Chengdu Scenic Area's Faux Snow Attraction Sparks Tourist Outrage

In an effort to offer a breathtaking winter experience despite warm weather conditions, a Chengdu scenic area employed an unusual method by using cotton and diluted soapy water to imitate snowfall. Promotional materials had promised a snowy escape complete with forest scenes and rustic wooden cabins, positioning this artificial winter landscape as a budget-friendly alternative to the renowned Snow Town in Northeast China.

However, upon visiting this replicated landscape, tourists quickly noticed the stark difference between the advertised imagery and reality. What was meant to simulate pristine, heavy snowfall turned out to be clusters of cotton scattered along the ground, rooftops, and trees, a discrepancy that did not go unnoticed on social media. Visitors and travel bloggers expressed their discontent, with some even accusing the attraction of misleading practices and resorting to recycled images originally used by established snowy destinations.

In response to the mounting criticism, the management of the scenic area issued an apology, explaining that the warm weather during the Spring Festival made natural snowfall unattainable and that the purchased cotton failed to create the anticipated effect. Acknowledging the public’s disapproval, they began removing the artificial snow shortly after the holiday commenced and promised refunds to those affected by the misleading portrayal.

Following the outcry, local authorities stepped in to investigate the incident for potential false advertising, and the scenic area was subsequently closed for further upgrades. The incident has not only affected visitor trust but also prompted a broader discussion about the ethics of promoting manipulated attractions in the tourism industry.