Harbin, the capital of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, is at the forefront of the country's flourishing ice and snow economy. During the eight-day 2025 Spring Festival holiday, from January 28 to February 4, the city experienced a surge in snow tourism, showcasing the vibrant appeal of its winter attractions.
Harbin Ice-Snow World, renowned for its stunning ice sculptures and ice-themed park, welcomed over 610,000 visitors during the holiday period. A record-breaking day was set on February 1, with more than 100,000 visitors in a single day. This remarkable attendance underscores the growing popularity of Harbin as a premier winter destination.
The city's rising prominence in the ice and snow sector is further highlighted by its role as the host of the 9th Asian Winter Games, scheduled from February 7 to 14. This will be China's second major winter sports event following the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics. The upcoming games are anticipated to boost the local economy and enhance Harbin's status as a key player in winter sports.
Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled to attend the opening ceremony of the 9th Asian Winter Games and will host a welcome banquet for foreign leaders participating in the event. His presence underscores the significance of the games in promoting international collaboration and showcasing China's commitment to winter sports development.
Harbin's success in attracting tourists and hosting major sporting events reflects the broader growth of China's ice and snow industry, contributing significantly to the nation's economic growth and cultural prominence in the winter tourism sector.
Reference(s):
China's booming ice and snow industry fuels its economic growth
cgtn.com
