China’s commitment to winter sports is as much about economic development as it is about exercise and entertainment.

• A Huge Market – Government planners estimate the “ice and snow economy” will generate around $135.8 billion in 2024, top $140 billion in 2025, hit $168 billion by 2027 and reach $210 billion by 2030.
• Tourism boom – The surge in participation has translated into a travel boom. Winter leisure trips reached 385 million in the 2023–24 season, up 38 %, with revenue rising 50 %.  The China Tourism Academy expects over 520 million winter‑sports tourists and revenues exceeding $88.2 billion in the 2024‑25 season.
• Infrastructure as investment – China’s massive build‑out of rinks, resorts and training bases underpins the economic boom. Economists see broader benefits. Wang Yuxiong, a sports‑economics scholar, argued that winter sports “reshape business models” by combining sports, tourism, culture and manufacturing. Yan Yan of Nanjing University of Technology called the sector a “gold mine”, cautioning that sustained effort and quality services will be necessary to turn enthusiasm into a lasting industry. Analysts also note that the spending boost is welcomed by China’s national economy, which faces sluggish consumer demand.

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Despite the rosy statistics, challenges remain. Many Chinese still live far from natural snow, and climate change threatens snow reliability. Maintaining momentum requires not only building venues but also ensuring quality coaching and affordable access. Officials emphasise the need to balance regional development: while northern provinces like Heilongjiang and Xinjiang have become winter tourism hotspots, southern regions must develop indoor facilities and training programmes.

Looking ahead, policymakers aim for the ice‑and‑snow economy to surpass $140 billion by 2025, $168 billion by 2027 and $210 billion by 2030. They plan to build additional venues, expand equipment manufacturing, strengthen youth programmes and integrate tourism and cultural industries. Winter sports have become not only an element of a “healthy China” but also a new driver of balanced regional development and cultural integration.

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A decade ago, ice skating and skiing were fringe activities in a country better known for table tennis and badminton. Today, winter sports have captured the imagination of hundreds of millions, spurring economic growth and cultural change from Harbin to Guangzhou. The combination of Olympic legacy, massive infrastructure investment, supportive policy and entrepreneurial energy has turned snow and ice into a frozen fortune for China. The challenge will be to keep the momentum going—ensuring that the sports remain accessible, the industry sustainable and the thrill of gliding on ice continues to inspire future generations.

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