Ski enthusiasts perform "I Love My Motherland" while carrying a large Chinese flag at Qilian Mountain International Ski Resort in Sunan Yugur autonomous county, Zhangye, Gansu province, Dec 22, 2024. [Photo provided to gogansu.com]

At the Qilian Mountain International Ski Resort in Sunan Yugur autonomous county, Zhangye, Gansu province, a spectacular winter celebration unfolded on Dec 22. Skiing enthusiasts showcased their love for their country with a graceful performance titled "I Love My Motherland," elegantly gliding down the slopes, carrying magnificent national flags.

It marked the launch of Gansu province's 2024 Winter Ice and Snow Tourism season and the commencement of Qilian Mountain Ski Resort operations. The festivities drew over 2,000 participants who immersed themselves in a diverse array of activities. From a patriotic skiing performance to the traditional thousand-person Guozhuang dance, from spirited snow tug-of-war battles to skillful snow archery competitions, the atmosphere was filled with joy and excitement.The success story extends beyond this single event. 

Zhangye, nestled against the majestic Qilian Mountains, has strategically transformed its natural winter resources into a thriving tourism sector. By cultivating a distinctive ice and snow tourism brand, the region has successfully converted its "cold resources" into a "warm economy," fostering sustainable growth across economic, social, and cultural dimensions.