China's airlines have recently introduced many new low-cost air routes to its northern region, allowing tourists to explore popular winter destinations and discover the unique charm of ice and snow. As ice and snow tourism heats up across China, the number of passengers heading to popular winter destinations such as Harbin, the Changbai Mountain in the northeast and Altay and Kanas in the northwest region of the country has surged significantly.
"We are heading to Altay for skiing. The airfare to Altay is about 500 yuan (about 68.51 U.S. dollars). If we choose a connecting flight, the airfare could drop to under 400 yuan," said Zheng Jimin, a tourist from Beijing planning a family ski trip to Altay.
"Currently there are discount flight tickets to Harbin and Changchun, with prices reduced by 60 percent or more. Since December, bookings for ice and snow tour routes from major cities across the country to Harbin, Changchun, Jilin, Baishan and other cities have increased by 20 percent year on year, while cities like Mohe, Qiqihar, Yichun and Jiamusi have seen booking growth surpassing 40 percent," said Liu Ting, a research fellow from the big data research institute of Qunar, a leading online travel agency in China. Many airlines are introducing ice and snow-themed routes and expanding capacity to popular winter destinations. "China Southern Airlines operates over 600 flights weekly to and from Harbin. Starting this Tuesday, we launched a direct flight route from Shanghai to Changbai Mountain, with 14 flights per week," said Cheng Minmin, a flight planning official from China Southern Airlines. Changbai Mountain, located in northeast China's Jilin Province, is well-known for its well-preserved ecosystem and breathtaking mountainous landscape.
Low-cost air tickets enable more tourists to explore popular winter destinations in China
