China Powers Up Winter Sports Ambitions As Harbin Develops High-Impact Training And Tourism Complex

Published on May 26, 2025

Harbin, China, is set to boost sports tourism with a new winter sports training hub, transforming the city into a year-round destination for athletes.

Harbin Advances Vision for Year-Round Winter Sports and Tourism with New Regional Training Hub

Harbin is preparing to take its next leap as a leader in winter sports with the development of a permanent regional training hub. Riding the momentum from its successful hosting of the 2025 Asian Winter Games, the city is transforming its event legacy into a lasting platform that will support athlete development and attract visitors throughout all seasons.

As the capital of Heilongjiang Province in northeastern China, Harbin has long been known for its icy landscapes, snow festivals, and cold-weather charm. Now, it is preparing to cement its position as a year-round center for winter sports excellence and tourism. This ambitious vision is backed by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), which has formally endorsed the initiative as part of a broader effort to cultivate winter sports across the region.

The new training hub will integrate and enhance infrastructure already in place from the Asian Winter Games. Harbin’s world-class ice arenas will be combined with the alpine assets of Yabuli, one of China’s most prominent ski resorts. Located approximately 200 kilometers from Harbin, Yabuli is famed for its expansive ski terrain, high-end resorts, and established role as a host of major snow sports competitions. Together, Harbin and Yabuli will offer a comprehensive year-round sports ecosystem—providing elite athletes, aspiring youth, and tourists with diverse, world-class winter experiences.

The initiative officially moved forward following the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Olympic Council of Asia, the Chinese Olympic Committee, and Harbin’s municipal authorities. The agreement, sealed during the 45th OCA General Assembly held in Kuwait on May 12, 2025, represents a unified commitment to advancing winter sports infrastructure and training in Asia. It sets the stage for Harbin to evolve from a one-time host city into a dynamic regional hub for ongoing development, tourism, and international collaboration.

The first initiative under this new partnership will be the launch of the OCA-ISU Figure Skating Youth Training Camp in August 2025. This inaugural event is expected to attract young figure skaters from across Asia and provide them with access to elite coaching and Olympic-grade facilities. Hosted in Harbin, the camp represents a foundational step in the region’s efforts to foster future champions while promoting regional integration through sport. Participants will not only sharpen their skills but also experience Harbin’s world-class sports environment, laying the groundwork for future training exchanges and competitive events.

For tourism professionals, travel agencies, and destination marketers, the initiative offers significant potential. Harbin and Yabuli are poised to emerge as premier four-season destinations—not just for professional training but also for recreational travelers and adventure-seekers. With an increasing appetite for winter getaways and outdoor sports among both domestic Chinese travelers and regional tourists from countries like South Korea, Japan, and Kazakhstan, the training hub will act as a catalyst for year-round visitation.

Furthermore, the development of this sports center is expected to spur investment in surrounding infrastructure, including transportation, accommodation, and hospitality services. Tourism officials anticipate a ripple effect, boosting the local economy and encouraging private-sector partnerships aimed at enhancing the broader winter sports ecosystem.

This forward-looking move underscores Harbin’s strategic vision to harness the legacy of the Asian Winter Games and elevate it into a sustained advantage. The training hub will not only nurture elite athletic talent but also solidify Harbin’s reputation as a leading destination for winter sports and experiential tourism. With regional cooperation, modern infrastructure, and growing demand for snow-related activities, Harbin is positioned to become a cornerstone in Asia’s winter sports future—offering visitors and athletes alike a place where excellence meets adventure, year-round.