NINGBO -- The winter season is driving crowds to ski slopes in China's eastern province of Zhejiang and ice rinks in Beijing, as residents embrace cold-weather sports.

In Ninghai County of Ningbo City, Zhejiang, Diyijian Ski Resort has become a popular destination. Perched atop a 958-meter peak, one of the highest in Zhejiang, the resort is surrounded by mountains and bamboo groves.

Covering over 20,000 square meters, it can accommodate more than 500 people simultaneously.
At ski resorts in south China, snow quality remains a major concern for visitors. Staff say most of the snow is manmade. Fifteen machines along the slopes can generate up to 1,200 cubic meters of snow every hour.

To cope with the region’s warmer climate, the resort also uses two hightemperature snowmakers that produce ice regardless of outside conditions. The ice is crushed into flakes and compacted to meet skiing standards.

In north China, the Shichahai Ice Rink in Beijing's Xicheng District officially opened for business on Saturday after its ice thickness met safety requirements.

Numerous residents and tourists visited to experience the traditional fun on ice.
Located in Beijing's core district, the rink is just a 2-kilometer walk from the Forbidden City's northern gate, the Gate of Divine Prowess (Shenwu men), making it one of the city's renowned outdoor ice venues.

The currently ice surface open to visitors spans 35,000 square meters, roughly the size of five standard soccer fields, and can accommodate up to 2,000 people at the same time. It will also offer evening sessions going forward, operating from 08:00 to 21:00.

The Shichahai scenic area is a famous attraction in Beijing, featuring tea houses and time-honored restaurants.

Additionally, during the year-end and New Year period, a market is set up along the waterfront, offering ring toss games, sugar painting, and delicacies from all corners of the country.