Tourists hit the slopes at Mazongshan Ski Resort. [Photo/Hohhot news network]

The 2023-24 Hohhot Ice and Snow Festival kicked off at the Mazongshan Ski Resort in Hohhot, capital city of North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region, on Dec 22.

The festival features a series of New Year activities, the third Hohhot Happy Ice and Snow Carnival, and the Hohhot Spring Festival and Lantern Festival celebrations.

The third Hohhot Happy Ice and Snow Carnival combines North China's culture and local customs, showcasing 80 activities, including ice and snow performances, ice and snow architecture, ice and snow sports, artistic performances, and New Year's markets. Additionally, Hohhot's cultural and exhibition venues will host 57 cultural activities.

Ice and snow sculptures pictured during a previous session. [Photo/Hohhot news network]

Hohhot is located in the "golden latitude belt" of ice and snow, with a winter season lasting over four months and average temperatures ranging from -2 C to -13 C. It boasts excellent natural conditions for winter sports.

In recent years, Hohhot has strategically leveraged its winter tourism resources by cultivating diverse product offerings and launching a range of distinctive winter tourism activities.

This year, Hohhot will host the 14th National Winter Games, and as a result of its geographical and transportation advantages, it forms a "2-hour transportation circle" with Beijing. With the opening of the "Beijing-Hohhot" ski train, more skiing enthusiasts can come to Hohhot to experience its unique ice and snow culture.