#Altay Prefecture

Tourists pose for photos at a ski resort in Altay city, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on Dec. 30, 2022. [Photo/Xinhua]

Known for its long winter season that can last up to eight months a year, Altay Prefecture in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region attracts skiers worldwide with its vast area of natural powder snow.

Industrial data shows that the ski resorts of Altay Prefecture received 2.45 million visits in the 2021-2022 winter season, with tourism revenue reaching 1.63 billion yuan, up 25.3% and 23.4% year on year, respectively. During the Spring Festival holiday last year, the resort saw more than 6,000 skiers on a daily basis, 60% of which came from outside Xinjiang.