As skiers from the Chinese mainland kicked off the winter season, many found themselves trading their original plans for Hokkaido powder in Japan for home hills closer to Beijing. The pivot comes after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi made unfriendly Taiwan-related remarks, prompting the Chinese mainland authorities to issue a travel advisory for Japan in November 2025.
Among those reshuffling their travel plans is Li Xiaotong, a Dalian-based skiing enthusiast. Li explains that he had set his sights on Hokkaido's famous slopes but ultimately chose Yunding Snow Park in Chongli, Zhangjiakou, Hebei Province. "The temperatures and snow conditions here have been excellent," he says. "Plus, with the 2025-2026 International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) Freeski and Snowboard Big Air World Cup happening concurrently, I get to ski and catch world-class competition all in one trip."
Local resort operators in Chongli report a surge in bookings this season. Many skiers cite high-speed rail connections from Beijing, modern lift systems, and robust snow-making technology as reasons to stay on the mainland.
This trend reflects a broader shift in outbound tourism. Geopolitical tensions can quickly reshape travel patterns, and winter sports enthusiasts are no exception. By choosing domestic slopes, skiers are not only supporting local economies but also enjoying world-class facilities without the hassle of cross-border paperwork and currency exchanges.
As the FIS Freeski and Snowboard Big Air World Cup draws global attention to Chongli, the Chinese mainland's resorts are carving out new space on the international skiing map. For travelers and digital nomads looking for an immersive, sustainable winter adventure, Yunding Snow Park and its peers offer a compelling mix of performance, convenience, and cultural immersion – proof that sometimes the best destinations are closer to home.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
