Winter Wonderland in China: Now, Ski Resorts and Ice Rinks Spark Growing Tourism

Published on December 12, 2025

As the winter season arrives, China is experiencing a surge in ice and snow tourism, with travelers flocking to destinations across the country to enjoy skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and other winter activities. From the ski resorts in the snowy northern regions to the indoor ice rinks in the warmer southern areas, China’s winter tourism industry is reaching its seasonal peak. This boom in winter tourism is drawing both domestic and international tourists, as the country embraces a growing culture of ice and snow sports.

Winter sports have become increasingly popular in China, particularly since the country hosted the Winter Olympics in Beijing in 2022. The event was a catalyst for the development of infrastructure and facilities that have made winter sports more accessible to a wider audience. As a result, ski resorts, ice rinks, and other winter-themed attractions have seen a sharp increase in visitor numbers, leading to a vibrant and exciting winter tourism season.

Northern China: Ski Resorts and Snow Activities

In northern China, the winter months bring an influx of tourists to some of the country’s top ski resorts. Regions like Harbin in Heilongjiang Province, known for its frigid temperatures and thick snowfall, have become hotbeds for winter sports tourism. Harbin is famous for its International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival, which draws large crowds to see massive and intricately designed ice sculptures that are illuminated by colorful lights. The city also offers plenty of skiing and snowboarding opportunities at resorts such as Yabuli, China’s largest and most well-known ski resort, located a few hours away from the city.

Other popular ski destinations in northern China include the Chongli region in Hebei Province, which gained international attention as one of the key venues for the 2022 Winter Olympics. Today, the area remains a popular destination for tourists, with resorts like Genting Resort Secret Garden offering a range of ski runs for beginners and experienced skiers alike. With modern facilities, well-maintained slopes, and snow-making capabilities, ski resorts across northern China are now offering world-class experiences for winter sports enthusiasts.

Skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and other snow-based activities are a big draw in these northern resorts, attracting tourists from across China and abroad. Whether it’s the adrenaline rush of skiing down powdery slopes or the quiet enjoyment of snowshoe hiking, the northern regions of China offer a diverse range of winter activities that cater to all ages and skill levels.

Indoor Ice Rinks and Winter Sports in Southern China

While northern China is known for its expansive ski resorts and outdoor winter activities, the southern regions are also embracing the winter tourism boom, albeit with a slightly different twist. In cities like Guangzhou and Shenzhen, which are far warmer than their northern counterparts, indoor ice rinks are drawing large crowds of ice skating enthusiasts. These indoor rinks have become popular destinations for families, tourists, and even locals looking to try ice sports in a more controlled, comfortable environment.

The popularity of ice skating has surged in cities that traditionally didn’t have a strong ice sports culture. With a growing number of indoor rinks, these southern cities are attracting visitors who may not have had the opportunity to experience snow-based activities due to the warmer climate. In addition to skating, indoor rinks often offer curling, ice hockey, and even ice biking, giving tourists the chance to engage in a variety of winter sports, regardless of the outdoor temperatures.

The rise of winter-themed amusement parks and attractions in southern China is another aspect of the booming winter tourism market. These indoor winter parks simulate snowy environments, complete with ice castles, snow slides, and themed attractions. These parks are becoming increasingly popular, especially for families with young children, offering a unique winter experience without the need to travel to colder regions.

Winter Festivals and Cultural Events Across China

China’s winter tourism is not limited to sports and outdoor activities; the season also brings a variety of winter festivals and cultural events that attract tourists from around the world. In Harbin, the Ice and Snow Festival is a major highlight, offering visitors the chance to marvel at intricate ice sculptures and participate in snow-themed activities like ice swimming and snow football. The festival runs from January to February, drawing millions of visitors annually.

In addition to Harbin’s renowned festival, other regions of China host winter festivals that celebrate the cultural aspects of the season. In Beijing, the Winter Solstice Festival, held in December, brings together music, dance, and traditional performances to celebrate the changing of the seasons. Visitors can experience Chinese cultural traditions, food, and performances, adding a unique cultural element to their winter holidays.

Winter Tourism and Sustainability

As China’s winter tourism industry continues to grow, there is an increasing focus on sustainable practices to preserve the environment and natural beauty of winter destinations. Many ski resorts and winter sports venues are adopting eco-friendly practices, such as energy-efficient snowmaking systems and waste reduction initiatives, to minimize their environmental impact. Additionally, the development of winter tourism infrastructure is increasingly incorporating green design principles, ensuring that new resorts and attractions are built with sustainability in mind.

Conclusion: A Thriving Winter Travel Destination

With its growing network of ski resorts, indoor ice rinks, and winter festivals, China is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for winter tourism. Both northern and southern regions of the country are embracing the season, offering a diverse array of activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether skiing in the snowy north or ice skating in the southern cities, winter tourism in China is thriving and continues to draw millions of tourists from around the world.