China’s Winter Camping Boom: How Extreme Cold is Fueling a 450 Billion Yuan Tourism Surge

In the depths of winter, many of us find ourselves retreating indoors, seeking warmth and comfort. But in Northeast China, the narrative is shifting. Instead of hibernating, people are flocking to the snow-covered plains of Heilongjiang Province to embrace the extreme cold as a source of joy and economic vitality.

According to a recent report by Xinhua, the 4th Northeast Camping Carnival in Hala village has become a symbol of China’s booming “ice-and-snow” economy. What was once a quiet, frozen landscape is now a vibrant sea of tents, proving that with the right gear and a bit of adventurous spirit, even minus 30 degrees Celsius can be the perfect setting for a vacation.

In 2026, the concept of a “winter getaway” in China has been redefined. For many, it no longer means flying south to the tropics; it means driving thousands of kilometers north into the heart of the frost. This shift is most visible in Hala village, located in the Meilisi Daur Ethnic District of Qiqihar, Heilongjiang Province.

From Subtropical Heat to Frozen Tundra

The Xinhua report features Zhu Yongyu, a camping enthusiast who drove over 3,000 kilometers from the warm Guangdong Province just to pitch a tent in the snow. For Zhu, the stark contrast between the lush greenery of the south and the silver, ice-sealed plains of the north is an exhilarating challenge.

Zhu is not alone. This year, for the first time, the number of pitched tents at the Northeast Camping Carnival (running from Jan. 12 to 18) exceeded 1,000. These tents, blossoming like spring buds against the white snow, represent a massive structural shift in how Chinese consumers spend their leisure time and disposable income during the winter months.

The Economic Engine: Innovation in the Cold

This “sports fever” is doing more than just entertaining travelers; it is driving a sophisticated manufacturing and service sector.

• Outdoor Equipment: Domestic brands are using the carnival as a “testing ground.” For example, the brand Yeying has introduced tech-fabric tents designed to prevent condensation—a major hurdle for winter campers.
• Market Projections: The China Tourism Academy expects the number of ice-and-snow leisure trips to reach 360 million this season, with revenue projected to hit a staggering 450 billion yuan (approx. $62.6 billion USD).

Humanizing the Frost: Cultivating Community

What makes this trend truly “human” is the connection between the urban traveler and the rural community. In Hala village, the local Daur people haven’t just provided a space; they’ve provided a culture. Visitors are treated to “village feasts” featuring steaming dumplings and traditional soup—a warm embrace against the minus 30-degree air.

For veteran campers like Wang Kai, the appeal lies in the “raw, rugged joy” of the snow. After being cooped up in high-tech cities, sliding on ice and having snowball fights offers a primitive sense of release that a beach resort simply cannot provide.

The “China Speed” of Infrastructure

The success of these events is underpinned by rapid development. Heilongjiang alone has built 3,000 public ice and snow sports facilities this season. This “China speed” has allowed remote villages to upgrade their infrastructure, improve livelihoods, and ensure that the countryside remains vibrant even in the harshest months of the year.

Winter Survival Guide for 2026 Campers

Tech-Focused Tents: Make sure your tent is made of a breathable and anti-condensation material so condensation of your gear will not occur.

The “Feast” Rule: Always pair your outdoor adventure with local culinary traditions (like Daur soup) to stay warm and help keep money in the locals’ pockets.

Voucher Savvy: Look for local government vouchers meant to promote spending at food festivals and sports competitions to help keep money in the locals’ pockets.

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