The 3rd China (Jilin) International Ice and Snow Tourism Industry Expo and the 22nd China Changchun Ice and Snow Festival commenced at the Changchun International Conference Exhibition Center on Dec 23.

The opening ceremony of the 3rd China (Jilin) International Ice and Snow Tourism Industry Expo and the 22nd China Changchun Ice and Snow Festival is held at the Changchun International Conference Exhibition Center on Dec 23. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Over 700 government officials, guests and media reporters, as well as representatives of tourism enterprises and traveling agencies from more than 20 countries gathered in Changchun for the opening ceremony.

Jing Junhai, governor of Jilin province, welcomed the arrival of guests on behalf of Jilin provincial Party committee and provincial government, and thanked them for their contribution to the province over the past years.

"Jilin is rich in ice and snow resources," he said, encouraging the participants to grasp the opportunity and enlarge their investment in Jilin's ice and snow industry.

Jing Junhai, governor of Jilin province, delivers a speech at the opening ceremony. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The five-day expo, consisting of a 60,000-square-meter interior exhibition area and a 40,000-square-meter outdoor area, was opened to the public from Dec 21, and will last until Dec 25.

Tourists can also savor the winter fun by participating in various activities including a single plate competition, a snow sculpture art exhibition and a children model and talent show.

The northeastern province plans to use the expo as a starting point to help develop its "winter tourism" brand.

Sponsored by the China Ice and Snow Tourism Promotion Confederation, the event is co-hosted by the Jilin Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, Jilin Municipal Government and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism under the guidance of the China National Tourism Administration.

The first batch of "Cultural and Tourism Courier Stations" in Jilin province, including Jilin Provincial Library, the Museum of the Imperial Palace of Manchu kuo and the Former Site Museum Of Changchun Film Studio, are unveiled at the opening ceremony. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]