People's enthusiasm for winter sports is on the rise across China as the 9th Asian Winter Games approaches.
The 2025 Asian Winter Games, which will open in Harbin City of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province on February 7, 2025, is the first major international ice and snow event hosted by China since the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.
The event started its 100-day countdown on Wednesday.
On Sunday, a themed fitness activity for children and teenagers was held at an ice rink in the host city, including a figure skating program, where young participants showed off their graceful dance moves, and an ice hockey match.
In northwest China's Xinjaing Uygur Autonomous Region, the Keketuohai International Ski Resort in Altay Prefecture, which opened to skiers on Oct. 20, is the first outdoor ski resort in the country to resume operations this winter. Snow sport enthusiasts from across the country are gathering here to enjoy the slopes with the resort welcoming more than 3,000 skiers and snowboarders a day.
"I feel pretty good for my first run today. The snow was powdery and the overall experience was good," said Hu Changze, a skier from Shanghai.
In the northern provinces of Hebei, Jilin and Liaoning, the falling temperatures mean major ski resorts can start snowmaking ahead of their anticipated opening in early November.
"More than 50 snowmaking vehicles are working together. This year, we have added children's exclusive snow trails and snowboard teaching areas to maximize the ice and snow entertainment experience," said Zhang Dongxu, the person in charge of a ski resort in Zhangjiakou City, Hebei Province.
Industry data show that China's ice and snow sports venues and facilities are rapidly growing in scale. By 2023, a total of 2,847 winter sports venues were operating in the country, driving the rapid development of the equipment industry and other related sectors. The output value of China's winter sports industry is expected to exceed one trillion yuan (about 140.5 billion U.S. dollars) in 2025.
Winter sports gaining popularity across China as Asian Winter Games approaches
