#China #winter sports #Harbin #Harbin Ice-Snow World #Heilongjiang Province

China’s Thriving Ice and Snow Economy

China has become a significant player in the global winter sports scene, with Harbin, the capital of Heilongjiang Province, at the forefront. The city has recently showcased its booming ice and snow industry, particularly during the eight-day 2025 Spring Festival from January 28 to February 4. This period saw a substantial surge in winter tourism, with attractions like Harbin Ice-Snow World drawing over 610,000 visitors. A record was set on February 1, with over 100,000 individual visits in just one day.

The Role of Winter Sports Events

Harbin's popularity as a winter sports destination is further bolstered by its role as the host city for the upcoming IX Asian Winter Games. Scheduled for February 7-14, this event marks China's second significant winter sports gathering following the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. President Xi Jinping is expected to attend the opening ceremony, reflecting the central government's commitment to promoting winter sports and tourism as part of its broader economic strategy.

A Shift Towards an Ice and Snow Economy

In recent years, China has focused on developing its ice and snow economy as a new growth frontier. The Chinese General Administration of Sports reports that around 57.35 million people participated in ice and snow activities during the 2023-2024 winter season. Notably, there were over 385 million visits to winter leisure activities across the country, showing a 38 percent increase from the previous year. In Harbin alone, tourist numbers soared, reaching over 87 million and generating an impressive 124.8 billion yuan (approximately 17.4 billion dollars) in tourism revenue—a staggering 500 percent increase year-on-year.

Rising Demand for Winter Sports Gear

The rising inclination towards winter sports has not only elevated visitor numbers but also stimulated demand for related products. Various online shopping platforms reported a significant increase in sales of winter sports gear. For instance, Tmall, a popular Chinese e-commerce platform, showed over a 200 percent increase in sales of down jackets, thermal wear, and ski equipment during the 'Double 11' shopping festival last year.

Future Projections and Investment

To further harness its ice and snow resources, China aims to turn its winter economy into a major economic driver. The nation's goal is to expand the winter economy to reach a market scale of 1.2 trillion yuan (around 169 billion dollars) by 2027, and 1.5 trillion yuan by 2030. Different cities and regions are strategizing to integrate winter sports with their economic development plans. For instance, Heilongjiang Province is working on establishing a winter sports demonstration zone under the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

Moreover, Beijing's government has rolled out a 24-point action plan emphasizing the expansion of ice and snow sports and the development of requisite infrastructures, thereby paving the way for a more holistic winter sports environment.

Global Interest and Tourism Development

China's vibrant ice and snow economy is drawing worldwide attention. Recently, measures such as optimizing visa policies and opening new international flight routes have attracted foreign tourists eager to experience the winter season in China. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has extended invitations for participation in these winter events, seeking to strengthen international ties through sports.

Conclusion

As China's ice and snow economy continues to flourish, it provides a new avenue for economic development and cultural exchange. Harbin, with its iconic winter attractions and upcoming major sports events, stands as a testament to the potential of leveraging natural resources for economic advancement. By fostering both local and international interest in winter sports, China is likely to continue thriving in the global tourism sector. Interested parties are encouraged to explore the multiple offerings of this vibrant economy not just as a winter wonderland but as an emerging hub for sports enthusiasts globally.