On January 5, 2026, the China Tourism Academy (CTA) unveiled that by the end of 2025, China’s ice and snow tourism sector had grown to a record 14,075 enterprises. Announced at the Ice and Snow Tourism Development Forum 2026 in Harbin, this milestone marks “a new stage of sustained prosperity” for frosty adventures across the country.
What’s fueling the boom? CTA experts point to a wave of innovative experiences—from ice sculpting workshops and snow photography tours to themed festivals. Iconic spots like Harbin Ice-Snow World and Changbai Mountain ski resort remain must-visit highlights, but fresh concepts are popping up everywhere.
Notably, consumer tastes are shifting. A recent CTA survey shows that this winter, 74.8% of travelers plan to dive into ice and snow activities, and over half (50.5%) are willing to journey long distances for the thrill. Instead of just spending on transport and lodging, many are splurging on “soft expenses” like live shows, cultural workshops and AR-powered snow games. It’s all about making memories beyond the slopes.
Meanwhile, southern China is joining the fun year-round. In 2025, investors poured 30 billion yuan into indoor ice and snow projects—think giant winter malls with ski slopes and igloo cafes. If you’ve ever visited a snow park in Mumbai or Bangkok’s CentralWorld, you’ll know why indoor white wonderlands are a hit in warmer regions.
For South and Southeast Asian travelers eyeing a frosty escape, this boom means more choices and cooler experiences—literally! Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or a photo-hunting influencer, China’s ice and snow scene is ready with fresh thrills. Who’s up for a snowy selfie? 🤳❄️
Reference(s):
China sees record number of enterprises in ice and snow tourism
cgtn.com
