China is rapidly developing its ice and snow economy, leveraging its vast resources to create new growth opportunities. From winter sports to snow tourism, the sector is attracting increasing investment and generating significant economic activity.
This photo shows the recording site of the 12th episode of the China Economic Roundtable, an all-media talk show hosted by Xinhua News Agency. From winter sports to snow tourism, China is actively tapping into its ice and snow resources to create new growth drivers for the world's second-largest economy, according to multiple officials and experts at a recent roundtable.
Tourists are now more willing to pay for leisure and cultural activities related to ice and snow tourism, said Dai Bin, president of the China Tourism Academy, at the latest episode of the China Economic Roundtable. Dai said that various new business models are arising from the thriving industry. People visit the Yabuli Ski Resort along the Yaxue Road in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, January 16, 2025. 'Once tourists arrive at their destinations, they look for accommodation, dining options and interactions with locals. What attracts them most is often the unique folk customs and cultural heritage of the region.' Harbin, China's northernmost provincial capital, exemplifies the country's thriving ice and snow economy. During the eight-day Spring Festival holiday that concluded on Tuesday, Harbin Ice-Snow World attracted over 610,000 visits. This ice theme park, featuring dazzling ice sculptures, saw more than 100,000 visits on February 1, setting a new record for daily attendance compared to previous years. A tourist skis through flames at Jiangjunshan International Ski Resort in Altay, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, January 29, 2025. In addition to Harbin, various new ice and snow tourism attractions have emerged across Heilongjiang Province. These include the snow-covered forests of Yichun, one of China's most forested cities, winter birdwatching in Qiqihar, where native red-crowned cranes can be spotted, and aurora viewing in Mohe, near the China-Russia border, according to Qi Bin, deputy director of the Heilongjiang provincial department of culture and tourism. Peng Fuwei, an official with the National Development and Reform Commission, China's top economic planner, said that China has established a dual manufacturing-service model to develop its ice and snow economy. According to Peng, the country can now produce 15 kinds of ice and snow sports equipment, ranging from snowboards to snow-making machines. In ice and snow services, Peng said multiple sectors flourish simultaneously, including competitions and performances, catering and accommodation, winter sports training, and leisure tourism. Looking ahead, Peng said that the central budget will continue to support the construction of public service facilities for eligible ice and snow sports and tourism. Also, qualifying ice and snow tourism equipment will receive support through ultra-long special treasury bonds for equipment upgrades. Mascots of the 9th Asian Winter Games Harbin 2025 Binbin (L) and Nini are pictured at the 26th Harbin Ice-Snow World in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, February 1, 2025. According to China's national blueprint for the ice and snow economy, the industry is expected to play a greater role in expanding employment and promoting high-quality development by 2030. Ice and snow consumption will be a key growth driver for domestic demand. By then, several high-quality destinations for ice sports and tourism will be established, and the total scale of the ice and snow economy is projected to reach 1.5 trillion yuan (about 209.2 billion US dollars), the document says. An aerial drone photo shows tourists visiting the Harbin Ice-Snow World in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, January 23, 2025. Tourists have fun at a snow resort in Nanchuan District, southwest China's Chongqing, January 18, 2025
Economy Tourism CHINA ECONOMY ICE AND SNOW TOURISM WINTER SPORTS HARBIN HEILONGJIANG NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND REFORM COMMISSION ASIAN WINTER GAMES
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Kenya's Ice Lions: Bringing Hockey to the Heart of AfricaThe Kenya Ice Lions, the country's first ice hockey team, have recently achieved a historic milestone by becoming the fifth African team to join the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF). Despite the challenges of training in a tropical climate and limited access to ice, the team has shown remarkable determination and talent, winning tournaments and inspiring a new generation of players.
Read more »
Global Snapshot: From Dakar Rally to Snow-Covered WashingtonA collection of news photographs from around the world captures diverse moments, including the Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia, South Africa's cricket victory, Orthodox Christmas celebrations in Serbia, Kolkata's iconic yellow taxis, a snowstorm in Washington D.C., and heavy air pollution in Hanoi.
Read more »
Impress Without Stress: Cherries and Dark Chocolate Ice Cream CakeThis easy recipe creates a stunning cherry and dark chocolate ice-cream cake that is perfect for impressing guests. With minimal prep time and a good amount of freezing time, this dessert is sure to be a hit.
Read more »
'I never thought I could play ice hockey in Kenya'East Africa's only rink is the one place in Nairobi where temperatures fall below 9C.
Read more »
Nurse's Awkward Attempt at Viral Ice Cream Flirting Challenge Leaves Steers Cashier ShockedA South African nurse went viral for her attempt at the ice cream flirting challenge, a TikTok trend that involves ordering an ice cream cone, scooping the top with one's hand, and licking it flirtatiously. While the trend usually elicits laughter or surprise from cashiers, the nurse's attempt left her server visibly grossed out and shocked.
Read more »
“She’s the Sweetest Thing”: Dad’s Ice Cream Date With Adorable Daughter Melts HeartsA South African father showed an adorable video of his ice cream date with his young daughter, who was delighted by the sweet treat and showed it off to strangers.
Read more »