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Harbin is using its rich winter resources of ice and snow to attract more tourists and
sports fans, even though just five years ago it rejected the title "ice city."

Harbin, capital of Northeast China"s Heilongjiang Province, has been working hard to prepare for the 18th China Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival, which will be held from December 22, 2001 to February 26, 2002, Shi Wenqing, Harbin"s vice-mayor, said at a press conference Thursday.

"We have developed a series of tourist attractions, including Yabuli Ski Resort, China"s largest competitive ski site, the Erlongshan Ski Resort and Harbin Ice and Snow World,"" Shi said.

In addition, ice wedding ceremonies for 50 newlyweds from all over the world will be held in the romantic snow-capped city, Shi said.

In past years, local residents used to stay at home instead of venturing out in the severe cold.

It usually hits 30 degrees below zero centigrade in January.

They loathed the "ice city"" nickname because they yearn for spring, green colour and warm weather instead, said Du Chuandong, director of the Harbin Tourism Administration.

"But now, many of us find ice and snow a unique resource because it can lure millions of people who like winter sports and those in South China"s provinces who have little chance to enjoy ice and snow," Du said.

Nearly 2.5 million tourists -- including 47,000 foreign visitors -- attended last year"s festival, up 27 per cent over the same period the previous year.

Tourism revenue hit 1.5 billion yuan (US$179 million) during the festival, an increase of 20 per cent over the previous year.

Officials expect to reap the same amount of money, if not more, this season. (China Daily)