As powdery snow blankets the Changbai Mountains and cheers echo across the ski slopes of Huamei Resort, border control police have emerged as the unsung guardians of Jilin Province's booming ice-and-snow tourism sector. Official data shows the northeastern Chinese province has welcomed over 170 million visitors since the start of the 2025 snow season, with frontline officers from the Fusong Border Management Brigade working tirelessly to ensure safety and smooth experiences for travelers.
On the afternoon of December 9, a police station at the Changbai Mountains Huamei Resort became the site of a heartfelt thanksgiving, as Ms. Li from Jiangsu Province clasped an officer's hand to express gratitude for resolving a travel dispute. "Your patient mediation made this trip salvageable," she told local media.
The incident unfolded when Ms. Li and 19 fellow travelers clashed with travel agency staff over an unannounced itinerary change. Tensions escalated quickly, threatening to mar the group's holiday. Responding within five minutes of the emergency call, officers from the Fusong brigade moved swiftly to de-escalate the situation—offering hot drinks to calm the agitated tourists while cross-referencing travel contracts to clarify responsibilities.
"Tourists travel far for this experience; we can't let logistical issues ruin it," an on-duty officer explained. Over two hours of negotiations in sub-zero temperatures, the brigade facilitated a compromise: the agency agreed to compensate the group with exclusive snow activities, including snowmobiling and ice lantern crafting. Before departing, the tourists photographed the snow-dusted officers and posted the image on social media, commenting: "The snow here is stunning, but the police protecting our trip are even more impressive."
To cater to the growing number of international visitors, the Fusong Border Management Brigade has introduced an innovative "bilingual service + dynamic patrol" system, integrating language support with mobile security measures.
In a recent case, two foreign tourists panicked after losing a wallet containing passports and cash on the ski slopes. Members of the brigade's bilingual service team immediately launched a search, cross-referencing CCTV footage and broadcasting English-language announcements. The wallet was recovered within 30 minutes, tucked in the crevice of a cable car seat. Officers further provided bilingual anti-fraud leaflets, earning praise from the visitors: "Chinese police, amazing!"
Addressing the resort's vast expanse and complex terrain—characterized by snow-covered forests and mountainous landscapes—the brigade has joined forces with local authorities to establish a "UTV Police Patrol Unit." Equipped with all-terrain vehicles, the mobile team responds rapidly to emergencies, conducts avalanche risk assessments, and assists stranded travelers. Their flashing police lights cutting through the white wilderness have become a reassuring sight for visitors.
From the first ski lift at dawn to the last tourist's departure at night, the Fusong officers' duties are unceasing. Their uniforms alternate between snow-dusted and damp as the powder melts and refreezes, while their gloved hands—reddened by the cold—remain steadfast in providing assistance.
Anecdotal evidence of their dedication abounds: discarded hand warmers found along patrol routes, officers staying with injured tourists at midnight clinics, and pages of thank-you notes in the police station guestbook. These small acts of care form the backbone of Jilin's reputation as a safe and welcoming winter destination.
As Jilin successfully transforms its "cold resources" into "hot economic momentum," the 170 million visitors bear witness to the province's tourism potential—supported by the professionalism and dedication of border police. While the Changbai snow will eventually melt, the image of police badges glinting against the white landscape remains an indelible part of travelers' memories: a symbol of security that makes the region's natural beauty all the more enjoyable.
