The 14th Changbai Mountain Snow Cultural Tourism Festival and the 2nd Powder Snow Festival -- which will kick off in northeastern Jilin province on Dec 26 and run to April in 2020 -- is set to thrill tourists.

That’s according to a news conference held by the Information Office of the Jilin Provincial Government on Dec 3.

Co-hosted by the Jilin Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, the Hangzhou municipal people’s government, and the management committee of Changbai Mountain, the events are held to promote winter tourism in Changbai Mountain and develop it into a world-class winter tourism destination.

Initiated in 2006, the snow cultural tourism festival has been held for 13 sessions and is winning increasing popularity among international winter tourists.

The first Changbai Mountain Powder Snow Festival was held last winter, earning more attention and popularity for winter tourism there.

This year’s event will include more than 20 activities in five areas -- namely promotional activities, an opening ceremony, ice and snow fun activities, ice and snow cultural activities and winter sports competitions, officials said.

The organizers said a wide range of activities are expected to provide thrills and spills for tourists from all over the world.

These include snow sculpture competitions, tug-of-war contests on the snow, skiing competitions, football competitions in snow fields and a snow field marathon.

On the cultural side there will be events such as painting exhibitions with works featuring Changbai Mountain winter scenery and photography exhibitions and events.

Compared with previous events, this year’s festival features more activities, more participation opportunities for tourists, as well as support from Hangzhou municipal people’s government, according to Chen Honggang, deputy director of the management committee of Changbai Mountain.

Wu Dajing, China’s 500 meter short-track speed skating Olympic champion, Li Yugang, a famous Chinese singer, and more dignitaries will participate in the opening ceremony.

In addition, entrepreneurs, cultural community representatives, as well as students from Zhejiang province’s capital Hangzhou, will participate in tourism and cultural exchange discussions and investment talks, Chen added.

A news conference for the 14th Changbai Mountain Snow Cultural Tourism Festival and the 2nd Powder Snow Festival is held in Changchun, in Jilin province, on Dec 3. [Photo by Ding Luyang/chinadaily.com.cn]