Xilinhot (Inner Mongolia) and Beijing local SUV clubs have teamed up to stage an offroad competition for SUV fans during the coming New Year holiday, on the snow-covered Xilinguole Grassland.

The tour sets out from Beijing on January 1 and comes back on January 3. Besides various offroad snow competitions on January 2, there will also be a snowfield bonfire, barbeques and some sightseeing.

The Xilinguole Grassland, located some 700 kilometres north of Beijing, is the only natural reserve of its kind in China. It becomes a snow world in winter covered with a layer of snow no less than 20 centimetres. The scenery is great but with the temperature at night can go as deep as minus 20 degrees Celsius, individual tours are so dangerous they are deemed almost impossible.

This is the first time that Xilinhot has hosted the event to attract tourists in winter. If successful they plan to make it an annual event.

Non-club members driving SUVs are also welcome to participate. The cost is 300 yuan (US$37) and 50 yuan (US$6.15) for registration. Registration is required as soon as possible on 8209-8053. Local SUV clubs will help to get you prepared.

(China Daily 12/30/2005 page10)