Family skiing thrives in China

Family skiing features a new trend during this ski season after China's successful bid for hosting the 2022 Winter Olympic Games.

   More children and youths can been seen skiing freely in the ski resorts in Chongli, nestled in mountains near the Great Wall where Beijing 2022 will stage Nordic skiing and other events.

   The number of family skiing has about 30 percent rise over last year in the Genting Resort Secret Garden, one of the 2022 Games ski venues, said Zhao Qiong, the market director of the resort.

   Lai Gang, a Beijinger with 15-year ski experience, took his little son to learn skiing in Chongli this year.

   "My son likes speed sports, and he masters the basic skills and can ski almost independently only after five-day learning," Lai said.

   In China, the safety problem used to prevent children from taking part in skiing. But it is not a problem in Lai's eyes.

   "I think it is all right if I can avoid others to collide on him. And his fall may not burt himself seriously due to lower center of gravity," he said.

   Not only new learners, but also many young "old learners" are seen in the ski resort.

   "I love skiing, and I have skied for three years," said a seven-year old girl Wang Yarong.

   Wang's mother said, "My family can ski in Chongli every day in winter."

   Winter Games will attract 300 million people in winter sports, and children are the main forces.

   Meanwhile, China's ski resorts are taking a series of measures to boost youth involvement.

   "Children under 1.4 meters can buy entrance tickets and rent ski equipment at half price this year. In the previous years, the preferential standard is 1.2 meters," said Zhao Qiong.

   Chongli is holding many games and public activities during the on-going international carnival, which will last until next April.  Endi