Qipan Shan Scenic Area (Qípán Shān Guójì Fēngjǐng Lǚyóu Kāifā Qū, 棋盘山国际风景旅游开发区) is a vast park that lies about 17 km (11 mi) to the northeast of Shenyang's city center.

Consisting of three large hills and a lake, in summertime Qipan Shan's green slopes are a shady haven of forested pathways and hot springs. In winter it transforms into a wonderland of snow and ice and pays host to the Shenyang Snow and Ice Festival. Liaoning's answer to the Harbin International Ice Festival may be less well known than its more northerly cousin but is nevertheless well worth a visit. Towering facades of castles, ships on roiling seas and statues of all creatures great and small, including some well-known cartoon characters can be found along a track that runs deep into the park.

Snowmobiles, sleds and bumper cars on ice can be enjoyed on the vast expanse of the frozen lake and there's skiing and snowboarding to be had on a few gently sloping pistes. While these trails are very much beginner territory, more advanced skiers who have been away from the slopes for some time can at least enjoy the feel of the snow beneath their skis or boards as they swoosh down the all-too-short slopes. What they will not enjoy however, is the painfully slow chairlift ride it takes to access the longer slopes—have your handwarmers ready.

Skis and snowboards can be rented for RMB 120 for two hours or RMB 200 for a full day (RMB 200 deposit) but with temperatures in the -20s and the low-tech lift system, a full day would be a quite a challenge.

First-timers looking to learn the sport can choose from a host of instructors who will present themselves on arrival, much like the tour guides found at most major tourist attractions in China. A decent-looking snow park offers the more adventurous rider the chance to catch some air.

If you feel the need for speed but don't fancy strapping on skis or a snowboard, move to the adjacent slope where kids and adults alike squeal with delight as they hurtle full throttle down the hill on snow tubes (RMB 20).

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