China's first snow-themed tourist train has opened in time for this year's ski season. 

Yabuli, one of the country's most popular ski resorts, located in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, offers winter sports enthusiasts direct routes between the city of Harbin and the resort.

The coaches on the train are decorated with snow-themed elements, such as snowflakes, ice castles and the Yabuli mascot – a skiing panda.

Before the launch of the train, options for getting to the resort meant a longer journey with more stops, or renting a car for a more direct trip, but at a higher price. Now a one-way trip takes about two and a half hours and costs much less, too.

The train also provides space to store skis, snowboards and other winter gear, and loans out children's gloves and scarves for free.

Yabuli boasts the largest ski jumping facilities in the country and has hosted several international winter sports games recently. The skiing season at Yabuli normally begins in mid-November and runs till the end of March the following year. 

The resort is going to welcome its 18th annual ski festival on November 20 with a wide array of events. 

(Cover: China's first snow-themed tourist train departs from Harbin Railway Station, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, November 10, 2020. /CFP)