CHANGCHUN - Asia's largest ski resort is expected to open by the end of the year on Changbai Mountain in Northeast China's Jilin province, according to local authorities.

Covering an area of seven square kilometers, the resort has 43 ski runs totalling 30 kilometers and can accommodate 8,000 skiers at a time, said Chen Weigen, vice-governor of Jilin.

The resort is part of the Changbai Mountain international holiday resort. The first phase of the project, which includes five-star hotels, a resort town and a cultural center, started operating in late July after three years of construction.

Six Chinese private companies have invested 20 billion yuan ($3.16 billion) in the project.