In the midst of a freezing winter in Northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, young locals are embracing the season with a fervor for winter sports, transforming the biting cold and silent landscapes into a lively hub of activity. The Global Times reporters’ recent visit to various locations in Xinjiang showcased the region’s burgeoning winter tourism and sports culture, despite temperatures dropping to -22C.
Celebrating Winter with Joy and Enthusiasm
At the Toutun River Valley Forest Park in Urumqi City, a winter camp, part of the 3rd Ice and Snow Culture Tourism Festival, has become a hotspot for nearly a hundred students on its first day. Facilities like sleds, snow go-karts, and snow trains, along with the popular snow slide, have turned the winter camp into a realm of excitement and joy, despite the harsh cold.
This festival integrates traditional culture, intangible cultural heritage, the culture of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (XPCC), and food culture. It includes events like the Spring Festival Cultural Temple Fair, New Year’s Goods Fair, and the Food Culture Exchange Expo, aiming to provide residents with a high-level cultural experience. Deputy Director Ma Jing of the XPCC’s Culture and Tourism Bureau noted that last year’s festival drove over 64.386 million yuan ($9 million) in consumption.
Ice-Snow Football and Speed Skating: A Tradition in Xinjiang’s Schools
In Xinjiang’s schools, winter sports have been integrated into the curriculum with unique local flavors. At Toutun River Farm School, ice-snow football is a long-standing tradition, with every class having its own team. According to Head Ding Yafang, this sport trains the body and mind, with students enjoying the game despite the cold.
Similarly, the 103rd Regiment School in Wujiaqu City has transformed its playgrounds into speed skating venues. Students like Che Xueqin, the captain of the school’s speed skating team, dream of Olympic glory. The school’s dedication to the sport is evident, with manually built ice tracks and a high level of student enthusiasm for training.
Fostering Passion for Winter Sports Among Youth
Coach Ye Yongjiang, a former member of the school’s speed skating team and now a coach, has trained over 100 skaters. The school encourages all interested students to participate, with the youngest athlete seen by reporters being in the first grade. This approach nurtures a passion for ice and snow sports, generation after generation.
Xinjiang’s winter sports scene is not just about embracing the cold; it’s about fostering a culture of sportsmanship, resilience, and joy among the youth. The region’s commitment to promoting winter sports and tourism is creating a vibrant and dynamic environment, where the excitement of young athletes and the beauty of the season come together in a spectacular celebration of winter.
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