As China’s 15th National Games approaches, enthusiasm for winter sports has been ignited at ski resorts in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, a prime skiing destination in northwest China.

Skiers and snowboarders from all over the country began to gather at the Koktokay International Ski Resort as early as Oct 12 to enjoy the first ski runs of the season. Since then, the resort has welcomed nearly 3,000 visitors daily.

The resort is the first large-scale outdoor ski area in China to open for this year's ice and snow sport season, and it will remain open to skiers until May.

The picturesque surroundings make it a perfect spot to appreciate winter's beauty, and its high latitude, altitude above 2,000 meters, and long opening duration have allowed it to draw numerous visitors -- including professional teams.

Xinjiang has introduced incentives to attract more people to skiing. Local residents can ski for free at Altay ski resorts, and visitors can enjoy a complimentary ski session with proof of travel. Recently, Xinjiang also issued ice and snow consumption vouchers to the public.

Additionally, many physical education classes for primary and middle school students now include winter sports. This year, students in Urumqi have five days of snow break, allowing them to ski for free at Altay’s four major ski resorts, fostering a love for winter sports from a young age.

Scheduled for Sunday night in Guangzhou, the capital of south China's Guangdong Province, this landmark event of 15th National Games marks the first time Guangdong and the neighboring Special Administrative Regions (SARs) of Hong Kong and Macao will co-host the country's premier multi-sport competition, alongside the National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the National Special Olympic Games.