China’s Ice & Snow Tourism Hits Record High, Entering a New Growth Era

China’s ice and snow tourism sector has entered a phase of sustained growth, reaching a historic milestone with 14,075 active enterprises by the end of 2025, according to a new report released by the China Tourism Academy (CTA).

Unveiled at the Ice and Snow Tourism Development Forum 2026 in Harbin, the report attributes this momentum to a wave of innovative tourism offerings—from ice sculpting and winter photography to immersive, themed travel experiences. Flagship destinations such as Harbin Ice-Snow World and the Changbai Mountain ski resort continue to anchor demand and set benchmarks for experiential winter tourism.

CTA research indicates robust consumer intent: nearly 75% of respondents plan to participate in ice and snow leisure activities during the 2025–2026 winter season, while over 50% are willing to travel long distances for winter experiences. Notably, spending patterns are evolving—shifting from traditional necessities like transport and accommodation toward entertainment, culture, and technology-driven experiences, signaling a qualitative upgrade in winter tourism consumption.

The sector is also diversifying geographically and structurally. Demand for indoor ice and snow entertainment is rising, particularly in southern China, where investments reached 30 billion yuan in 2025, accounting for roughly 30% of total sector investment. These indoor complexes are emerging as year-round attractions and a new growth engine for the industry.

From an industrial perspective, China has built a comprehensive ice and snow value chain spanning culture, sports, tourism services, and equipment manufacturing. Domestic brands producing skis, snowboards, and snow grooming equipment are increasingly expanding overseas via cross-border e-commerce, opening fresh pathways for international cooperation.

Looking ahead, China is positioning the ice and snow economy as a strategic driver of consumption and regional development. The sector’s total value is projected to reach 1.2 trillion yuan by 2027 and 1.5 trillion yuan by 2030. Backed by national policy support and a growing appetite for winter experiences, China’s ice and snow tourism market is set for another dynamic season—offering significant opportunities for resorts, destinations, brands, and industry partners across Asia and beyond.

Source : 

xinhua, China sees record number of enterprises in ice and snow tourism