Opening Thoughts

It's been absolutely crazy lately! My social media feed is flooded with skiing posts! My southern friends who have never seen snow can't contain their excitement anymore, frantically searching for flight tickets. Even I, who grew up in Guangdong, couldn't resist booking a flight to Harbin to experience the legendary northeastern winter wonderland.

It's not just me and my social circle - the entire country's ice and snow tourism market is experiencing unprecedented popularity. As a seasoned travel blogger, I'm truly amazed by this ice and snow tourism wave. Let's talk about this super interesting phenomenon today!

New Market Trends

This ice and snow tourism wave is incredibly intense! Ski resort bookings nationwide have increased by 20% year-over-year - a jaw-dropping figure! Just a few years ago, people used to complain about the cold and preferred staying in bed watching shows. Now, everyone's turned into snow enthusiasts, rushing to ski resorts.

Even more surprisingly, skiing-related searches on Trip.com surged by 50% in just one week. This isn't just a trend - it's a national ice and snow celebration! I've seen ski resorts having to add staff to handle the overwhelming number of visitors and even issue advance booking notices.

Young people today are becoming more adventurous, no longer satisfied with traditional "passive" tourism. Instead, they seek challenging and engaging experiences. Skiing not only offers speed and excitement but also provides great photo opportunities for social media - making it the perfect holiday choice for young people.

The Rise of the Ice City

When it comes to leading this ice and snow tourism wave, Harbin is definitely at the forefront! The Ice and Snow World is now incredibly popular, with tickets harder to get than Spring Festival train tickets. The first day's tickets were sold out immediately, and the following week's tickets were in short supply. When I visited Harbin last week, I experienced firsthand how difficult it was to get tickets - if I hadn't booked two weeks in advance, it would have been a wasted trip.

Accommodation is even crazier, with hotel occupancy rates surging over 50%. When I was booking my room, the receptionist told me with a smile, "Harbin's hotels are now busier than during Spring Festival, especially the boutique guesthouses near Central Street - it's nearly impossible to find a room."

The most interesting aspect is the visitor composition - most tourists in Harbin now come from southern cities like Shanghai, Hangzhou, Chengdu, Nanjing, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou. While queuing at the Ice and Snow World, I heard various dialects mixing together: Shanghai dialect, Cantonese, Sichuan dialect... it was like a national dialect convention!

I met a young lady from Guangzhou, bundled up in a thick down jacket with heat packs, still shivering from the cold, but with a constant smile on her face. She said it was her first time seeing such heavy snow, and despite the cold, it was totally worth it! At the ice slides in the Ice and Snow World, southern tourists lined up in long queues, screaming with excitement after each slide, then immediately getting back in line for another round.

Not just the Ice and Snow World, but the historic buildings on Central Street were also packed with tourists. Especially in the evening, when the lights came on, the entire street was bathed in romantic lighting, becoming a huge real-life photography studio. I saw many young women taking photos in Republican-era qipaos - though shivering from cold, they persevered for the perfect shot.

The Flood Control Monument by the Songhua River has also become a popular spot. The ice gallery on the river surface attracted countless visitors who enjoyed ice skating and snowball fights. I saw one photographer with professional equipment crouching on the ice to capture the sunset scenery - truly an unforgettable sight.

New Opportunities in Xinjiang

When it comes to emerging ice and snow tourism hotspots, Xinjiang is undoubtedly the rising star. The ski resorts in Urumqi and Altay are incredibly popular, with ticket sales more than doubling from last year! Especially since Xinjiang implemented visa-free policies for 38 countries, international tourists have been gradually increasing, with Japanese tourist bookings surging by an amazing 162%!

The Silk Road Mountain Resort has attracted many domestic and international ski enthusiasts. While interviewing there, I met a tourist from Tokyo who excitedly told me, "The snow quality here is amazing! It's fine and soft, better than many Japanese ski resorts. Most importantly, it's less crowded and more affordable - a paradise for ski enthusiasts!"

Indeed, Xinjiang's skiing resources are excellent. The Altay ski resort is built along the mountains, offering a view of endless snow-covered peaks against the blue sky and white clouds, like a traditional ink painting. The beginner slopes there have moderate gradients, perfect for novices. I saw many first-time skiers who, despite their bumps and bruises, kept coming back for more.

Beyond skiing, Xinjiang's ice and snow tourism activities are becoming increasingly diverse. For instance, the Kanas Ice and Snow Festival perfectly combines ethnic characteristics with winter elements. Visitors can experience thrilling snowmobile rides and participate in local bonfires while enjoying Xinjiang's special cuisine. The kebabs I had there still make my mouth water just thinking about them!

New Industry Landscape

This ice and snow tourism wave isn't accidental - it has strong policy support behind it. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism has recently made significant efforts, launching 12 premium ice and snow tourism routes that connect winter sports venues, scenic spots, and museums in Beijing, Chongqing, Sichuan, and other regions. These routes not only include traditional skiing activities but also incorporate local cultural elements, allowing tourists to experience different regional cultural charms while enjoying sports.

The State Council has made an even bigger move, implementing 24 promotional measures targeting industry sales goals for 2027. These measures cover infrastructure construction, talent development, market regulation, and other aspects, essentially giving the ice and snow tourism industry a strong boost.

Ice and snow facilities nationwide are becoming increasingly professional. Take Beijing for example - the National Alpine Skiing Center in Yanqing has maintained its professional-grade tracks while adding beginner and intermediate slopes for the general public. During my last visit, I saw many parents bringing their children to experience skiing with professional instructors providing guidance - both safe and fun.

Although Chongqing is known for its hot pot, it has also joined the ice and snow tourism movement. They've combined indoor ski facilities with hot pot culture, creating a unique "ice and fire" experience. Visitors can work up a sweat at the indoor ski resort, then head directly downstairs for authentic Chongqing hot pot - this contrasting experience has attracted many young people.

Innovative Experiences

Ice and snow tourism is becoming increasingly creative! Take Shimian County in Sichuan for example - they've created something unique by combining hot springs with snow activities, offering a distinctive "ice and fire" experience. Imagine racing through the snow one moment and soaking in warm hot springs the next - the contrast is amazing!

I tried it recently, and it was incredible! After skiing in sub-zero temperatures with stiff muscles, soaking in 40-degree hot springs was indescribably comfortable. They've even set up viewing platforms by the hot spring pools, allowing you to enjoy snow views while soaking - it's like paradise on earth!

Southern cities are also getting creative. An indoor ski resort in Wuhan is incredibly popular, with monthly ticket sales exceeding 20 million yuan! These aren't just numbers - I witnessed the popularity firsthand. Even on a weekday afternoon, the resort was packed, especially with young people.

This indoor ski resort has an interesting design, featuring slopes of varying difficulty and many interactive elements around the venue. There's a snow photography zone with professional photographers, and a snow-themed café where you can rest while watching skiers.

More impressively, they've developed a dedicated app where visitors can book instructors, check real-time crowd levels, and even share their skiing videos. This tech-integrated approach really appeals to young people.

Now you can enjoy snow activities anywhere. The north has natural ski resorts, while the south has indoor snow parks, eliminating geographical limitations. Every venue keeps innovating, combining winter sports with local characteristics to create interesting new experiences.

Final Thoughts

After seeing these real statistics and fresh experiences, are you also feeling the urge to embark on an impromptu ice and snow adventure? However, I recommend doing your homework and planning your itinerary in advance. The ice and snow tourism market is so hot right now that last-minute decisions might leave you unable to get tickets.

Especially for popular destinations like Harbin's Ice and Snow World, it's advisable to book tickets and accommodation at least two weeks in advance. If you're planning to ski in Xinjiang, you'll need even more advance planning, given the distance and increasing international tourists making hotel bookings challenging during peak seasons.

By the way, which ice and snow destination interests you most? Are you drawn to Harbin's winter wonderland, eager to experience professional ski slopes in Xinjiang, or planning to practice at an indoor ski resort closer to home? Share your thoughts in the comments section! Let's share our winter ice and snow stories together!