Four years after the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, Chongli’s snow-capped mountains tell a story of lasting transformation. Once a temporary stage for Olympic glory, this Hebei province district has evolved into a year-round hub for sustainable tourism and winter sports innovation.
Former Olympic venues now operate as eco-conscious hotels, their slopes repurposed to train aspiring athletes and weekend enthusiasts alike. Local authorities report a 210% increase in winter tourism revenue since 2022, with international ski brands establishing regional headquarters in the area.
"What began as Olympic infrastructure became economic infrastructure," explains Zhang Wei, a sports economist at Tsinghua University. "Chongli’s model shows how strategic investment in winter sports can create permanent economic value."
The district’s success extends beyond tourism: equipment manufacturers and cold-chain logistics firms have created 12,000 new jobs, while high-speed rail connections completed in 2025 make the area accessible to 300 million potential visitors within three hours’ travel.
As climate challenges reshape winter tourism globally, Chongli’s artificial snow technology – refined during the Olympics – now attracts interest from Alpine resorts facing unpredictable snowfall. This unexpected export positions the region as a leader in sustainable winter sports solutions.
