Altai: The local government of northwest China’s Xinjiang region has declared its first official “snow break” holiday for more than 70,000 students, in an effort to bolster the country’s ice and snow economy and boost children’s physical fitness.

According to Thai News Agency, local authorities in Altai Province, a region in Xinjiang known for its many ski resorts, announced on their official WeChat account this week that students will be given a nine-day holiday as part of an extended holiday period from late November. The move aims to make full use of the region’s unique ice and snow resources, allowing students to connect with nature, inherit culture, and improve their physical fitness during the holidays.

During the snow holiday, primary and secondary school students from Altai will have free access to several ski resorts and free public transport. In addition, local cultural venues, libraries, and museums will host ice and snow-themed events.

The move comes as Chinese authorities look to expand ice and snow-related activities into new growth sectors. The country aims to expand winter sports, tourism, and equipment manufacturing, with a projected project value of 1.5 trillion yuan (about $211 billion) by 2030.