MANILA, Philippines — For Filipinos who get to experience only two seasons — the dry and the wet — in the Philippines the whole year through, getting a taste of winter fun is definitely one of their fondest dreams.
Experiencing snow may be possible this new year with the ongoing 27th Mount Emei Ice, Show and Hot Spring Season in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China. Launched via a spectacular giant-screen light show at the Jiaozi Music Square last December, the season lasts until this March.
The launching ceremony brought the iconic cultural and tourism elements of Mount Emei to life through dynamic visuals splattered on a giant screen on the 218-meter high Jiaozi Twin Towers — from towering peaks and misty hot springs to auspicious, adorable elephants, playful monkeys, and flurrying snowscapes. It was made to coincide with the launch of the 2025 Leshan Winter Tour.
At the event, the Leshan Cultural Tourism Ambassador unveiled a winter travel guide packed with new experiences beyond the classic "snow sightseeing, hot spring baths, and culinary delights."
Visitors can explore the region aboard double-decker sightseeing buses, stop at unique spots, such as the Diechuan Malt Whisky Experience Center on the southern slopes of Mount Emei, or discover cultural landmarks like the Palace Museum Relics Southward Migration Exhibition Hall. This journey offers a blend of natural experiences and cultural discovery.
The launch also featured a skit that presented novel ways to enjoy Mount Emei in winter. Malaysian tourists joined actors in immersive scenes, from admiring snow-capped vistas at the Golden Summit, skiing at the Leidongping Ski Resort, and soaking in the therapeutic Lingxiu Hot Springs, to exploring the intangible cultural heritage of Emei Wushu.
More travel perks
Additionally, the Mount Emei Scenic Area introduced some highly anticipated winter travel incentives. From January 1 to April 30, 2026 (excluding the Spring Festival Golden Week), for instance, full-price ticket holders who visit only either the Qingyin Area or the Wannian Area, or hike to the Golden Summit Area from these two spots, will automatically receive scenic area exclusive currency equivalent to 50% of their ticket price.
This credit will be deposited into their digital wallets on the official tourism platform of Mount Emei and is redeemable for expenses at both online and offline partner merchants covering dining, accommodation, cultural and creative products, and other eligible purchases.
Tailored preferential policies are likewise available for various tour groups, including full-mountain tour groups, large-scale tour groups, inbound tour groups, and study tour groups. Guides and leaders of inbound tour groups are eligible for a 50% discount on sightseeing bus tickets, with the groups being eligible for half-price admission to the Mount Emei Scenic Area.
With all these attractions, incentives and promotions, the 27th Mount Emei Ice, Snow & Hot Spring Season has transformed Mount Emei into a winter-long paradise of snow and joy. Beyond the classic experiences like snow fun and hot spring baths, a series of innovative interactive events will be set in place, including the "Global Search for Emei's Kindred Spirits" campaign, the Ice and Snow Kung Fu Challenge, and the "Snowy Little Macaque" Photography Contest.