A series of activities, including a group skiing by 100 people and bicycle-riding, were held at the Beidahu ski ground, 56 kilometers from downtown Jilin City, at the opening of the festival.

December to February is the best season to enjoy the sight of ice-rimed trees in this northeast China city. The scene appears for more than 60 times at most during the winter.

Dragon boat racing and an exhibition of root carving will be held during the two-day festival, according to the organizing committee.

(Xinhua News Agency January 3, 2002)