Altay, Xinjiang Unveils China’s First Ice-Floating Destination, Significantly Elevating Winter Tourism Standards

Published on December 1, 2025

The landscape of winter leisure options available to domestic travelers was significantly diversified with the recent inauguration of China’s premier ice-floating club. This novel facility was officially launched in Altay, a location situated within the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. The introduction of this unique winter activity marks a milestone for the region’s tourism sector, establishing a new destination for enthusiasts seeking thrilling and distinctive cold-weather pursuits.

The operation of the club is expected to draw substantial interest from visitors across the country, fundamentally reshaping perceptions regarding winter activities offered in the western territories. The foundational work and organizational framework for this endeavor were meticulously constructed, ensuring that the experience being offered is both exhilarating and rigorously safeguarded. A high degree of specialized preparation was necessitated for the successful commencement of this distinctive recreational service.

The Advent of Ice-Floating and Its Domestic Appeal

Ice-floating, a recreation that had previously necessitated international travel for participation, has now been successfully localized for the Chinese market. This unique sport involves participants being fully encased in specialized thermal equipment before entering the frigid water, where they float serenely on the surface. The novelty of this experience has been universally described as surprising by early participants. A clear articulation of this sentiment was provided by Zhou Jie, a tourist who traveled specifically from Jiangxi province to engage in the activity.

It was observed that the prior necessity of journeying abroad to experience such a sport has been completely negated, allowing the enjoyment of this distinctive leisure activity right here in Altay. The provision of this facility eliminates the logistical and financial burdens associated with seeking this adventure internationally, thus democratizing the experience for domestic consumers. This accessibility is considered a major contributing factor to the anticipated widespread adoption of the sport.

Strategic Location and Facility Development

The choice of location for the inaugural ice-floating club was critical to its success. The facility was established immediately adjacent to the Aweitan Reservoir, providing an expansive and naturally picturesque setting perfectly suited for the activity. The reservoir’s consistent winter conditions ensure the reliability of the frigid environment required for an authentic ice-floating experience. The development of the facility was executed with precision, involving the construction of supporting infrastructure designed to enhance visitor comfort and operational efficiency. The newly built complex includes dedicated changing areas, briefing rooms, and other essential amenities required for handling large groups of participants efficiently.

Unwavering Commitment to Operational Safety

A paramount consideration guiding the entire operation of the ice-floating club is the uncompromised adherence to safety protocols, which remains the club’s top priority. The safety framework implemented at the facility is comprehensive and multi-layered, designed to mitigate all inherent risks associated with entering frigid water environments. Central to this framework is the deployment of highly qualified personnel. All coaches responsible for guiding participants and overseeing sessions are professionally certified, possessing extensive training not only in the specific techniques of ice-floating but also in emergency response procedures tailored for cold water environments.

The equipment provided to guests forms the primary layer of personal safety. Participants are strictly required to wear specially designed buoyant thermal suits. These suits are engineered to provide maximum insulation against the cold while simultaneously ensuring positive buoyancy, guaranteeing that the wearer remains safely afloat on the water’s surface regardless of water temperature. Furthermore, an essential operational component involves the continuous presence of specialized safety staff.

Lifeguards and dedicated safety officers are mandated to remain on duty throughout the duration of every single session. Their continuous surveillance and readiness for immediate intervention ensure that any potential hazard is addressed instantly, providing an exceptionally secure environment for all recreational participants. The club’s management has made a categorical commitment that no operational compromises will be tolerated when the physical well-being of visitors is concerned, establishing a model for safety standards within this emerging sector of extreme leisure tourism.

Future Expansion and Economic Impact

The operational scope of the facility has been carefully projected for its inaugural season. According to figures provided by Cheng Hou, who serves as the director of the Polar Ice-Floating Tourism Studio in Altay, the club has been positioned to manage a significant volume of guests. It has been planned that the club will receive an average of about 100 visitors per day during peak operation. Based on this daily capacity and the anticipated length of the winter season, an estimated 10,000 tourists are expected to be accommodated throughout this winter season. These projections underscore the substantial contribution the club is expected to make to the local economy and regional tourism targets.

In anticipation of the strong demand already being generated, plans for substantial development and expansion are already being actively executed. Facility upgrades are currently underway, intended to enhance the capacity and efficiency of the existing infrastructure. Concurrently, efforts are being made to dramatically increase the size of the professional coaching team. This expansion of both physical resources and human capital is being undertaken specifically to ensure that the club is fully prepared to welcome an even greater influx of tourists arriving from all provinces across the country in subsequent seasons. The successful pioneering of the ice-floating club in Altay is thus viewed not merely as the launch of a new recreational activity, but rather as the foundational step in establishing the region as a major, diversified destination on the national winter tourism map. The economic multiplier effect, touching upon local accommodation, dining, and ancillary services, is expected to be considerable, cementing the club’s importance beyond the immediate leisure sector.