How China’s Ice and Snow Tourism Industry is Transforming Cold Winters into Economic Gold

In recent years, China’s ice and snow tourism industry has been undergoing rapid expansion, with notable contributions from winter resorts, ice sculptures, and snow-related activities. As tourists flock to cold destinations like Harbin and the broader Heilongjiang province, the region is capitalizing on its unique climate to drive economic growth. The evolving sector not only attracts large numbers of visitors but is also poised to become a key component of China’s growing economy.

An Industry on the Rise

The China Tourism Academy’s report from January 2026 highlights the booming ice and snow tourism industry in China, signaling a new stage of prosperity. This report reveals a 11% year-on-year increase in related enterprises, with more than 14,000 businesses now operating in the sector by the close of 2025. The total economic scale of the industry surged past 1 trillion yuan ($143.4 billion) in 2025, nearly quadrupling its 2015 scale of 270 billion yuan.

This remarkable growth can be attributed to the diversification of winter-related tourism products and services, including ice sculpting, themed travel, and snow photography experiences. The popularity of destinations like Harbin’s Ice-Snow World and the Changbai Mountain ski resort has propelled this expansion, attracting millions of tourists each year.

The Role of Harbin in the Ice and Snow Economy

As the capital of Heilongjiang province, Harbin plays a pivotal role in China’s ice and snow economy. The city is home to Harbin Ice-Snow World, a winter wonderland featuring spectacular ice sculptures, thrilling snow activities, and an array of winter sports. The 521-meter-long ice slide is among the park’s main attractions, providing a unique experience for visitors of all ages.

The growth of Harbin’s tourism is attributed to several factors, including innovation in tourism offerings and the city’s commitment to providing high-quality services for its guests. Local authorities have recognized the importance of retaining visitors by enhancing their experiences through offerings such as local frozen pears and heated handrails along shopping streets. These thoughtful touches have not only increased tourism but also sparked a buzz on social media, contributing to rising numbers of both domestic and international tourists.

Heilongjiang’s Strategic Economic Push

Heilongjiang, a region traditionally known for its industrial activity, is now leveraging its long winters to promote economic revitalization through the ice and snow tourism sector. The province has introduced various initiatives aimed at enhancing the winter tourism experience. For instance, the installation of automated snowmaking technology at major winter resorts and the expansion of transport infrastructure, including upgraded roads and an improved airport, have all played a role in attracting more visitors.

Heilongjiang’s efforts were further solidified during the 2022 Asian Winter Games, which provided an opportunity to invest in long-term infrastructure. The city of Harbin, in particular, benefitted from upgrades to its sports venues, digital systems, and accessibility, setting the stage for future events that will bring more international attention to the region’s ice and snow tourism.

Data-Driven Policies to Support Growth

In an effort to guide the growth of its ice and snow industry, Heilongjiang launched China’s first-ever monitoring system that tracks key sectors like tourism, sports, culture, and equipment manufacturing. This innovative initiative aims to gather data to support targeted business policies, helping to align local businesses with market demand and maximizing the economic potential of winter tourism.

The impact of these efforts was evident during the 2024-25 winter season, with the province seeing 135 million visits and generating an impressive tourism revenue of 211.7 billion yuan. These figures represent substantial increases of 18.5% and 30.7%, respectively, compared to the previous year.

International Recognition and Interest

The innovative developments in Harbin have garnered global attention, with foreign visitors, including Andrew Knack, the mayor of Edmonton in Canada, expressing admiration for the city’s achievements. Knack was particularly struck by Harbin’s ability to transform its cold winters into a thriving economic sector. His visit, which included exploring some of Harbin’s iconic ice and snow sculptures, led him to describe the experience as one of the most spectacular of his life.

The success of Harbin and Heilongjiang in capitalizing on winter tourism has not only drawn praise from international leaders but has also set an example for other cold-climate cities to follow. As a result, the region is emerging as a model for sustainable development in the ice and snow economy.

The Beijing Winter Olympics: A Catalyst for Growth

The 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics served as a major catalyst for China’s winter economy, sparking nationwide enthusiasm for winter sports and related activities. The event inspired an increase in the public’s interest in winter sports such as skiing and ice skating, which, in turn, drove higher consumption and greater participation in winter tourism.

The impact of the Beijing Olympics on the ice and snow industry continues to be felt across the nation, as more people take to the slopes and ice rinks, supporting the growth of both the tourism and sports sectors. This ongoing momentum is likely to fuel the sustained prosperity of China’s ice and snow economy in the years to come.

A Bright Future for China’s Ice and Snow Economy

Looking ahead, China’s ice and snow tourism industry is expected to continue its rapid growth. The combination of innovative products, enhanced infrastructure, and a focus on providing exceptional visitor experiences places China in a strong position to become a global leader in winter tourism. With key destinations like Harbin setting the standard for excellence, the ice and snow sector in China shows no signs of slowing down.

As Heilongjiang and other northern provinces continue to develop their winter tourism offerings, the potential for economic growth is vast. The continued success of these efforts will not only attract more tourists but will also foster a greater understanding of how cold climates can be transformed into sustainable economic drivers.

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