[Photo provided to China Daily]

Ulanqab, a city in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region, will kick off a winter festival on Feb 5.

Ice sculptures, lantern exhibits, circus performances, sea animal shows, Mongolian folk arts, food and drinks will be on offer for tourists and locals at the festival.

The festival is part of the Ulanqab government's efforts to make full use of the local resources available to cater to the rising demand for winter tourism in the country, according to Zhang Aidong, the city's deputy mayor.

China will host the 2022 Winter Olympics.

Ulanqab received more than 160 million visitors last year, up 15 percent as compared with the previous year.

Some 300 kilometers away from Beijing, Ulanqab draws visitors with its fresh air, picturesque prairies and folk arts and crafts.