Unveiling China’s Epic Winter Wonderland: Tourists Flock to Sichuan, Harbin, and Hidden Snowy Treasures for an Unforgettable Ice Adventure!

Published on December 20, 2025

As China ushers in its golden winter tourism season, the country has witnessed a surge in international visitors drawn to its captivating ice-and-snow landscapes. Popular destinations such as Sichuan, Harbin, and Yanbian are offering unique winter tourism experiences that continue to draw tourists from around the world. These locations have become highly sought after for their combination of cool-climate escapes, stunning snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and immersive cultural experiences, especially from Southeast Asia and beyond.

Sichuan’s Unique Winter Appeal: Snow and Scenic Beauty

Sichuan, in Southwest China, stands out as one of the world’s top destinations for low-latitude ice-and-snow tourism. This region attracts a growing number of foreign travelers, especially from Southeast Asia, who are eager to escape the tropical heat and experience a winter wonderland with mild temperatures. The iconic Mount Emei, known for its breathtaking sea of clouds and tranquil winter landscapes, has already received significant attention. From January to November, more than 224,000 inbound visits were recorded to the Mount Emei Scenic Area, with Malaysia, Singapore, and the United States ranking as top source markets.

The Dagu Glacier, another popular attraction in Sichuan, has seen a massive increase in visitors, with a staggering 139.72% surge in inbound visits year-on-year. Over 46,000 tourists visited the glacier during this period, with travelers from Malaysia and Thailand accounting for the vast majority. This influx of international visitors is a testament to the province’s appeal as a winter destination.

Visa-Free Policies Boost Winter Tourism

China’s introduction of visa-free policies for travelers from 76 countries has played a pivotal role in boosting winter tourism. As of December 2025, data from the National Immigration Administration (NIA) showed that over 7 million foreign arrivals entered the country during the third quarter of the year, representing a 48.3% increase compared to the previous year. This relaxation of visa regulations has been particularly beneficial for tourists from Southeast Asia, with Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore emerging as top source countries for winter tourism.

The impact of social media trends has also contributed significantly to China’s growing popularity as a winter destination, with platforms showcasing the country’s unique ice-and-snow experiences, such as skiing programs and themed winter photography. These developments have cemented China’s status as a go-to location for winter travel, with millions flocking to its snowy regions each year.

Harbin: A Hub for Ice-and-Snow Enthusiasts

Harbin, often referred to as the “Ice City,” continues to dominate China’s winter tourism scene. Known for its world-renowned Harbin Ice-Snow World, the city has become a must-visit destination for tourists seeking stunning ice sculptures and elaborate winter displays. The city received over 90 million visitors during the 2024-2025 winter season, marking an impressive 94.2% increase in inbound arrivals year-on-year.

In response to the growing demand, Harbin has enhanced its international appeal by offering direct flights to popular destinations such as Hong Kong, Seoul, and various cities in Russia. This accessibility, combined with China’s visa-free policies, has resulted in a record-breaking number of tourists from Russia, Japan, and South Korea. In fact, tourist arrivals from Russia alone rose by 136%, contributing to a 150% increase in inbound spending.

Yanbian’s Cultural Winter Experiences

The Korean Autonomous Prefecture of Yanbian, located in Northeast China’s Jilin province, has emerged as another top winter destination. The region has attracted tourists with its unique travel photography experiences featuring traditional Korean ethnic attire. These culturally rich offerings have captivated foreign visitors, especially from Russia, Japan, and the Republic of Korea, with daily visitor numbers averaging 20,000 during the holiday seasons.

The surge in interest from international visitors has helped fuel the local travel photography industry, providing new opportunities for photographers and makeup artists. This growth aligns with China’s booming ice-and-snow economy, which has now become a driving force for local businesses and the broader tourism sector.

A Thriving Ice-and-Snow Economy

The rapid growth of China’s ice-and-snow tourism economy has resulted in a thriving industry worth more than 160 billion yuan ($22.68 billion) in Harbin alone. With over 90 million visitors flocking to the city’s winter attractions and the continuous expansion of international flight routes, Harbin’s position as a global ice-and-snow tourism leader is firmly established. The city’s ability to blend traditional winter attractions with modern tourism infrastructure has made it a social media sensation and a major economic driver for the region.

The Chinese government is committed to further developing high-quality inbound tourism products during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-30). As part of its efforts, new tourism routes, snow football challenges, and themed winter sports leagues are being launched to ensure that China remains a top destination for international tourists.

The Future of Winter Tourism in China

As China continues to refine its winter tourism offerings, international travelers can expect even more innovative experiences in the coming years. From skiing adventures to culturally immersive winter festivals, the country’s diverse landscapes and welcoming atmosphere make it an ideal destination for those seeking a unique and unforgettable winter getaway.

With its diverse range of winter destinations, relaxed visa policies, and innovative tourism products, China is undoubtedly emerging as a top player in the global winter tourism market. Whether it’s the snowy peaks of Sichuan, the frozen beauty of Harbin, or the cultural charm of Yanbian, China’s winter tourism sector promises to deliver exciting new experiences for travelers from around the world.

(With inputs and insights from Xinhua)