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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –
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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News
Beijing, December 8 (Xinhua) — Extra holidays and paid vacations! This winter, primary and middle school students in northern China and their parents have become the most envied group in the Middle Kingdom.
Recently, Jilin Province (Northeastern China) announced a five-day "ice and snow holiday" for all students in grades 1-9, from December 3 to 7. Local authorities stated that the extra days off will not affect the traditional winter and summer holidays, which typically fall around the Lunar New Year (January-February) and the summer (July-August).
China intends to actively develop its "ice and snow economy," specifically the winter sports and tourism industry, creating a new driver of economic growth. The newly introduced holidays are part of a set of measures aimed at stimulating consumption and supporting the "snow and ice economy."
It's worth noting that government employees and businesses in Jilin Province were also encouraged to take paid leave during this period to accompany their children to winter sports activities, go on snow and ice trips, and experience the culture of ice and snow.
According to the Jilin Provincial Bureau of Culture and Tourism, a range of incentives have been introduced for students and their parents to promote the popularization and development of ice and snow sports and the flourishing ice and snow market.
As winter sports gain increasing popularity in China, the country is seeing a steady expansion of the "ice and snow economy." Data shows that in the 2024-2025 winter season, nationwide consumption associated with winter sports participation exceeded 187.5 billion yuan (approximately $26.5 billion), an increase of more than 25 percent compared to the previous winter season.
According to the "Research Report on China's Snow and Ice Industry Development 2025," the industry's market capacity has grown from RMB 270 billion in 2015 to RMB 980 billion in 2024. In 2025, this figure is expected to exceed the trillion-yuan mark for the first time, reaching RMB 1.0053 trillion, officially entering the trillion-yuan era.
As part of a broader effort to boost domestic tourism and spending, in addition to Jilin Province, several regions in Northwest China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region have also begun introducing similar holidays.
This month, more than 70,000 primary and secondary school students will be officially released for the first time on an "ice and snow vacation" in Altay County, a famous ski resort in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.
The school holidays will last for a total of 9 days, as this extended period covers the 5 days of official holidays from 1 to 5 December and the surrounding weekends.
During the school holidays, schoolchildren in the district will be able to visit numerous local ski resorts free of charge, as well as use free public transportation within the city of Altai, which is administratively part of the Altai district, upon presentation of an ID.
According to the report, the Altai Ministry of Culture and Tourism is collaborating with various ski resorts, cultural institutions, and hotels to offer discounts on skiing, food, accommodation, transportation, and cultural events during the holidays.
"Ice and snow holidays" are expected to generate a synergistic consumption effect. School trips accompanied by parents will not only stimulate the local travel market but also boost consumption in related industries, such as skiing, accommodation, food, and cultural and creative industries, said Delida Nabi, head of the Altai District Department of Culture, Sports, Radio, Television, and Tourism.
Now, "ice and snow holidays" have begun to play an active role to some extent in China's drive to develop the ice and snow economy as a new growth sector.
According to statistics, consumption at ski resorts nationwide reached 78.613 billion yuan in the 2024-2025 winter season, with consumption within two kilometers of these resorts increasing by 27.97 percent. This has a significant impact on retail, transportation, catering, and other industries in surrounding areas. In this regard, China aims for economic growth of 1.5 trillion yuan by 2030. -0-
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