One of Beijing's most popular winter sports place, the Nanshan Ski Resort, kicked off its new ski season on December 6th in the city's northern suburbs.

Chinese movie stars Liang Jing, Wang Yi, Jing Gangshan and Gao Qi were at the site to celebrate the 8th launching ceremony. However, the party missed Xia Yu, the skillful captain of an "all-entertainer" skiing team based here and actress Xu Jinglei, another prominent sponsor of the opening ceremony.

Also at present were hundreds of ski lovers who enjoyed a spectacular show at the ceremony in lovely winter sunshine.

To begin with, Dr. Lu Jian, president of this winter sports resort, announced the schedule for a whole series of high-level competitions and miscellaneous party gatherings of this ski season.

Nanshan Open, scheduled on January 10, 2009, is China's top snowboard competition and a major one in the world also.

According to Lu, Nanshan resort has enlarged its equipments category with FS Twintip, AT and Tele Mark this year to improve its facilities.

Less than one-hour's drive from the capital, Nanshan resort is one of the most visited resorts in the country. It has more 12 lifts, and an 80m-long half-pipe for snowboarders. This winter’s most difficult obstacle will be the S rail. For more information call 8909-1909 or visit www. nanshanski.com.

(China Daily December 9, 2008)