A popular winter attraction in southwestern China has been shut down after furious visitors discovered that its picturesque snowfall was nothing more than cotton wool and foamy water. The Chengdu Snow Village, located in Sichuan province, had heavily advertised itself as a snowy wonderland, but an investigation by Chengdu’s culture and tourism bureau confirmed reports of the fake snow.
Tourists who visited the attraction took to social media to express their outrage, sharing images of cotton wool sheets covering the ground. Many felt deceived, especially as the village had promoted itself as a natural winter destination. In response to the backlash, officials ordered the immediate removal of the fake snow and mandated refunds for all affected visitors.
In an attempt to defend itself, the village issued a public apology, explaining that unseasonably warm temperatures had forced them to seek an alternative solution to create a snowy atmosphere. However, this excuse did little to calm the frustration of tourists who felt misled by false advertising.
One social media user summed up the controversy by stating, “A snow village without snow? In today’s digital age, businesses must be honest with their customers. Deception only leads to ruin.”
The scandal has sparked wider discussions about truth in tourism marketing, with officials promising stricter oversight of attractions across the region. While Chengdu Snow Village’s fate remains uncertain, the incident serves as a cautionary tale for businesses attempting to cut corners at the expense of customer trust.
