Zhang Haihua, deputy mayor of Harbin, capital of Heilongjiang province, and member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee [Photo/Xinhua]

Harbin's booming winter tourism is setting the stage for a strong start to the vitalization of old industrial areas in the new year, said Zhang Haihua, deputy mayor of Harbin, capital of Heilongjiang province, and member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee, during an interview at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Thursday.

"The bustling Harbin Ice-Snow World and crowded Central Street make us deeply feel the warm atmosphere of China's continued economic recovery and improvement," Zhang said.

She emphasized Harbin's commitment to careful work to project a warm and welcoming city image.

The Harbin Polar Park's beloved "Truant Penguin", who is now 7 years old, has become the city's ambassador of urban tourism.

Zhang also said that last winter, young visitors from Taiwan nicknamed "Xiao Danggui" (Little Angelica) experienced the delights of Harbin's ice and snow world. She extended an invitation for them to return during the summer vacation to see the beauty of red-crowned cranes.

With the 9th Asian Winter Games being held in Harbin in 2025, Zhang believes the event will inject fresh energy into the city. She stressed the importance of seizing this opportunity to put into practice the belief that "ice and snow can be treasures" to make Northeast China a hub of comprehensive vitalization through bold action and practical endeavor.

With plentiful natural resources, a robust industrial base, and unique geographical advantages, Northeast China is not only the country's breadbasket, but is also a vital industrial hub, home to key national enterprises, prestigious universities, and research institutions, Zhang said.

"We must leverage these advantages and opportunities, strengthening Northeast China's pivotal role and charting a new path toward high-quality, sustainable development and vitalization," she said.