Why Are Changchun and Harbin Emerging as Top Winter Destinations? Foreign Tourists Flock to Northeast China’s Ski Resorts and Ice Wonders

Published on January 16, 2025

Earlier this month, a skier from New Zealand participated in the 23rd China Changchun Jingyuetan Vasaloppet International Ski Festival, held in Changchun, the capital city of Jilin Province in northeastern China. The skier, who had previously attended 20 ski festivals worldwide, expressed that this was his first experience in China. He noted the ideal conditions for skiing, describing the temperatures as perfectly cold and the sunshine as ideal. More than 2,000 participants from 33 countries and regions had gathered for the event, which originated in Sweden. The skier’s enthusiasm highlighted how international events like this are contributing to the region’s rising profile in the global tourism market.

China’s Visa-Free Policy: A Game Changer

China has experienced a noticeable uptick in foreign tourists this winter season, thanks in part to the country’s visa-free transit policy. This policy allows eligible international travelers to stay in the country for up to 240 hours without a visa. The extension of this policy has encouraged more visitors to explore China’s ski resorts, especially in Jilin Province, which boasts some of the country’s best facilities for winter sports. This shift is especially evident at Jilin’s Beidahu Ski Resort, where the number of visitors surged by 75.6% year on year, while revenue increased by 73%. Similarly, Vanke Songhua Lake Resort saw a 20.6% rise in visitors and a revenue growth of 19.3%.

The Rise of Young International Tourists

Local travel agencies have reported an influx of younger foreign tourists, a demographic attracted by the ease of travel under the visa-free policy. Many young professionals, for instance, have flown to China for quick weekend getaways to enjoy snow activities, food, and hot springs before heading back to their jobs. One tourist from South Korea shared that the updated visa policy made the trip more affordable and simplified the entry process, making China an even more appealing destination for short vacations.

Ice and Snow Tourism: A Global Trend

While China has long been a popular destination for tourists from neighboring Asian countries, this winter has also seen a rise in tourists from Africa. Oubeid Mohamed Salem, a student from Mauritania, made his second visit to Changchun this year, bringing friends along to experience the area’s snow and ice activities. Salem, who comes from a region with no snow, referred to his winter experience in Changchun as stepping into a “magical kingdom.” He expressed his excitement about trying new activities, including ice karting, which he described as exhilarating.

Anticipation for the 2025 Asian Winter Games

The 2025 Asian Winter Games, set to take place in Harbin from February 7 to 14, have further amplified interest in the region’s winter tourism offerings. Harbin, the capital of Heilongjiang Province, is preparing to welcome a significant influx of international visitors, and local officials are making efforts to ensure a smooth experience for travelers. To this end, Harbin’s tourist information center on Central Street has been designated as a one-stop service point for international tourists. The city has optimized its ticket-booking networks and has coordinated with local businesses, including shopping malls and restaurants, to set up large screens to broadcast the games in warm indoor environments.

Infrastructure Enhancements for International Travelers

The region has implemented several initiatives to accommodate the growing number of international tourists. Harbin’s airports, railways, public security authorities, and customs officials have been integrated into a comprehensive arrival and departure command center. Furthermore, 1,391 point-of-sale (POS) machines that accept foreign bank cards, as well as 70 foreign currency exchange points, have been set up across the city. In addition, foreigner-friendly ATMs are now available at three-star hotels and tourist attractions, ensuring payment convenience for visitors.

The Popularity of Harbin Ice-Snow World

One of Harbin’s most iconic attractions, Harbin Ice-Snow World, has seen an extraordinary rise in visitor numbers. In just 20 days since its opening on December 21, more than one million people had visited the world’s largest ice-and-snow theme park. Tourists from across the globe, including from Australia, were captivated by the stunning ice sculptures, some of which were inspired by landmarks such as Cambodia’s Bayon Temple and Malaysia’s Petronas Twin Towers. Visitors from Thailand expressed amazement at the scale and beauty of the sculptures, particularly the ice rendition of the Grand Palace, which they were eager to see.

Surging International Interest in Harbin

The recent increase in international tourism to Harbin has been substantial. According to data from Ctrip, one of China’s leading online travel agencies, inbound bookings to Harbin for the winter season had risen by over 220% by the end of December compared to the previous year. The number of international bookings to Harbin Ice-Snow World also doubled. Tourists from Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, and Indonesia, are the most prominent international groups visiting Harbin, drawn by the allure of snow and ice experiences they can’t find at home.

Impacts on the Travel Industry

The rising popularity of winter tourism in China is having significant implications for the global travel industry. Not only are international tourists flocking to ski resorts and ice theme parks, but they are also benefiting from improved infrastructure, ease of travel through the visa-free policy, and the anticipation surrounding major events like the Asian Winter Games. This growth in winter tourism is likely to inspire further international interest in China, which could lead to long-term growth in both regional and national tourism markets.