Winter activities to boost Northeast 1 Young athletes train at the opening of a program promoting ice sports among youth at a speed skating center in Changchun, Jilin province, on Sunday. (JIANG SHENGSONG/FOR CHINA DAILY) The ice and snow industry should serve as a new engine for economic growth in Northeast China as the region boasts some of the nation's best natural advantages that can be used for its vitalization, said Yang Andi, a member of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference. Northeastern provinces have been seeking a new development path for over two decades, said Yang, also director of the Jilin provincial culture and tourism bureau. After researching the ice and snow industry with economic and historical experts, she said that northeastern provinces, especially Jilin province, should promote the industry at home and abroad and make it an economic pillar.