Southern China Embraces Ski Boom with Tech and Indoor Resorts
In warmer parts of China, heavy snowfall is rare. However, ski resorts are now drawing growing crowds. Advances in snowmaking technology drive this trend. The rapid growth of indoor ski resorts also helps. Rising enthusiasm for winter sports among southern Chinese holidaymakers fuels the boom.
At the SkyLand ski resort in Zhejiang Province, instructor Wang Fang had a busy Spring Festival. During the nine-day holiday, she taught five students daily. “There are so many first-timers here,” Wang said. SkyLand’s marketing director, Li Yang, reported over 10,000 visitors daily during peak periods. Most customers are young people or families with children.
Technology Bridges the Geographic Divide
Zhejiang is far from China’s traditional “snow belt” in the northeast. Provinces like Heilongjiang and Jilin have long, snowy winters. However, public interest in winter sports is now strong in the south. Locals proudly share their “first encounters” with snow on social media.
Advances in snowmaking technology help narrow this gap. Jiangnan Tianchi Ski Resort updated over 40 snow machines this year. Wansongling Ski Resort opened six trails and upgraded training terrain. Artificial snowmaking allows better use of local water resources. Officials ensure this does not affect flood control or irrigation.
Xu Xin, head of the provincial ice and snow tourism branch, noted the impact. “Continuous advances in snowmaking equipment reduce reliance on high-altitude terrain,” he said. Therefore, winter attractions can now move closer to cities.
Indoor Resorts Sustain Year-Round Boom
In areas where mountain snow is rare, indoor resorts keep the boom alive. Shenzhen’s Qianhai Snow World opened in September 2025. During a recent holiday period, it welcomed over 120,000 visitors. The complex is home to the world’s largest indoor ski center. Visitors come from Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao.
Online data reflects this growing trend. Searches for “indoor ski resorts” surged 117 percent year on year in Shanghai. Interest in ski equipment also climbed significantly.
National Support for Ice and Snow Economy Policymakers are betting big on this sector. China aims to boost its ice and snow economy as a new growth source. The target is 1.2 trillion yuan by 2027 and 1.5 trillion yuan by 2030.
A China Tourism Academy report highlights growing demand for indoor entertainment. South China now accounts for 30 percent of national investment in heavy-asset ice and snow projects. As of April 2025, Guangdong had 25 indoor ice and snow venues. Visitors even include tour groups from Thailand and Vietnam.
In Zhejiang, authorities reported 26 ice and snow sports sites by the end of 2025. During the 2025 snow season, skier visits reached a record 1.29 million. Li Qidi, a physical education expert, sees a clear trend. “A market-driven and tech-supported winter sports economy is taking shape in southern China,” he said. The shift toward specialized sports consumption reflects people’s pursuit of a better quality of life.
