Preface

As a travel enthusiast who grew up in southern China, I've always been fascinated by the ice and snow of the north. Every year, seeing snow photos from my northern friends on social media filled me with envy. Finally, this winter, I decided to fully experience the thrill of ice and snow tourism. This journey made me fall completely in love with winter travel, especially when I saw the 12 premium winter tourism routes recently released by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism - I was too excited to sleep. Let me take you through these amazing winter tourism routes.

A Southerner's View of the North

When it comes to ice and snow tourism, you might think northerners would be more enthusiastic, but that's not the case at all. The most passionate winter sports enthusiasts are actually us southerners! According to recent tourism data analysis, tourists from southern cities like Shanghai, Hangzhou, Chengdu, Nanjing, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou dominate the ice and snow tourism market.

Take Harbin for example - hotel bookings have increased by over 50% this year, and online searches have tripled compared to last year. These numbers reflect southerners' infinite yearning for the world of ice and snow. I'll never forget my first snow experience in Harbin: when the first snowflake landed on my palm, I was dancing with joy like a child. That excitement and happiness probably felt similar to how northerners feel when they first see the ocean.

As a true southerner, I completely understand why so many southern tourists choose to experience the charm of ice and snow in the north. In the south, we're used to warm, humid weather and drizzly winters. But the northern winter is completely different: snow-covered landscapes, crystal-clear icicles, and dancing snowflakes - these are rare sights in the south.

Must-Visit Northeast

When it comes to ice and snow tourism, Northeast China is an absolute must-visit destination. It not only has the most authentic ice and snow landscapes but also rich winter culture and unique ice and snow activities.

Harbin Ice and Snow World is truly a fairy tale kingdom. This year's venue has expanded considerably, especially with the addition of several ice slides. The Ice and Snow World at night is breathtakingly beautiful: colorful lights illuminate the ice sculptures, making you feel like you're walking through a crystal palace. Even with temperatures dropping below -20°C, visitors still have endless fun.

Worth mentioning is how quickly tourism services in the Northeast have improved in recent years. Real-time taxi information displays can now be seen at airports, making it easy for tourists to find transportation. Major attractions have multilingual signage systems, and even small vendors can communicate with foreign tourists in simple English. Particularly exciting is Harbin's rapid improvement of various facilities in preparation for the 9th Asian Winter Games in February 2025. They've built new high-quality hotels and upgraded multiple ice and snow theme parks.

Besides Harbin, Changchun and Shenyang also offer excellent winter activities. Changchun's Jingyuetan Ski Resort is the largest urban forest park ski resort in Northeast China, suitable for skiers of all levels. Shenyang's Manrong Ski Resort is known for its professional slopes and comprehensive facilities. These ski resorts not only provide professional ski instruction but also feature advanced snow-making systems, ensuring quality skiing experiences throughout winter.

Northeast's winter cuisine is another highlight. In the cold winter, a hot bowl of Northeastern sauerkraut and pork hot pot warms both body and soul. Various special snacks like candied haw, roasted chestnuts, and baked sweet potatoes are winter tourism must-tries. Especially on Harbin's Central Street, you'll find vendors selling various specialty snacks everywhere, with enticing aromas drawing people to stop and taste.

Xinjiang: A Skiing Paradise

If Northeast China is the birthplace of Chinese ice and snow tourism, then Altay in Xinjiang is China's "skiing holy land." It has ideal natural conditions: a long snow season, quality powder snow, and spectacular mountain views, making Altay a paradise for ski enthusiasts.

In Altay, you can experience not only traditional alpine skiing but also various exciting winter activities. Helicopter skiing is one of the most thrilling: take a helicopter to reach untouched mountain peaks, then ski down pristine slopes - the feeling of freedom and excitement is indescribable.

Snowmobiling is another must-try experience. Riding a roaring snowmobile across vast snowy plains, with cold wind in your face, brings unlimited exhilaration. For thrill-seekers, ski jumping and ski paragliding offer extreme sports excitement.

But in Altay, what fascinated me most was snow photography. The snow scenes here have a unique charm: vast snow plains dotted with birch forests, distant peaks covered in snow, gleaming in the sunset. Especially at sunset, when the last rays of sun fall on the snow, the whole world seems coated in gold - a stunning view you'll never forget.

Altay's winter tourism has another unique aspect: the perfect integration of ice and snow with ethnic culture. Local Kazakh herders have lived on these snow plains for generations, and their traditional "horse-pulled skiing" is a special feature. Tourists can experience horseback riding across snow plains or stay in warm yurts to experience authentic nomadic life.

Notable is Altay's continuously upgrading ski resort facilities. For example, Keketuohai Ski Resort has introduced the latest snow-making systems and cable car equipment, with more professional slope planning and design. Both beginners and experts can find suitable slopes here.

Southern Ice and Snow Tourism

Don't think winter activities are only available in the north - the south now has many excellent ice and snow facilities. While they might lack the north's vast frozen landscapes, they offer convenient transportation and are perfect for beginners.

Chongqing's Tongliang Anquan Mountain Indoor Ski Resort is a great choice. As Southwest China's largest indoor ski resort, it maintains year-round temperature control regardless of season. The venue has multiple slopes of varying difficulty and professional coaching teams, particularly suitable for southern beginners.

Sichuan's Xiling Snow Mountain is a rare natural ski resort in the south. Its high altitude ensures a stable snow season. Though it may have fewer slopes than northern large-scale resorts, it offers unique scenery where you can ski while admiring Sichuan's magnificent mountains.

Yunnan's Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is also a good choice. Here you can admire year-round glaciers and experience the unique charm of highland skiing. Especially on clear days, standing atop the snow mountain overlooking Lijiang Ancient Town creates a truly special feeling.

Innovative Activities

Modern ice and snow tourism has evolved far beyond traditional skiing and ice sculpture viewing. Various locations are continuously introducing new activities and experiences, making winter tourism more diverse and colorful.

For instance, you can participate in various ice and snow festivals. Besides the well-known Harbin Ice Festival, Jilin's Rime Festival and Changchun's Winter Tourism Festival are also distinctive. These festivals feature not only spectacular ice art displays but also highly interactive activities like ice and snow creative competitions and ice fashion shows.

Specialty museums are also a great choice. For example, Harbin's Ice and Snow World Museum uses multimedia technology to showcase the development of ice and snow culture. Changchun's Winter Sports Museum focuses on the development of Chinese winter sports, giving visitors a deeper understanding of ice and snow culture.

Ice and snow tourism in nature reserves is becoming increasingly popular. For example, at Changbai Mountain Nature Reserve, you can trek through snow-covered pristine forests with professional guides, observe wildlife tracks in the snow, and experience the most pristine winter scenery.

For photography enthusiasts, many places now offer specialized ice and snow photography tours. Professional photographers guide you to the best spots and teach you how to take perfect photos in extreme cold conditions. Particularly in Altay and northern Xinjiang, you can capture rare "diamond rime" phenomena.

Speaking of innovation, many places now offer ice and snow-themed hot spring experiences. Imagine spending the day in snowy activities, then relaxing in warm hot springs at night - this contrast of ice and fire creates an amazing experience.

To accommodate international tourists, many cities have implemented convenient entry policies. For example, Harbin now offers 144-hour visa-free transit, coordinating with similar measures in other Northeast regions, greatly facilitating international travel. Some scenic areas have established foreign language service windows and provide multilingual guide services.

Practical Advice

After this round of ice and snow tourism experience, as a newly minted "veteran player" who has explored all major winter destinations nationwide, I have some practical advice to share.

First, regarding destination choice. If you're new to winter sports, it's recommended to start practicing at indoor snow venues in the south. These venues have milder temperatures and facilities more suitable for beginners. Once you've mastered basic skills, then challenge yourself at professional-level skiing destinations like Xinjiang's Altay.

Equipment selection is also crucial. Many first-timers worry about the cold and overdress, which actually hinders movement. With the right equipment, activities in temperatures below -20°C can be comfortable. The "three-layer dressing method" is recommended: thermal underwear as the base layer, fleece for the middle layer, and wind/waterproof outerwear.

Timing needs careful planning. Generally, December through February is the best time for ice and snow tourism. However, optimal timing varies by location. For example, Harbin's Ice and Snow World only fully opens in January, while some ski resorts in Xinjiang start operating from late November. Always check specific conditions before departing.

Accommodation choices require careful consideration. Many winter destinations now offer specialty lodging like ice houses, snow houses, or hot spring hotels. While these may cost more than standard hotels, they provide unique experiences. If on a budget, staying in locations with convenient transportation can save time on commuting.

Diet requires special attention. Cold weather activities consume more energy, so proper nutrition is essential. Have a hearty breakfast, carry high-energy snacks like chocolate and nuts for midday energy boosts, and enjoy hot meals for dinner, but avoid eating too late to prevent sleep disruption.

Future Outlook

As regions continue to improve infrastructure and service quality, China's ice and snow tourism industry is flourishing. Especially following the 2022 Winter Olympics, more people are becoming interested in and participating in winter sports and tourism.

Many places are actively developing new winter activities. Some are experimenting with ice and snow hot springs and wellness programs. Others are developing nighttime snow activities, allowing tourists to experience night skiing thrills. Traditional ski resorts are introducing new technologies like VR ski simulators, making ski learning more enjoyable.

We can expect future ice and snow tourism to focus more on personalized experiences, offering customized services for different age groups and skill levels. Smart services will become more prevalent, allowing people to check real-time snow conditions, book lessons, and rent equipment through mobile apps.

In a few years, when we look back at China's ice and snow tourism, we'll surely see more exciting changes. Perhaps more southern cities will build indoor ski resorts, more innovative winter activities will emerge, and more people will fall in love with winter sports.

Which winter destination would you like to experience? Do you want to experience authentic winter culture in the Northeast, try extreme skiing in Xinjiang, or visit a nearby indoor snow venue in the south? Feel free to share your choices and expectations in the comments.