Блог
Дослідження бурхливих зимових туристичних напрямків та трендів КитаюДослідження бурхливих зимових туристичних напрямків та трендів Китаю">

Дослідження бурхливих зимових туристичних напрямків та трендів Китаю

Олександра Дімітріу, GetBoat.com
до 
Олександра Дімітріу, GetBoat.com
6 хвилин читання
Новини
Грудень 30, 2025

Winter Travel Destinations Heating Up Across China

China’s diverse climate has sparked a surge in winter tourism, ranging from frosty Arctic-like experiences in the northern regions to tropical escapes in the south. Recent data reveal a growing number of travellers are flocking to both ends of the temperature spectrum, with destinations evolving to meet shifting tastes and expectations.

Top Trending Domestic Destinations for Winter Trave

A recent analysis of browsing behaviour, search activity, and travel reviews has highlighted the top 10 fastest-growing domestic winter destinations. In the north, Mohe і Harbin in Heilongjiang province stand out, alongside Changbai Mountain in the Yanbian Korean autonomous prefecture, Changchun in Jilin province, and Altay in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. Meanwhile, southern locales like Sanya in Hainan province, Tengchong, Kunmingі Xishuangbanna in Yunnan province, as well as Zhuhai in Guangdong, are enjoying rising popularity.

Winter Experiences in the North: Ice and Snow Beyond the Usual

The northern destinations aren't just freezing landscapes; they're rapidly upgrading infrastructure and enhancing experiences. Ice sports remain popular, but these areas are blending winter athletics with local culture and leisure activities. This integration offers tourists more than just snow—they can indulge in vibrant folk traditions, themed festivals, and relaxing retreats, transforming winter vacations into multifaceted adventures.

Chasing Warmth in the South: Tropical and Cultural Adventures

For travellers seeking to escape freezing temps, southern China’s warmer landscapes provide a refreshing alternative. In places like Sanya, the beaches and ocean beckon, complemented by numerous leisure activities perfect for the more relaxed visitor. Meanwhile, Yunnan’s rainforest hikes, such as those on Jinuo Mountain, and nearby cultural hotspots like Pu’er offer breathtaking scenery and rich cultural immersion.

Hot springs, particularly those found in Qingyuan, Guangdong, offer another form of winter leisure that appeals to travellers looking for wellness alongside natural beauty. The blend of warmth, nature, and rejuvenation makes these southern spots ideal refuges during colder months.

Cross-Border Winter Tourism: Russia Opens Doors

New visa-free policies recently introduced for Chinese tourists heading to Russia have made our northern neighbours appealing winter destinations. Murmansk has become a hotspot for witnessing the aurora borealis, drawing scores of visitors fascinated by this natural spectacle. Border towns close to Chinese ports such as Suifenhe and Heihe in Heilongjiang also attract travellers interested in cross-border destinations offering winter experiences with their own unique charms.

Historical Context: The Evolution of Winter Travel in China

China’s winter tourism has traditionally centred on a handful of iconic northern locations known for ice festivals and skiing. Harbin, with its celebrated ice and snow sculpture festivals, has long been symbolic of the nation’s ability to celebrate winter’s beauty and challenge. However, this base has expanded considerably as infrastructure investments harness technological innovation and improvements in transportation accessibility.

Concurrently, southern destinations have danced to a different seasonal tune—these have been popular for winter escapes due to their subtropical climates and cultural allure. Historically overshadowed by the northern snow scene, tropical destinations like Hainan island increasingly draw beachgoers and nature lovers year-round, a trend accelerated by urbanisation and growing middle-class leisure demand.

Winter Sports and Leisure: Growing Across the Landscape

The rise of winter sports has been a nod to international tourism trends, emphasising not only skiing but snowboarding, snowmobiling and other winter sports. The convenience of commercial flights and developing resort towns has encouraged local and inbound visitors alike to explore winter offerings beyond the traditional hotspots.

Forecasting the Impact on Travel and Leisure Markets

The surge in interest for varied winter destinations, from snowy peaks to warm beaches, is likely to shape China’s tourism economy profoundly. Domestic travel is experiencing a democratisation with more middle-class travellers exploring diverse climates and experiences. As southern and northern destinations continue to evolve their tourism portfolios, the need for complementary activities such as boating, yachting and wellness retreats will become more prominent, particularly in coastal regions.

This diversification supports a broader international tourism outlook, where travellers seek unique combinations of adventure, culture, and relaxation. The warming appeal of natural hot springs, or the chilly thrill of an aurora borealis viewing, showcases how the seasonality of travel may be extended or nuanced in coming years.

Table: Summary of China’s Top Growing Winter Destinations

Region Destination Main Attractions Notable Activities
North Harbin Ice festivals, winter sports Ice sculpting, skiing, folk culture
North Changbai Mountain Snow scenery, ski resorts Snowboarding, hiking, hot springs
South Sanya Beaches, tropical climate Swimming, boating, beach leisure
South Xishuangbanna Rainforest landscapes, cultural tours Hiking, nature tours, local culture
Border Regions Murmansk (Russia) Northern Lights viewing Wildlife watching, winter tours

List: Key Factors Influencing Winter Travel Trends in China

  • Infrastructure upgrades and diversified experiences at icy northern destinations
  • Growing popularity of warm southern retreats and cultural tourism
  • Increasing accessibility through improved transport and visa regulations
  • The rise of outdoor leisure activities, such as hiking, visiting hot springs, and winter sports.
  • Enhanced cross-border travel options to Russia's winter attractions

Connecting Winter Tourism to Sailing and Boat Hire Opportunities

While snow and sun craft contrasting winter images, certain destinations on this list, particularly coastal and lake regions in southern China and border areas, open up opportunities for boating activities. Warm-weather patches like Sanya boast calm seas, ideal for watersports, yacht charters and fishing expeditions.

The integration of boating, sailing, and water-based leisure adds a new dimension to winter travel, appealing to tourists seeking variety and adventure beyond the usual snow-focused holidays. As winter tourism grows in diversity, the demand for versatile maritime experiences is poised to increase in these emerging resort areas.

Висновок

China’s winter travel scene is experiencing a vibrant evolution with chilly northern ice festivals and ski resorts thriving alongside warm southern beach and rainforest getaways. The spread of infrastructure, cultural experiences, and leisure activities is creating a balanced winter tourism market that appeals to a broad spectrum of travellers. Complementing these trends are border destinations in Russia becoming more accessible, enriching the outbound options for winter tourists.

In coastal regions and tropical getaways, the winter months also bring booming potential for yacht charters, boating activities, and ocean adventures, making these destinations compelling for water sports enthusiasts.

For those eager to explore these flourishing winter hotspots and embrace the boating lifestyle further, GetBoat.com offers an international platform for hiring sailing boats and yachts tailored to every taste and budget. Whether it’s cruising crystal-clear waters or venturing onto snowy trails followed by seaside relaxation, the synergy between winter tourism and boating creates exciting prospects for adventure seekers around the globe.