As the cold season sets in, China’s winter sports economy is experiencing an unprecedented boom. According to the China’s Ice and Snow Tourism Development Report (2025) released on January 5 by the China Tourism Academy, the number of visitors engaging in ice and snow leisure tourism is projected to reach a staggering 520 million during the 2024-2025 winter season. This surge in tourism is expected to generate revenues surpassing 630 billion yuan (approximately $86 billion).
The Chinese government is keen on transforming the ice and snow sector into a new growth powerhouse. Guidelines issued by the General Office of the State Council in November 2024 outline ambitious targets to scale the ice and snow economy to 1.2 trillion yuan by 2027 and further expand it to 1.5 trillion yuan by 2030. These goals reflect the strategic importance placed on winter tourism as a key driver of economic development and cultural exchange.
With such significant investments and projections, China is set to become a global leader in winter sports and tourism, attracting enthusiasts from around the world and fostering a vibrant ecosystem for businesses and innovators in the sector.
Reference(s):
Winter's arrival fuels the growth of China's snow and ice industry
cgtn.com
