The 9th Asian Winter Games have transformed Harbin into a global winter sports epicenter, with the event driving unprecedented growth in China’s ice and snow economy. Held in the northeast’s Heilongjiang Province, the Games build on momentum from the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, catalyzing a nationwide passion for frosty pursuits—and opening lucrative opportunities for tourism and cultural exchange.
A Winter Sports Renaissance
Since the Games’ opening, Harbin has seen tourism surge by 21.3% year-on-year, with 179 million visitors generating 231.42 billion yuan ($31.75 billion) in 2024 alone. Over 15% growth is projected for the 2024-2025 winter season, with hotel bookings up nearly 60% in February.
Harbin’s Frosty Allure
The Harbin Ice-Snow World—a Guinness World Record-holding theme park—has drawn 2.7 million visits this season. Its 2025 edition features ice sculptures inspired by landmarks from 42 countries and Olympic Council of Asia member regions, blending global culture with local craftsmanship.
Numbers Don’t Lie
- Flight bookings to Harbin rose 20% post-Games announcement
- Single-day park entries peaked at 100,000 on February 1
- Winter sports industry projected to reach $155 billion nationally by 2025
Global Inspiration Meets Local Innovation
As young travelers and entrepreneurs flock to China’s 'Ice City,' the Games highlight how winter economies can thrive through sustainability-focused tourism. With digital nomads documenting ice hotels and climate-conscious designers reimagining cold-weather tech, Harbin’s freeze is anything but frigid for business.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
