INTERNATIONAL: Winter sports have been gaining increasing popularity across China in recent years with the upcoming Beijing Winter Olympics fueling a passion for ice and snow activities among those young and old. For many, partaking in the joy of winter sports has become a major part of their lives and brought a host of new opportunities.

According to a report from the China Tourism Academy earlier this year, Chinese tourists made 230 million trips featuring ice and snow in the 2020-2021 winter season, generating more than $60 billion in revenue, highlighting just how big the industry has become.

Among those who have unlocked a new-found source of enjoyment is proud dad Dong Youzhen, who has been able to form a special bond with his son through ice hockey. The father picked up the pastime years ago when accompanying his son to ice hockey classes. The father-son duo now spends their weekends together on the ice rink.

Ice Hockey Enthusiast Dong Yongzhen says, "Since we have the same hobby, we have more to share."

Skiing Enthusiast Zhong You says, "After I started skiing, my appetite gets better and I always sleep well. I've also made a lot of friends, with whom I have a lot to share with. Now my skills get better. When I am praised by others, I feel so happy."

After Beijing won its bid to host the 2022 Winter Olympics in 2015, winter sports competitions became more common and the demand for referees grew significantly in China.

Amid the wave of Winter Olympics fever, China has set a goal of engaging 300 million people in winter sports, with hundreds of new facilities built across the country in recent years and some 2,000 primary and secondary schools including winter sports into their curriculum by the end of 2020.