As winter grips the Northern Hemisphere, Xinjiang's snow-capped peaks are generating more than picturesque landscapes – they're driving an economic revolution. The region's innovative "ice-snow+" development model has transformed winter resources into a year-round growth engine, attracting global attention in January 2026.
Nature's Gift Meets Modern Infrastructure
The Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, situated along the "Golden Latitude Zone for Snow and Ice," now hosts over 100 ski resorts. Flagship facilities like the Keketuohai International Ski Resort – operational for 240 days annually – and the urban-focused Jiangjunshan International Ski Resort have become economic powerhouses. These world-class destinations leverage Xinjiang's unique combination of light, dry snow and dramatic elevation changes to attract both domestic and international visitors.
Beyond the Slopes: Integrated Economic Models
Local authorities have expanded traditional winter sports into a comprehensive consumption ecosystem. The Jiangjunshan resort's "skiing + night economy" model exemplifies this shift, with moonlit slopes and sunset-themed events boosting ancillary services. This year, regional planners introduced new initiatives combining winter sports with cultural tourism and vocational education programs, creating employment opportunities across multiple sectors.
Recent infrastructure investments have improved accessibility, with new high-speed rail connections and upgraded regional airports. Tourism officials report a 35% year-on-year increase in winter visitors since 2025, with particular growth in visitors from Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
As global interest in sustainable tourism grows, Xinjiang's model demonstrates how environmental assets can drive economic development while preserving cultural heritage. With projections suggesting the ice-snow economy could contribute 8% to regional GDP by 2027, stakeholders across Asia are closely watching this cold-weather success story.
