Changchun expo highlights Jilin's ice-snow industry

The 9th Jilin International Ice and Snow Tourism Industry Exposition kicks off on Thursday at the Northeast Asia International Expo Center in Changchun, Jilin province. [Photo by Tian Jiaxin/For chinadaily.com.cn]

Changchun's ice and snow economy took center stage on Thursday as the 9th Jilin International Ice and Snow Tourism Industry Exposition opened at the Northeast Asia International Expo Center, bringing together more than 400 companies from across the global industry chain.

Spanning 61,500 square meters, the expo features themed pavilions, immersive installations, and full-spectrum industry displays, offering a comprehensive look at Jilin's growing role in ice and snow tourism, manufacturing, and innovation. Exhibits cover sectors ranging from sports equipment and winter sports to smart technology and intangible cultural heritage. The event runs through Tuesday.

A cultural and tourism showcase marked the opening ceremony, with a 30-minute immersive performance blending drama, song, dance, and traditional Chinese arts to present the province's winter culture and tourism appeal.

In recent years, Jilin-made ice and snow equipment has gained wider adoption at ice rinks and ski resorts nationwide, reinforcing the province's profile within China's ice and snow economy. Carbon fiber snowboards developed by Jilin Chemical Fiber Group have drawn attention for their lightweight, sturdy design, while China FAW's independently developed Hongqi snow car has achieved a domestic breakthrough in snow vehicle technology.

The expo also serves as a launch platform for new products. A sports equipment company attending for the first time debuted its ski boards at the event. "Jilin is the core hub of the ice and snow industry, and the expo is a trendsetter in the industry," said Song Wei, the company's marketing manager. "We chose to launch our new products at the expo, hoping to connect with more partners through this platform."