Winter Wonderland in Xinjiang: Ice Rinks Heat Up Economy & Fun!

In a surprising twist, villages across southern Xinjiang are transforming frosty paddy fields into bustling ice playgrounds —even in areas where snow is as rare as a quiet TikTok feed. The trend started in Youkakekagatuer Village, where local Party secretary Mamat Rahman turned an unconventional idea into reality .

\"We wanted to give people a reason to smile during winter,\" said Rahman. The makeshift ice rink now buzzs with laughter as families glide across the slick surfaces, snapping selfies and sipping hot drinks. But it’s not just fun and games: locals earn extra income by renting skates, selling snacks, and hosting cultural performances .

Neighboring villages quickly copied the blueprint, creating a ripple effect of *ice-novation*. Winter festivals now feature Uygur folk dances under twinkling lights, blending tradition with modern recreation. Tourism numbers have ticked upward, proving that even in a snow-scarce region, cold weather can be a hot commodity .

One resident, Aynur Qadir, grinned: \"My kids used to stay indoors all winter. Now they’re outside until sunset—and our homemade manty dumplings sell out every weekend!\"

Reference(s):

Ice bazaars boost fun and business in southern Xinjiang

cgtn.com