China is set to further enhance its ice-and-snow tourism in the northeastern region, aiming to attract both domestic and international visitors to experience its winter wonders.
On Thursday, China’s top economic planner, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), unveiled an action plan to advance the high-quality development of ice-and-snow tourism in the country’s northeast. A key highlight of the plan is the extension of the visa-free transit period in Harbin, the capital city of northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, from 72 hours to 144 hours for foreign visitors. This move is designed to make it more convenient for international tourists to explore Harbin’s renowned winter attractions.
The action plan also outlines coordination of visa-exempt transit policies across other areas in the northeastern region, aligning them with Harbin’s extended period to create a more unified and tourist-friendly environment.
Domestically, the plan focuses on attracting tourists from major urban clusters such as the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, the Yangtze River Delta, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and other places in China to enjoy winter in the northeast. By promoting the unique winter experiences available, the plan aims to boost regional tourism during the colder months.
Local governments are encouraged to implement measures to promote ice-and-snow tourism, including the introduction of special local holidays dedicated to winter activities. Strengthening cooperation with travel platforms is also a key component of the plan, enhancing marketing efforts and accessibility for potential visitors.
Harbin, often dubbed the “Ice City,” has already become a major winter tourist destination. In the winter period of 2023-2024, the city received over 87 million visits, marking a staggering year-on-year increase of 300 percent. Tourism revenue reached 124.8 billion yuan (approximately $17.4 billion), a year-on-year surge of 500 percent. These figures underscore the significant impact of ice-and-snow resources on the local economy, contributing to a thriving winter tourism industry in Harbin and the broader northeastern region.
The strategic push to develop ice-and-snow tourism reflects China’s broader efforts to diversify its tourism offerings and stimulate economic growth in the northeast. By leveraging its natural winter landscapes and cultural attractions, the region aims to establish itself as a premier destination for ice-and-snow enthusiasts from around the world.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
