Altay Sees Winter Tourism Surge with Cultural Immersion and Adventure Sports, Paving its Way for Future Tourism Growth in Xinjiang

Published on December 29, 2025

One of the popular ski resorts, located in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China, is recording a substantial influx of tourist visitors this winter. The region, known for its beautiful icing and snow scenery, provides visitors with a distinctive tourist experience of culture tourism and winter sports. Since the commencement of the 2025 Snow Season, a total of more than 6 million tourist visitors have been recorded to arrive at Altay, accumulated spending reaching close to 4.8 billion yuan, approximately 685 million U.S. dollars.

Blending Ice and Snow with Cultural Immersion in Altay

What sets Altay apart from other winter destinations is its ability to blend winter sports with cultural tourism, offering visitors an enriching and diverse experience. For example, in Qinghe County, wolf culture of the Kazakh ethnic group is integrated into the tourism experience. Visitors can learn about the cultural significance of wolves while observing them up close in a specially designed wolf park, which houses over 200 wolves. This unique offering adds a cultural and educational aspect to the region’s winter tourism, making it more attractive to tourists seeking an authentic experience.

The focus on cultural heritage alongside skiing and snowboarding activities has turned Altay into a growing winter tourism hub in China, offering experiences that go beyond typical winter sports destinations. As more visitors flock to the area for its traditional festivities and unique activities, winter tourism is becoming a key economic driver for the region.

Crafting Traditional Ski Tools: A Unique Winter Experience

In addition to its winter sports offerings, Altay is also capitalizing on its cultural heritage through activities like traditional ski tool crafting. In Lasite Township, local artisans offer tourists the opportunity to create horsehide skis, a practice that is part of the region’s intangible cultural heritage. Visitors can try their hand at crafting skis while learning about the historical significance of the craft. The growth in cultural tourism not only attracts tourists interested in authentic, hands-on experiences but also provides local communities with the opportunity to benefit economically from tourism.

The combination of eco-tourism, adventure travel, and cultural engagement offers a well-rounded winter experience, making Altay a prime destination for travelers interested in sustainable tourism and local cultural immersion.

Sunset Parties and New Adventures: Expanding Winter Tourism Beyond Skiing

The introduction of novel experiences like sunset parties and paragliding at the Jiangjunshan Mountain International Ski Resort is another example of how Altay is diversifying its winter tourism offerings. These activities, paired with skiing, offer a unique twist to the traditional ski resort experience, making it an attractive destination for visitors who seek a mix of adventure sports, natural beauty, and relaxation.

For tourists, sunset parties at the mountaintop provide a chance to enjoy live music and stunning views while waiting for the New Year, creating a festive and unforgettable experience. These new attractions are helping to expand winter tourism beyond the typical ski season, ensuring that visitors can enjoy Altay’s beauty and activities year-round.

Winter Tourism Growth: A Path to Sustainable Development in Altay

As winter tourism continues to grow in Altay, the region is increasingly recognized for its ability to offer sustainable travel experiences. The emphasis on eco-tourism—which includes snow-based sports, cultural experiences, and the preservation of local traditions—aligns with global tourism trends that prioritize environmental sustainability and cultural respect.

The growth of winter tourism in Altay is also directly linked to the expansion of tourism infrastructure. As more tourists visit, local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, transport providers, and tour operators, benefit from increased demand. These developments contribute to job creation, regional economic growth, and the sustainability of the tourism model in Altay.

Looking ahead, Altay’s tourism industry will continue to evolve, with investments in new tourism infrastructure, sustainable transport, and local cultural programs playing a critical role in ensuring long-term growth. The integration of winter sports with cultural and adventure tourism will allow the region to appeal to a broader audience, including eco-conscious travelers, families, and solo adventurers.

Future Tourism Impact: Strengthening Altay as a Year-Round Destination

The future growth of winter tourism in Altay will be driven by improved infrastructure, new activities, and a sustained focus on sustainable tourism. As the region continues to build on its cultural and natural assets, it is poised to attract more domestic and international visitors seeking both adventure and authentic cultural experiences. The growth in winter tourism will contribute to job creation, economic diversification, and regional development, ensuring that Altay becomes a year-round destination.

Moreover, winter tourism in Altay will likely become an example of how sustainable travel can benefit both tourists and local communities. With its combination of snow-based activities, cultural engagement, and eco-tourism, Altay will continue to grow as a leading destination for travelers seeking a unique winter adventure.

Altay’s Promising Future in Winter Tourism

Altay, in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, is gradually emerging as one of the leading destinations in China’s winter tourism scene, owing to the distinct blend of cultural tourism, adventure tourism, and eco-tourism experiences it presents to visitors. As the winter tourism trend gathers pace in the region, it not only benefits the economy of the destinations involved, including Altay, but also sets a precedent for how sustainable tourism can leave a lasting impact.