Schoolchildren in Altay, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, are spending this week on the ski slopes as the region has launched a nine-day "snow holiday" for primary and junior high school students. Since Saturday, large numbers of children have flocked to ski resorts in Altay, including the General Mountain International Ski Resort, accompanied by family members. "I basically go skiing every year. I think the snow break is really great. Skiing with good friends is delightful, and we've planned to come every day during this holiday," said Dong Qiye, a fourth-grade student at Altay Experimental Primary School. As one of China's most popular winter destinations, Altay offers student-exclusive discounts at four major ski resorts, cultural venues, and hotels, including free admission to ski resorts, 15 percent off dining at resorts, and 20 percent off ski lessons. Several resorts also provide free half-hour beginner classes to help children get started. "The demand for ice and snow experiences from students will attract parents to travel with them. It can boost local weekend tourism and draw wider attention to Altay's winter resources and services. This will drive spending on skiing, lodging, dining and cultural products," said Delida Nabi, head of the region's culture, sports, broadcasting and tourism bureau. SHOTLIST: Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, northwest China - Nov 29, 2025 1. Aerial shots of skiers on slope; 2. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Dong Qiye, fourth-grade student, Altay Experimental Primary School (partially overlaid with shot 3): "I basically go skiing every year. I think the snow break is really great. Skiing with good friends is delightful, and we've planned to come every day during this holiday."; [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE] 3. Various of skiers on slope; [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE] 4. Visitors at service hall; 5. Various of students putting on ski suit; renting equipment; waiting for entry; 6. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Delida Nabi, director, Altay's culture, sports, broadcasting and tourism bureau: "The demand for ice and snow experiences from students will attract parents to travel with them. It can boost local weekend tourism and draw wider attention to Altay's winter resources and services. This will drive spending on skiing, lodging, dining and cultural products."; 7. Skiers on slope; 8. Various of skiers on lift; 9. Various of skiers on slope. [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]