STORY: Hot spring tourism gains steam in China's icy northeast
SHOOTING TIME: Recent footage
DATELINE: Feb. 27, 2025
LENGTH: 00:02:05
LOCATION: CHANGCHUN/HARBIN/SHENYANG, China
CATEGORY: ECONOMY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of hot spring resorts
2. various of visitors
3. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): YANG LINA, General manager of a tourism service company in Antu, Jilin Province
4. SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): ZHANG WEIZHI, General manager of a hot spring resort hotel in Shenyang, Liaoning Province
5. SOUNDBITE 3 (Chinese): Tourist
6. SOUNDBITE 4 (Chinese): Tourist
7. SOUNDBITE 5 (Chinese): Tourist
8. various of street views in northeast China

STORYLINE:

As northeast China's winter tourism industry continues to thrive, many regions are leveraging abundant hot spring resources to develop "cold temperatures and hot springs" fusion travel experiences.

This unique combination has become a popular choice for domestic and international tourists seeking winter leisure and relaxation.

During the eight-day Spring Festival holiday, over 31,000 visitors from around the world came to Naitoushan Village in the mountains of Antu County, Jilin Province. 

SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): YANG LINA, General manager of a tourism service company in Antu, Jilin Province
"Over the past eight years of operating in Naitoushan Village, we have continuously developed ice and snow tourism. And, each year, the industry has been improving. About 90 percent of our visitors are from southern China. This year, we have also welcomed tourists from Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and other countries. We can clearly see that the 'cold resources' have been transformed into a 'hot industry.'"

In Shenyang, Liaoning Province, hotels that integrate hot spring bathing, leisure activities, and dining are seeing increased demand.

SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): ZHANG WEIZHI, General manager of a hot spring resort hotel in Shenyang, Liaoning Province
"In northeast China, I believe experiencing outdoor hot springs is our resort's biggest attraction, as it offers a unique blend of icy and fiery sensations. This truly showcases the essence of northeast China's bathing culture and hot spring tradition."

SOUNDBITE 3 (Chinese): Tourist
"This is my first time soaking in an outdoor hot spring. It's a mix of two extremes. My body feels incredibly warm while the air outside is freezing."

SOUNDBITE 4 (Chinese): Tourist
"When we walked in from the entrance, we mentally prepared ourselves and then rushed in. It actually felt fine. And once we got into the pool, it was very warm."

SOUNDBITE 5 (Chinese): Tourist
"I think this is a particularly romantic way to relax in northeast China. Most hot springs don't offer this kind of experience. If you're visiting the region, I highly recommend trying this unique northeastern experience."

Thanks to the ice and snow industries and the Asian Winter Games held in Harbin, northeast China is experiencing a peak season for both tourist arrivals and revenue. 

In January, Liaoning Province welcomed 68.93 million tourists with a 25.31 percent year-on-year increase. 

Heilongjiang Province, meanwhile, saw a record-breaking 26.26 million visitors during the Spring Festival holiday.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Changchun/Harbin/Shenyang, China.
(XHTV)