The diplomats from multiple countries got a first-hand experience of China's rising ice and snow industry in their three-day trip to the country's northeastern Jilin Province, which concluded on Thursday.
The diplomats visited the Ninth Jilin International Ice and Snow Tourism Industry Exposition in the provincial capital Changchun on Thursday.
The event showcased the vitality and prospects of Jilin's ice and snow-related business through immersive experiences in thematic pavilions.
"I'm very surprised to see how technology is also being implemented in the tourism industry around the snow. For example, we just saw some equipment for emergency management [and] what they (the developers) have put together to develop this industry. It's very impressive, and we have a lot to learn from them," said Ramiro Jose Cruz Flores, Nicaraguan ambassador to China.
In their trip to Songhuahu Ski Field, many diplomats said the well-equipped resort is set to provide skiers with a high-quality experience, and they also enjoyed themselves in the tourism destination.
"This is my first time experiencing real snow, like thick levels of snow. I come from Caribbean region, so, this is my first time. I like it. I had to get to used to the cold, but I'm ok, so far," said Youandi Berrenstein, charge d'affaires at the Embassy of Republic of Suriname in China.
"It's beautiful, and it's very well designed. I know because I like very much to ski in the snow since I was a child. I've been skiing in Switzerland and France. It's much colder than here. Skiing from here to the little town [is a] wonderful experience," said Sergio Cabrera, Colombian ambassador to China.
According to an industrial research report, the size of China's ice-and-snow industry is projected to reach one trillion yuan this year.
During the 2024-2025 ski season, consumer spending on winter sports and related activities exceeded 187.5 billion yuan, representing year-on-year growth of more than 25 percent.