The festival runs for 50 days from December 25, 2002 to February 15, 2003.

There will be a real international flavor to this year's event with participants from more than 18 countries and districts across the world.

The annual winter ice and snow festival is part of the local government's attempts to attract more visitors during the colder winter months.

This year's event sees a major progression as its scale has been stepped up thanks to co-operation with a number of participants.

Different activities will be held in different sites during the 50-day celebration and for Christmas Day, New Year and the Spring Festival.

Downtown Yanqing

A "Grand Paradise" will be the theme at Xiadu Park and Guichuan Culture Square on January 1 and 2.

Caravans, colorful floats and teams of skaters will add an extra special atmosphere to the festival.

Chinese-style wrestling competition

A total of 100 participants from 15 different countries and districts will take part.

For details, call 010-69103678.

Location: Yanqing Gym.

Great Wall Climbing

Badaling Great Wall will invite 10,000 Chinese and foreigners in Beijing to attend the annual Great Wall Climbing Contest.

Anyone can join the event.

Prizes offered for winners.

Time: 10:30 January 1, 2003.

Location: Haohanpo, the highest section of Badaling Great Wall.

Telephone: 010-69121017

Flower display

This is a traditional fair highlighting various folk arts, sport performances and displays of local produce. It is similar to the temple fair usually held during Spring Festival.

Location: Badaling Wangjing Culture Square, Wencheng Square and the square near the Great Museum.

Time: From February 1 to 15.

Embassy staff and foreigner ski competition

Time: December 21.

Location: Yanqing Shijinglong Ski Slopes

Ice and snow sculpture fair

Longqingxia, a beauty spot famous for its fairy landscapes and ice scenery in winter, will be one of the major celebration sites.

All the ice lanterns displayed here are based on Chinese legends, cultural interests, famous buildings and landscapes.

Chinese traditional red lanterns will be an integral part of the exhibition.

Kangxi Grassland

Visitors can also participate in ice sculpture, skiing competitions and ice climbing activities at Kangxi Grassland. Ice-skating, ice motorcycles and ice ploughs are being made available here for the pleasure of visitors.

An icy version of the mighty Himalayas will also be created for climbing enthusiasts.

Telephone: 6913-1602

To get to Yanqing, take Bus Route 919 from Deshengmen on the North Second Ring Road to Yanqing or drive along Badaling Highway. The north end of the highway is the town of Yanqing County.

For more information, please visit www.bjyq.gov.cn.

Telephone: 010-81191011

(Beijing Weekend December 23, 2002)