Snow and ice cover Laoniu Bay scenic area in Pianguan county, Shanxi province. The scenic area has advantages in ice-up, due to its location and climate. [Photo/Shanxi Daily]

Laoniu Bay scenic area in Shanxi province will be a stop of the 2017-2018 National Mass Speed Skating Marathon Series on Jan 28, 2018, making it the first time for Shanxi to hold a national winter sport game, according to a press conference held in Taiyuan on Dec 18.

Located at the intersection of the Yellow River and the Great Wall, Laoniu Bay scenic area is naturally ideal for winter sports as the thinnest section of ice there is expected to exceed 40 centimeters during the event, much thicker than the national safety standard of 15 centimeters.

Also, the water course of Laoniu Bay is 450 to 600 meters in width and turns into a large closed loop track when frozen.

The national speed skating marathon series, organized by Shanxi Sports Bureau, will consist of speed skating marathon and skating relay events for hundreds of athletes and skating enthusiasts, including 3km-speed skating for women's group and 4×1km relay.

To attract more participants, the Laoniu Bay scenic area will also launch ice-themed recreations, such as ice cycling, ice bowling and ice fishing.