This season promises to be the most impressive yet, with the park expanding to a record 1.2 million square meters using 400,000 cubic meters of ice and snow, says Cong Peiyu, director of design and research and development with the iconic tourist site.

"Beyond vistas, the park offers many interactive experiences for visitors (this winter), such as hot springs in the snow and hot pot served in snow houses," he adds.

Cong has set a clear and ambitious vision for the park's future.

He outlines a threefold strategy to make the ice and snow fun "smarter" through greater digital investment and personalized services, enriching diverse visitor experiences and activities with cross-country skiing and ice-themed concerts, thereby making the brand more "international" through cooperation with global winter destinations and hosting more international events.

Reflecting on his eight years with the park, Cong says, "I've watched this winter landscape evolve from a simple ice sculpture exhibition into a cultural tourism household name."