China Joins Thailand, Vietnam in Winter Tourism Surge, With Snowmaking Tech and Indoor Ski Resorts Spreading Beyond Traditional Snow Belt, Fueling Growth of Year-Round Snow Sports Destination

China Joins Thailand, Vietnam in Winter Tourism Surge, With Snowmaking Tech and Indoor Ski Resorts Spreading Beyond Traditional Snow Belt, Fueling Growth of Year-Round Snow Sports Destination

China Joins Thailand, Vietnam in Winter Tourism Surge, With Snowmaking Tech and Indoor Ski Resorts Spreading Beyond Traditional Snow Belt, Fueling Growth of Year-Round Snow Sports Destination

China is rapidly emerging as a significant player in the winter tourism boom, joining the ranks of countries like Thailand and Vietnam. With the introduction of cutting-edge snowmaking technology and the expansion of indoor ski resorts, China is transforming destinations beyond the traditional snow belt, making winter sports accessible year-round. This innovation is attracting both domestic and international tourists eager to experience snow sports in locations that were once unlikely to host such activities. As these high-tech snow parks spread, China is driving the growth of a new era in winter tourism, offering thrilling snow sports experiences in regions that were previously off the radar for winter enthusiasts.

In regions of China where heavy snow is rare, ski resorts are experiencing a significant surge in popularity. This growth is primarily driven by advances in snowmaking technology, the rapid expansion of indoor ski resorts, and a rising enthusiasm for winter sports among holidaymakers from southern China. Areas that were once unfamiliar with snow-based recreation are now becoming hubs for winter sports, with both natural and artificial snowmaking helping to meet the growing demand.

Zhejiang Province, in particular, is seeing a notable rise in ski tourism. Known for its milder climate and far removed from China’s traditional “snow belt,” Zhejiang is not typically associated with snow and ice activities. The colder provinces of Heilongjiang, Jilin, and Liaoning in the northeast have historically been the home of large-scale ski resorts, supported by long, snowy winters. However, advancements in snowmaking technology have enabled regions like Zhejiang to catch up with their northern counterparts, bringing snow sports to areas that would not otherwise experience natural snowfall.

At the SkyLand Ski Resort in Anji County, located over 1,100 meters above sea level, the resort has become a major destination for winter sports enthusiasts. During the Spring Festival holiday, which is China’s peak travel season, the resort saw a significant influx of visitors. SkyLand’s instructors had a busy holiday period, with each of them teaching an average of five students daily over the nine-day break. More than 400 ski instructors were employed at the resort to accommodate the large number of visitors.

Although Zhejiang is not located in the “snow belt,” it has increasingly embraced snow sports, and technology has played a major role in this shift. Advances in snowmaking have helped to bridge the geographical divide. Jiangnan Tianchi Ski Resort, one of the first commercial ski areas in Zhejiang, updated over 40 snow machines this year to ensure they can provide an optimal experience despite the region’s lack of natural snow. Similarly, Wansongling Ski Resort in Hangzhou’s Lin’an district has opened six new ski trails and upgraded its training terrain this season, using snowmaking technology to supplement the region’s natural snowfall.

Zhejiang’s increased participation in snow sports is reflective of broader trends across the country. Artificial snowmaking and refrigeration technologies are enabling ski resorts in regions with insufficient natural snowfall to continue operations. This technology allows resorts to better utilize local water resources in the absence of consistent snow. One official from Zhejiang’s bureau of culture, radio, television, tourism, and sports stated that when natural snowfall is insufficient, these innovations in artificial snow production are critical to ensuring the continued success of ski resorts in warmer regions.

In regions where even mountain snow is scarce, indoor ski resorts are playing a pivotal role in the growth of winter sports. One example is the Qianhai Snow World in Shenzhen, a major tech hub in Guangdong Province. Despite Shenzhen’s mild climate and lack of natural snow, the Qianhai Snow World, which opened in September 2025, has proven to be a massive success. During the 2025 Spring Festival holiday, the indoor ski complex attracted more than 120,000 visitors, with nearly 45,000 entries to its indoor ski area. The facility offers year-round skiing, along with other entertainment options, and has the distinction of being home to the world’s largest indoor ski center, as recognized by Guinness World Records.

This trend is being reflected in online data as well. In major cities like Shanghai, online searches for “indoor ski resorts” surged by 117 percent compared to the previous year. As a result, there has also been a marked increase in interest in ski equipment, a clear indication of the growing demand for winter sports experiences even in areas that do not see snowfall.

China’s national policymakers have taken notice of the potential for the ice and snow sector to drive economic growth. The country has set ambitious targets to develop its ice and snow economy, aiming to reach an economic scale of 1.2 trillion yuan (approximately 173 billion U.S. dollars) by 2027 and 1.5 trillion yuan by 2030. These goals are part of a broader push to make winter sports a key contributor to the nation’s economy. The State Council has also laid out guidelines encouraging investment in this sector, with a particular focus on developing both indoor and outdoor ice and snow venues.

A report from the China Tourism Academy highlights the growing demand for indoor ice and snow entertainment. By 2025, the southern part of the country, particularly Guangdong, is expected to account for around 30 percent of national investment in large-scale ice and snow tourism projects. Indoor snow sports complexes have become a focal point for investment, driving tourism even during the warmer months. These complexes not only support winter sports but also create year-round tourism opportunities in regions that traditionally did not offer such attractions.

By April 2025, Guangdong Province is expected to have 25 indoor ice and snow venues, providing activities such as skiing, skating, and curling. These venues have already begun to attract visitors from other countries, including tour groups from Thailand and Vietnam. In Zhejiang, the government has reported that by the end of 2025, there will be 26 ice and snow sports venues, with 18 ski facilities. These venues are contributing to the increasing number of skier visits, which is expected to reach a record high of 1.29 million during the 2025 snow season.

China is joining Thailand and Vietnam in the winter tourism surge by using advanced snowmaking technology and expanding indoor ski resorts, making snow sports available year-round in warmer regions. This shift is opening new destinations, attracting both domestic and international tourists eager for winter sports experiences beyond the traditional snow belt.

the growth of ski resorts in China, driven by technological innovations and increasing interest from southern regions, signals a shift in the country’s winter sports culture. With increasing investment in both indoor and outdoor venues, China’s ice and snow tourism sector is set for significant expansion, helping to position the country as a major player in the global winter sports market. Whether through artificial snowmaking or the development of indoor facilities, China’s winter sports industry is flourishing, and the future looks bright for both local and international visitors.

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