The young athlete was not alone in testing his potential. "Five out of 55 students in my class signed up for private classes," he added.

Sun was among a growing number of students in the border city who have reaped the benefits of a recent local government drive to promote winter games.

It was part of a broader effort by local authorities to tap the city's natural advantages for greener development. Crouching about 100 kilometers south of the China-Russia border, and 200 kilometers east of Mongolia, the Chinese city that used to be dependent on coal mining has shifted its focus to develop tourism and other winter sports, thanks to its long winter.

To boost public involvement, the city authorities have launched initiatives to add winter games to school curriculums, build skating and skiing facilities, and create sports associations.