Core Perspective - Inner Mongolia's Genhe is transforming its extreme cold climate into a unique tourism resource, showcasing a model for regional economic transformation and high-quality development through cultural tourism [1][4]. Group 1: Tourism Development - Genhe, known as the "Cold Extreme" of China, is leveraging its long winter season to attract tourists by offering unique experiences such as reindeer adoption and cultural immersion [3][4]. - The "Adopt a Reindeer" project launched in 2022 has significantly increased winter tourist numbers, with the majority of fees supporting local families and cultural preservation [3][6]. - In 2025, from September to December, Genhe achieved a tourism revenue of 1.316 billion yuan, a 12% increase year-on-year, with 903,600 visitors, marking a 14.2% growth [6]. Group 2: Cultural Integration - The local government emphasizes deep cultural experiences over conventional ice tourism, aiming to redefine cold as a unique productivity resource [5][6]. - Activities such as ice-breaking water collection and traditional fire-making in extreme cold are part of the immersive cultural experiences offered to visitors [4][5]. - Genhe is developing an extended consumption chain focused on hot spring wellness and immersive dining experiences to enhance year-round tourism [6].

Core Perspective - The article highlights how regions are transforming their natural cold resources into opportunities for high-quality development, showcasing a practical application of new development concepts to promote industrial revitalization and achieve common prosperity [1] Group 1: Economic Transformation - The city of Genhe, known as the "Cold Extreme" of China, is leveraging its long winter season, which lasts for seven months, to create unique tourism experiences rather than viewing it as a barrier to development [3] - In 2015, Genhe ceased commercial logging of natural forests, prompting a shift towards cultural tourism as a means of economic transformation [4] Group 2: Cultural Tourism Initiatives - The "Adopt a Reindeer" project launched in 2022 allows tourists to engage with local families and contribute to reindeer protection and cultural preservation, enhancing the local economy [3][4] - The cultural experience chain includes visiting reindeer herding communities, learning traditional skills, and experiencing the lifestyle of the Ewenki ethnic group [3] Group 3: Tourism Growth Metrics - From September to December 2025, Genhe achieved a tourism revenue of 1.316 billion yuan, marking a 12% increase year-on-year, with visitor numbers reaching 903,600, a 14.2% increase [6] - The local government is focusing on developing a wellness tourism model centered around hot springs and immersive dining experiences to further enhance tourism throughout the year [6]