Southern China, long considered a paradise of warmth and lush landscapes, is now one of the hottest destinations for snow and ice tourism! Yes, you read that right: in a shocking twist that no one saw coming, cities like Hangzhou, Kunming, Chengdu, and even the southern regions of Sichuan and Guangdong are becoming major players in the global snow tourism scene. And the rise of these unexpected winter hotspots is absolutely transforming the tourism industry in China.

Historically, Southern China was not the first place anyone would think of when dreaming of skiing holidays. With its tropical climate and mild winters, snow here has always been a rare sight. Yet, in the most unlikely of places, this has changed. As of late 2024, half of the top ten most popular ice and snow destinations in China are now located in the southern regions, making it one of the most astonishing tourism trends of the year. This explosion of winter tourism is not just about the snow, but the evolution of Southern China’s tourism infrastructure, setting the stage for an entirely new era of travel.

The Snowstorm that Shook the Tourism World

One of the biggest signs of this unexpected trend has been a massive surge in travel bookings for winter activities in the south. Ride-hailing giant Didi Chuxing, a key player in the region, reported a jaw-dropping 40% increase in demand for rides to ski resorts located in places like Hangzhou, Chengdu, and Kunming, starting in early December 2024. Imagine this: millions of tourists, many of them Southern Chinese themselves, flocking to ski resorts during a season when snow is considered a rarity. Why? Because Southern China has found its new winter identity—one that blends adventure, relaxation, and an unthinkable experience of snow activities in regions that were once dismissed as too warm for such excitement.

A Mild Winter Wonderland

While many think of harsh, icy conditions when they imagine skiing, Southern China offers a surprisingly comfortable alternative. Take, for example, the Wanggangping Scenic Area in Ya’an, located in southwest Sichuan. The region’s mild climate allows visitors to ski in lighter clothing, making for an entirely unique winter experience. While ski resorts in the north of China are known for their frigid temperatures, here in the south, guests can glide through the snow-covered slopes in temperatures that barely dip below freezing. This has led to a rising demand for Southern China’s snow resorts, with tourists flocking in droves to experience a winter sport in a setting that feels more like a spring break getaway than a hardcore ski trip.

But the surprise doesn’t end there. Tourists are also arriving in full force from the region’s thriving urban hubs, where, until recently, winter tourism was considered an afterthought. Guests are now flocking to these snow-capped mountains not just for skiing, but to partake in the soothing indulgence of hot spring baths, a perfect complement to the crisp winter air. These destinations have transformed into “winter leisure paradises,” combining the thrill of winter sports with the serenity of natural hot springs.

A Ski Resort Revolution

In 2024, a groundbreaking shift occurred with the opening of indoor ski resorts in the southern regions of China. Enter Guangzhou Bonski, the largest indoor ski resort in Southern China, located in Guangdong Province. This state-of-the-art venue is redefining winter tourism in the region. The sprawling complex has attracted more than 4 million visitors in under five years, offering snow sports like tubing, ice bumper cars, and skiing, all within the comfort of a climate-controlled environment. For Southern Chinese tourists, this is the perfect solution to their winter tourism needs—no more waiting for a rare snowfall. Now, visitors can enjoy winter activities year-round, even in the heat of summer.

Not only are the local residents of Guangdong flocking to these resorts, but the venue has attracted a significant international following. Tour groups from Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia, are now descending upon Guangzhou Bonski to experience the joy of snow in the subtropics. The success of this indoor venue has spurred a snowball effect (pun intended) across Southern China, with a dozen more indoor ski resorts opening in the region. In fact, Southern China is now home to six of the world’s ten largest indoor ski resorts, a remarkable achievement that places the region on the map as a leading winter tourism destination.

The Rise of Sichuan’s Snow Resorts

The snow tourism boom has also extended to Sichuan, a province once known more for its spicy food than its snow. Despite being geographically closer to the tropics, Sichuan boasts nearly 50 snow tourism spots, with year-round snow-capped mountains that attract thousands of visitors each season. One of the most popular spots in the province is the Gongga Mountain area, which offers awe-inspiring views of its snow-capped peaks. Local visitors like Wu, a tourist from Leshan, often make the trip to Sichuan in the winter for the dual pleasures of skiing and hot spring baths. In a strange twist, it’s the relatively mild temperatures that make this region’s resorts so appealing, with ski enthusiasts flocking to the slopes in their Hanfu (traditional Chinese garments), turning the ski resorts into breathtaking and beautiful cultural spectacles.

Yunnan’s Allure for International Visitors

Perhaps the most surprising aspect of this snow tourism boom is the rise of Yunnan province as a global player in the winter sports industry. As the lowest-latitude ski resort in the Northern Hemisphere, the Shangri-La resort has quickly become a major draw for Southeast Asian tourists. Thanks to the improved transportation links provided by the China-Laos Railway and the relaxation of visa policies, tourists from countries like Laos and Vietnam can now easily access these stunning alpine resorts. For these international visitors, Yunnan’s ski resorts are the closest option for an international-quality ski experience, making it a top winter destination for travelers who previously had to travel thousands of kilometers to experience snow.

The Future of Southern China Snow Tourism

What makes Southern China’s snow tourism scene so remarkable isn’t just the unexpected surge in demand—it’s the way in which the region has blended winter sports with other attractions like hot springs, luxury homestays, and cultural experiences. In cities like Hangzhou, Kunming, and Chengdu, visitors can now enjoy a complete winter getaway that combines skiing, relaxation, and cultural immersion. For the first time in history, winter tourism has transformed into a year-round business opportunity for southern regions that were previously overlooked by snow lovers.

But it’s not just a local trend. China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism has jumped on board, unveiling national ice and snow tourism boutique routes for the 2024-2025 winter season. These curated routes focus on night tours, outdoor activities, and performances in regions like Sichuan and Hubei, making it clear that winter tourism is here to stay—and Southern China is leading the charge.

So, what’s next for this unexpected winter wonderland? As long as the snow keeps falling (or the indoor resorts keep expanding), Southern China will remain a premier destination for ice and snow tourism. The demand is growing, and the region’s tourism infrastructure is ready to take on even more visitors. Southern China is proving that when it comes to winter tourism, there’s no need to head north—you can find the thrill of snow and ice right where you least expect it.

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