China's increased investments in sports include hosting events like the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, and with the Games less than three years away, snow and ice sports are becoming more popular than ever. To meet the demands for training facilities by athletes who hope to compete at the event, one resort in Jilin has expanded its operating hours, while continuing to serve the public. Hu Chao takes a look.

Skiing practice on a balmy, sunny day. For many athletes in China, winter is no longer the only season for practicing. This is the Beishan Four-Season Skiing Park, the first of its kind in Asia.

HU CHAO BEISHAN FOUR-SEASON SKI PARK "It's early Autumn in China and the outside temperature is around 20 degrees Celsius. As you can see, I put on very thick clothes before I came in, because the temperature here is only minus six to seven degrees Celsius. It's literally winter and it's perfect for ski training."

This tunnel-like site was actually built upon an air raid shelter. It's eight meters wide, four-meters high, and as long as 1.3 kilometers. The hardware facilities and snow quality there all meet international professional standards.

QIAN FUQUAN JILIN AMATUER SPORTS SCHOOL CROSS-COUNTRY SKI COACH "This resort has a constant temperature and high-quality snow. It's very suitable for practicing. Now we can practice in four seasons here. Our practicing time is four times more than those in other cities."

Qian also feels happy that more parents are encouraging their kids to learn winter sports.

"Our country has been actively promoting winter sports. Now more parents recognize and like winter sports, and send their kids to our school for training. Class size has greatly expanded, which is great."

This four-season ski resort also aims to offer a hand in selecting more excellent athletes, and preparing them for the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, and the city of Jilin is a natural place for winter sports with lots of unique advantages.

GAI DONGPING JILIN CITY DEPUTY MAYOR "Jilin is located at a latitude giving it powdery snow in the winter. The snow season here is as long as five months. In winter, the temperature is not very cold, around minus 10 degrees Celsius. The wind speed is also low. And the snowy mountains covered by thick forests also add to the skiing experience."

The local government has strengthened infrastructure. 14 middle-and-high-end ski resorts were built. Last year, more than a million tourists visited the city's ski resorts, up 40% over the previous year.

"We've already seen returns on the big investment that both companies and government have made. For example, businesses of hotels and restaurants around the ski resorts are booming in snow season. In the long term, the development of the ice and snow industry will benefit different levels of society."

Hu Chao, CGTN, Jilin City in Jilin Province.