The city can take in about 15,000 people who want to ski daily. Before the focus on winter tourism, Liupanshui was known as a getaway to beat the heat and for its summer marathon. The city will keep enriching its offering of winter tourism products, featuring skiing and hot spring, according to Chen.

The authorities have also launched nine winter routes. They cover the highlights and specialties Liupanshui has to offer in winter and last from one to three days to meet different traveler needs. Local intangible culture heritage, folk events and festival celebrations have been worked into winter tourism to spice things up and add culture to winter sports.

"The hospitable Liupanshui people welcome everyone anytime to ski and bathe in hot springs with family and friends," Chen says. "They will experience considerate service and a warm winter."

Contact the writers at yangfeiyue@chinadaily.com.cn

Wang Jin contributed to the story.