China's northeastern Jilin province is promoting a series of snow and ice events to attract tourists.

In addition to enjoying traditional snow scene, this year's promotion features a series of snow-related sports and competitions, including a snow sculpture contest, high speed skiing, relay car race on ice, according to information from the provincial tourism administration.

Local tourism officials expect the ice sculptures, ice lanterns, skiing, and skating will allure millions of tourists from other provinces and overseas.

The surge in the tourism industry also helped create momentum for the local economy. Tens of thousands of local residents have benefited from selling souvenirs, building various facilities, and providing services for the travelers.

Local officials said snow tourism is getting more popular among Chinese people.

( Xinhua News Agency January 06, 2002)