(Yicai) Jan. 20 -- Shanghai Disney Resort, Yaoxue Ice and Snow World and other tourist attractions in Shanghai have introduced a raft of family-friendly activities to attract visitors over the winter school vacation, which has just begun, and the upcoming Chinese New Year holiday.

Shanghai Disneyland’s Lunar New Year celebrations, which will run from Jan. 15 to Feb. 14, will be made up of a series of decorations and performances that revolve around the lunar zodiac sign of the snake, according to a recent media briefing. A new character called Gary, based on a snake from the film Zootopia 2 which is set to be released later this year, will make his debut at the park.

The Yaoxue Ice and Snow World, which has just re-opened after an 11-day shut-down for maintenance, has incorporated several animated themes, including Pleasant Goat and Big Big Wolf and Bacckom, into its attractions. The ski slopes and teaching facilities have all been upgraded at the indoor winter sports complex, which opened in September last year.

Shanghai is among the top travel destinations during the winter school holiday and Chinese New Year period this year, according to travel platforms such as Tuniu, Fliggy and Qunar.

Many families plan trips to Disneyland, Yaoxue Ice and Snow World, and Haichang Ocean Park during the winter school break, said Zhao Huanyan, a tourism industry analyst. This year's Chinese New Year holiday, which runs from Jan. 28 to Feb. 4, falls earlier than in previous years and overlaps with the winter break, and this has made Shanghai's tourism market even more vibrant.

Entertainment shows are another major attraction that draws tourists to Shanghai. Shanghai will host a number of family-friendly performances over the winter holiday, including the acrobatic magic show "Havoc in Heaven" and musicals like "Cat" and "Cinderella."

Editors: Dou Shicong, Kim Taylor