A winter tourism season featuring ice, snow and hot springs recently kicked off in Taibai county, Baoji of Shaanxi province.

Baoji was recently named a key destination city along one of the 12 premier ice and snow tourism routes for 2024-2025, as announced by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Guo Dandan, China's first skiing world champion, praised the county's Aoshan Ski Resort, saying "The high-level slopes here have reached top-tier standards, with complete supporting facilities".

Liu Junxia, Party secretary of Taibai county, said in recent years, the county has attracted more than 300,000 visits annually and generated 430 million yuan ($58 million) in tourism revenue. Liu said the county succeeded in building a winter tourism industry that integrates sports and cultural activities.

Wu Yun, director of the Bureau of Culture and Tourism of Baoji, highlighted the city's integrated winter tourism offerings, combining skiing, snow scenery, hot springs and museums. Visitors can enjoy three major ski resorts, five scenic snow-viewing spots and 10 premier hot spring destinations for winter experiences.

Liu Boqian contributed to this story.