New ice park warms hearts in Jilin

"We believe that with the construction of the Ice and Snow World and other winter projects in Lianhua Mountain area in east Changchun, the city will top people's winter travel list," says Chen Yan, vice-general manager of Jilin Provincial Construction Group Co Ltd, the company that built the park.

Changchun is located at the center of the three provinces in Northeast China. Chen says the city has been a transportation hub for visitors to places such as the hot springs in Changbai Mountain, the "frost" spectacle in Jilin city, Snow World in Harbin, and many ski resorts in the past.

Changchun is an ideal tourist destination because of its convenient transportation and mild weather, he says.

Last year, the Jilin Provincial Construction Group also has built the Tiandingshan Ski Resort, which is located in the Lianhua Mountain, just a few hundred meters from the Ice and Snow World. The two projects have been completed at a total cost of 850 million yuan ($121 million).

"Skiing during the day and light shows at the ice world in the evening will be a feast during winter," Chen says, adding that the company had invited experienced designers from Harbin and Europe.

Chen says the Tiandingshan Ski Resort is suitable for children and beginners.

"I see kids, still struggling to walk, learn skiing here. That is encouraging, and makes you feel that everybody is participating in winter sports," he says.