A graphic displaying the "airplane theory" for the ice and snow economy. [Photo provided to gojilin.gov.cn]

Jilin University on Feb 17 released the "2022 China Ice and Snow Economic Development Index Report" and for the first time put forward an ice and snow economic theory with Chinese characteristics – which has been dubbed the "airplane theory".

The report from the university – located in Changchun city, capital of Jilin province – is divided into five sections and is based on an "airplane theory" for the ice and snow economy, which is an indicator system for measuring its proposed development. 

According to the theory, the continuous growth and upgrading of ice and snow consumer demand and the constant innovation of ice and snow technology are the two major airplane engines.

Winter sports are the nose of the airplane that directs the ice and snow economy. Ice and snow tourism is the airplane's fuselage, the primary carrier of the ice and snow economy. Meanwhile, ice and snow equipment and ice and snow culture are the two wings of the airplane.

The other related industries of ice and snow make up the tail of the airplane, which provides the auxiliary functions for the ice and snow economy.

The ice and snow economic development indices show an upward trajectory. [Photo provided to gojilin.gov.cn]

With the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics currently underway, winter sports have recorded ever-growing popularity.

Relevant data in the report shows that China's ice and snow economy has had a sustained and rapid growth trend in recent years. Despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has shown an encouraging growth trend driven by the effect of the Winter Games.

In 2021, the economic development of ice and snow tourism reportedly doubled compared with 2016. It is expected that in 2022, China's ice and snow economy will maintain month-on-month growth of more than 30 percent.

The report also pointed out that in the future, China will focus on areas rich in ice and snow resources in Northeast China, North China and Northwest China and establish an ice and snow economic system.

The report will be released regularly every year based on data changes and is expected to gradually form a comprehensive series of ice and snow indices issued by Jilin University.