Winter just got hotter in China! 🧊 The country's frosty tourism sector has surged to 14,075 active enterprises as of December 2025 – the highest ever recorded, according to new data from the China Tourism Academy.
❄️ Why it's cool: From Harbin's jaw-dropping ice castles to Changbai Mountain's powdery slopes, innovative experiences like ice sculpting workshops and aurora-themed photo tours are driving the boom. Nearly 75% of surveyed travelers plan winter leisure activities this season, with half willing to trek cross-country for their frosty fix.
💰 Spending shift alert: Visitors are now splurging more on cultural experiences and tech-enhanced adventures than basic travel costs. Think VR snowboarding simulators and traditional ice-fishing cultural immersions!
🏗️ Southern surprise: Even warmer regions are joining the party – southern China pumped 30 billion yuan into indoor snow domes and year-round winter parks in 2025. Who needs real snow when you've got climate-controlled slopes? ⛷️
With the 2026 Winter Cultural Festival kicking off this month, China's 'cold economy' shows no signs of cooling down. Time to grab your thermal gear! 🧤
Reference(s):
China sees record number of enterprises in ice and snow tourism
cgtn.com





