In Changchun, people believe that ice and snow are "resources" and the cold an "advantage", said Wang Rulin, Changchun's Party secretary.

According to local tourism authorities, winter tourism, skiing and trade-related ice and snow activities could create some 1 million yuan every day for the city.

Related readings:  Exhibition of Changchun Ice and Snow Painting  Changchun wins pre-Games approval on Winter Asiad  Harbin International Snow and Ice Festival

The sectors in Changchun have been recognized as "snow industry."

The annual Changchun Ice and Snow Festival has been held for 10 years, becoming a grand platform for the city's economic development.

Taking the Jingyuetan Ski Resort, the largest venue for the annual festival, for example, the total investment has reached 40 million yuan.

The investment goes to the snow slopes, Jingyuetan Vasaloppet Snow and Ice Sports Park, Snow Sculpture Park, generating huge economic return.

The venue has kept an average profit rate of around 20 percent in recent years. In 2005, the total income there amounted to 10 million yuan.

1

2

3

(For more biz stories, please visit Industry Updates)