Core Insights - The winter tourism season in northern China is experiencing a surge, particularly in popular ski destinations like Yabuli and Chongli, with visitor numbers increasing significantly compared to last year [1][4] - The railway department has introduced discounted ticket prices on multiple routes starting November 7, coinciding with the peak of winter tourism, creating a synergy between discounted travel and increased tourist activity [1][4] Group 1: Winter Tourism Growth - The Yabuli ski resort has welcomed 19,000 visitors since opening, marking a 12% increase year-on-year, with an average of 2,000 visitors per day [1] - Nearby attractions such as Hongdaohezi and Mudanjiang are also experiencing a tourism boom, contributing to regional economic growth [4] Group 2: Transportation Discounts - The Harbin Railway Bureau has implemented ticket discounts for 22 train services to popular destinations, with prices varying based on weekday and weekend demand [1][3] - Specific routes, such as the Harbin to Yabuli line, offer discounts as low as 8.6%, while some segments of the D7947 train can be as low as 5.5% [3] Group 3: Diverse Travel Patterns - The ice and snow tourism market is diversifying, with popular destinations now including southern cities like Lijiang and Chengdu, breaking the traditional perception that winter tourism is limited to northern regions [5][10] - Flight bookings to key destinations like Harbin from major cities are increasing, with expected price hikes for popular routes, such as a 56% increase in average ticket prices from Guangzhou to Harbin by early 2026 [7] Group 4: New Travel Trends - The integration of daily commuting with weekend skiing is becoming a new trend in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, with significant discounts on high-speed rail tickets to attract winter sports enthusiasts [11][15] - The introduction of additional services at transportation hubs, such as ski equipment rental and storage, enhances the overall travel experience for tourists [13]