China Ushers In A New Era Of Winter Tourism With Early Cold Fronts Sparking High Demand For Skiing, Snow Sightseeing, And Indoor Winter Theme Parks

Published on November 24, 2025

China is witnessing an unprecedented surge in winter tourism as an early drop in temperatures triggers a rush to popular winter destinations. The unseasonably early cold fronts have accelerated the start of the winter tourism season, driving travelers to ski resorts, snow-covered landscapes, and winter retreats across the country. This early chill, which arrived ahead of the traditional season, has prompted increased demand for snow sports, scenic winter escapes, and related travel experiences, with platforms like Tuniu and LY.com reporting significant early bookings. The growing trend reflects an eagerness to embrace the season’s offerings, from skiing and snow sightseeing to indoor winter theme parks.

The early onset of colder temperatures has set the stage for a quicker-than-usual start to the winter tourism season, according to industry experts. This shift has been welcomed by both travelers and businesses in the tourism sector, as early cold fronts prompt more people to head to winter destinations earlier than expected.

Tuniu, a prominent domestic travel platform, predicts that the first significant surge in winter tourism will align with the solar term Xiaoxue (Minor Snow), which marks the arrival of colder weather and more frequent cold fronts. In 2025, Xiaoxue fell on November 22, a sign that winter conditions are beginning to take hold across the country. As temperatures dip, more travelers are eager to embrace the season’s offerings, from snowy landscapes to seasonal activities.

Tuniu also forecasts that the peak of winter tourism will coincide with two key travel periods: the winter break for students and the Spring Festival holiday, which will fall in mid-February 2026. The company highlighted that regions in eastern and southern China, particularly Shanghai, Zhejiang, and Guangdong, have seen the most winter tourism bookings, accounting for over 70% of total reservations on their platform.

This season’s winter tourism is starting one to two weeks earlier than in previous years, primarily due to the intense cold wave that has swept through the country. This shift means that more travelers are heading to destinations known for their winter appeal earlier than usual. Areas in northeastern and northwestern China, such as Harbin in Heilongjiang and Altay in Xinjiang, are especially popular. These locations have long been associated with winter sports, scenic snow-covered views, and the perfect conditions for a true winter escape.

Xinjiang, for example, offers one of the earliest starts to the ski season, typically beginning in mid-October. Known for its pristine snow and high-quality winter resorts, Xinjiang attracts ski enthusiasts from across China. The region also benefits from beautiful, snow-covered landscapes, offering a unique winter experience that appeals to visitors seeking both adventure and relaxation. To further enhance its appeal, Xinjiang provides discounted flights during the winter season, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers looking to take advantage of the early snow and extended ski season.

LY.com, another major player in the Chinese travel industry, has reported a significant increase in flight bookings to winter destinations like Harbin, Urumqi, Altay, and Hulunbuir since early November. As demand for these winter destinations continues to rise, LY.com anticipates that flight and hotel prices will see a notable increase around January 1, 2026, continuing through the Spring Festival. This surge in prices is a direct response to the growing interest in winter tourism during this period.

Early hotel bookings have also surged, particularly in destinations like Harbin, with many travelers planning trips for late November and December. Based on trends from previous years, hotel prices in Harbin and other top winter destinations are expected to remain high from mid-December through the Spring Festival in February. With this in mind, many travelers are securing their accommodations well in advance to avoid the higher rates that will come as the peak travel period approaches.

The shift toward winter tourism has also spurred a wider range of activities, as people look for more than just traditional winter sports. Skiing remains a top activity, but snow sightseeing and indoor winter theme parks are also gaining traction. The increased variety of winter tourism experiences reflects a growing demand for more diverse options, catering to different tastes and preferences within the market. This trend is expected to keep the winter tourism business thriving throughout the season.

Local authorities in key winter tourism areas are also capitalizing on this surge in demand. In Altay, Xinjiang, the education bureau has announced a special “snow break” for students, from December 1 to December 5. This new initiative allows local students to take advantage of the region’s winter tourism offerings during their time off. As part of the effort, discounted tickets to ski resorts, special hotel deals, and free public transportation will be available to students in the area. This move aims to encourage local engagement with the winter tourism sector while providing an accessible and affordable winter experience for students and their families.

In addition to local incentives, the popularity of winter tourism has led to broader regional investments in infrastructure, further enhancing the accessibility and appeal of key winter destinations. As both domestic and international travelers seek out the perfect winter vacation, the demand for winter travel services, accommodations, and experiences is expected to continue growing throughout the season.

China is experiencing an unprecedented surge in winter tourism as early cold fronts have triggered an early start to the season, with travelers flocking to ski resorts and snowy destinations in response to the unseasonably low temperatures. This early chill has sparked a rush for winter experiences like skiing and snow sightseeing, leading to a boom in bookings across the country.

As the winter season progresses, it’s clear that China’s winter tourism market is experiencing a shift. With the season starting earlier than usual, travelers are eager to explore the country’s top winter destinations, while local authorities and tourism businesses continue to expand and diversify their offerings to meet growing demand. Whether seeking a snowy adventure on the ski slopes or a peaceful retreat amidst stunning winter landscapes, the season promises to deliver unique experiences that are likely to fuel the continued growth of winter tourism in China.