Harbin: China's Booming Ice and Snow Economy Fuels Economic Growth

Harbin's Ice and Snow Economy: A Catalyst for Growth

Harbin, the capital of Heilongjiang province in northeastern China, has become a flourishing example of the 'Ice and Snow Economy,' contributing significantly to the country's economic growth. The focus on winter sports and tourism is enhancing Harbin's reputation as a winter destination, especially highlighted during the recent Spring Festival holidays from January 28 to February 4, 2025.

During this period, Harbin experienced an explosion of winter tourism, particularly with the Harbin Ice-Snow World theme park, renowned for its stunning ice sculptures, which attracted over 610,000 visitors. Notably, on February 1, the park set a new single-day attendance record exceeding 100,000 visitors. This spike in tourism comes as Harbin prepares to host the 9th Asian Winter Games from February 7 to 14, an event anticipated to draw winter sports enthusiasts from around the globe.

Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to inaugurate the Asian Winter Games, underscoring the government's commitment to promoting winter sports as a vital facet of the economy. The growing winter sports culture is being integrated into a broader narrative of economic development, with Xi advocating for the 'Ice and Snow Economy' to be seen as a new growth point supporting an entire industrial chain that includes sports, tourism, and equipment manufacturing.

Rising Popularity

The last few years have seen a remarkable increase in interest surrounding winter sports in China. According to the General Administration of Sports of China, the 2023-2024 winter season saw participation soar to 57.35 million people across various activities such as skating, skiing, curling, and ice hockey. Additionally, the country recorded over 385 million visits to winter recreational sites, representing a 38% increase from the previous year.

In Harbin alone, over 87 million people visited during the last winter season, a staggering 300% increase compared to the year before, resulting in an impressive 124.8 billion yuan (about 17.4 billion USD) in tourism revenue—a growth spike of 500%.

The demand for winter sports gear has also surged, transforming China's cold resources into a hotbed for economic activity. Reports from online retailers and travel platforms indicate a sharp rise in orders for ice and snow equipment, particularly during the previous year's Double 11 shopping festival, with categories like down jackets, thermal underwear, and skiing gear achieving more than 200% growth year-on-year on major platforms like Tmall.

A Vision for the Future

To harness its abundant ice and snow resources, the Chinese government is ramping up efforts to expand its winter economy, covering areas such as sports, culture, equipment, and tourism. Official guidelines suggest ambitious targets for the ice and snow economy, aiming for a valuation of 1.2 trillion yuan (approximately 169 billion USD) by 2027 and 1.5 trillion yuan by 2030.

Regions across China are integrating winter sports and tourism into their development strategies. Heilongjiang province, for example, is promoting the establishment of a winter sports demonstration zone, the development of snow and ice equipment, and digital industrial parks. Meanwhile, in Beijing, local authorities are implementing an action plan with 24 initiatives to promote the expansion of winter sports participation and hasten the construction of winter sports venues.

Harbin's booming 'Ice and Snow Economy' has also captured global attention, prompting measures such as visa facilitation and the initiation of new international flight routes to attract an influx of foreign tourists eager to explore winter sports in China. This vibrant segment of the economy not only benefits local tourism but also invigorates the global tourism market, as noted by a spokesperson from China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who encouraged international friends to partake in winter activities for enhanced cooperation and friendship.

In conclusion, Harbin exemplifies how a region's unique geographical offerings, combined with strategic initiatives, can drive economic growth by tapping into niche markets like winter tourism and sports. As the 'Ice and Snow Economy' continues to gain momentum, it stands as a significant pillar supporting not only local livelihoods but also contributing to a broader narrative of economic conservation and international engagement.