourism [3] - The local population exhibits optimism about the future, driven by government policies and the proactive spirit of the community [2][3] - Influencers like Brother Left and Right play a significant role in promoting Dongbei's winter attractions, enhancing its appeal as a vibrant destination [3]

Group 1 - The core theme of the articles revolves around the revitalization of Dongbei, a region in Northeast China, which is gaining popularity as a winter destination due to its unique attractions like ice and snow festivals [1][3] - Dongbei, once a significant industrial powerhouse, is now experiencing a resurgence, attributed to visionary government policies and a positive local spirit, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth [1][3] - The region's winter tourism, highlighted by events such as the Harbin Ice and Snow World, is drawing attention and optimism from both locals and visitors, showcasing the economic potential of winter sports and activities [2][3] Group 2 - The revitalization efforts in Dongbei are seen as a successful national strategy over the past two decades, focusing on new industries and tourism to boost the local economy [1][3] - The popularity of Dongbei is further enhanced by social media influencers, such as Brother Left and Right, who promote the region's winter festivities and attractions, contributing to its status as a top winter destination in China [2][3] - The economic impact of winter tourism in Dongbei is likened to the value of gold and silver, indicating its significance in the broader context of China's economic landscape [3]

Core Viewpoint - Benxi is positioning itself as a premier winter tourism destination with a series of events and attractions that combine natural beauty, wellness experiences, and local culinary delights, set to launch on December 25, 2025 [1][4]. Group 1: Winter Tourism Events - The "Hot Springs amidst Winter Winds and Snow, Warmth in Benxi" series will feature integrated products such as "Ice & Snow + Hot Springs," "Ice & Snow + Folk Culture," and "Ice & Snow + Cuisine" [1]. - The events aim to showcase Benxi's unique winter tourism appeal, leveraging its natural landscapes and cultural heritage [1][4]. Group 2: Natural Attractions - Benxi's winter landscapes include majestic ice waterfalls, snow-covered Manchu villages, and a kilometer-long snow ring at Dabinggou Forest Park, creating a picturesque winter environment [3]. - The "fire and ice" wellness experience, combining outdoor hot springs with winter scenery, is highlighted as a unique attraction for visitors [3]. Group 3: Culinary Offerings - Benxi is recognized as a "Manchu Culinary Landmark City," offering winter specialties such as Xiaoshi lamb soup, charcoal-grilled rainbow trout, and Manchu hot pot, which provide warmth and comfort [3]. Group 4: Overall Tourism Appeal - The city is emerging as a top cold-season tourist destination due to its rich ice-and-snow resources, high-quality tourism services, and vibrant folk culture [4]. - Benxi invites visitors to enjoy a diverse range of activities, from skiing and hot springs to cultural performances and family-friendly events [4].

Core Insights - The 27th Harbin Ice and Snow World has opened, showcasing spectacular ice and snow sculptures, buildings, and entertainment, marking a significant winter event in Harbin, China [1][2] Group 1: Event Overview - This year's event utilizes a record 400,000 cubic meters of ice and snow, covering an area of 1.2 million square meters, providing visitors with a winter wonderland experience [2] - The event features performances such as drum shows and welcome dances, along with gifts like "first-day ice cans" to enhance the festive atmosphere [2] Group 2: Cultural Significance - The event represents a blend of international style and Chinese culture, with ice buildings like the Yellow Crane Tower reflecting Eastern architectural beauty [3] - Other attractions include the ice version of "Manneken Pis," symbolizing friendship between China and Belgium, and a Chinese baroque-style ice decor complex [4] Group 3: Entertainment Options - Enhanced entertainment options include a super long ice slide with 24 tracks, a 120-meter high Ferris wheel, interactive AI-equipped attractions, and frozen flowers [5] - An outdoor dance area features interactive singing and dancing activities led by an entertainer known as "Brother Left and Right," along with a spectacular show called the Chariot of Valor [6] Group 4: Visitor Experience - A newly constructed 5,000 square meter inflatable dome allows visitors to dine and relax in a "warm castle" during winter days [7] - Foreign travelers can easily book tickets using their passports and make payments from abroad, with multilingual tour guide services available in the park [7] Group 5: Economic Impact - The park serves as a miniature representation of China's thriving ice and snow economy, attracting visitors from around the world to explore the Harbin ice carnival [8]

Group 1 - The 17th Harbin Ice and Snow World is currently undergoing intensive construction of ice grass projects [1] - The event features various ice sculptures, snow carvings, slides, and neon lights, creating a festive atmosphere for visitors [3]

Core Viewpoint - Heilongjiang Province is launching a "100-Day Action" for winter ice and snow tourism from November 8, 2025, to February 28, 2026, aiming to establish itself as a world-class ice and snow tourism destination and economic hub [2]. Group 1: Tourism Product Development - The initiative focuses on enhancing tourism products under the theme "Enjoy Ice and Snow in Heilongjiang," creating a multi-layered and comprehensive ice and snow product matrix [4]. - The Harbin Ice and Snow World will reach a historic scale, with new routes connecting key attractions such as Harbin, Wuchang, and Snow Town [6]. - Ten themed routes will be launched, including "Charming Ice City," "Ice and Snow Events," and "Outdoor Adventures" [6]. Group 2: Cultural and Entertainment Integration - The "Ice and Snow Song in Heilongjiang" initiative will enhance cultural offerings with high-quality events like immersive dramas and tourism performance seasons [8]. - Special festivals will be organized, including the Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival and the "Ice and Snow Cultural Month" [10]. Group 3: Sports and Technology Integration - The program will introduce high-level events such as the Sino-Russian International Winter Series and the National Youth Speed Skating Championships [12]. - Technological enhancements will be made through AR/VR and light shows to improve visitor experiences [12]. Group 4: Transportation and Infrastructure Improvement - The "Worry-Free Travel in Heilongjiang" initiative will enhance transportation capacity, including new international and domestic flight routes and special trains for ice and snow tourism [13]. - Upgrades will be made to tourist facilities, including visitor centers, heating points, and 5G networks [14]. Group 5: Regulatory and Service Enhancements - The "Integrity Travel in Heilongjiang" initiative will strengthen tourism regulation, targeting issues like unreasonable low-price tours and forced consumption [15][16]. - The "Visitor Satisfaction in Heilongjiang" initiative will implement a "Five Ones" warm service approach, ensuring a comfortable and reassuring experience for tourists [20][23].