Skiing has become increasingly popular among young people and outdoor lovers in China. With about 700 ski resorts in total, there’re great options across the entire country. The ideal ski season in China lasts from November to April. If you happen to be a fan of skiing or winter sports, here you have one more reason for visiting China in the winter. Learn about the top 10 best ski resorts in China in this article.
1. Harbin Yabuli Ski Resort
Harbin in Heilongjiang province is one of China’s best winter destinations. It is home to Harbin Yabuli Ski Resort, the biggest and most well-equipped ski resort in China. Surrounded by mountains, it has a breathtaking view of the surrounding forests thick with snow. During Qing Dynasty, the area was a royal hunting ground for emperors and aristocrats. Today, it is the training base for national ski athletes.
Yabuli is covered thick with snow for as long as 150 days of the year. It caters to skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Over 40 well-groomed trails covering a total distance of more than 40 kilometers, including 7 for beginners, 25 for intermediate skiers, and 10 for advanced skiers. The site offers equipment rental services, professional instructors, and excellent accommodation options.
✔ Recommended Tour: 6 Days Harbin Tour to Yabuli Ski Resort & Snow Town
2. Jilin Wanda Changbaishan International Ski Resort
And the second largest ski resort in China is Changbaishan International Ski Resort in Jilin province, another popular destination for China winter tours. The resort is located amongst Changbai Mountains. There’re waterfalls, lakes, and gorgeous snowscapes.
43 trails accommodate all levels of skiers. There’re ski rental services, ski lessons, and cozy lodging options for a relaxing stay. Afterwards, you can visit one of the hot spring sites nearby. It’s a perfect spot for family or group trips.
✔ Recommended Tour: 5 Days Changbai Mountain Skiing & Devils Drifting
3. Beijing Nanshan Ski Resort
If you’d like to spend a day on skiing or other winter sports while you’re on your Beijing tour, Beijing Nanshan Ski Resort is your top choice. It is located only about 45 minutes from the capital city.
This site is the only resort in Beijing that provides services of multiple winter sports, including skiing, skating, and ice climbing. The fields are well maintained with thick snow and smooth trails. Nanshan is a good location for beginners and families with children because the trails here are more friendly with professional instructors.
✔ Recommended Readings about Traveling to Beijing in the Winter
- Beijing Winter Travel – Weather, Things to Do, Tips
- 10 Best Places to See Snowy Scenes in Beijing Winter
4. Zhangjiakou Wanlong Ski Resort
If you’re looking for a more intense skiing experience as an advanced skier and wouldn’t mind venturing out a bit further, Zhangjiakou Wanlong Ski Resort is 50 km (31 miles) from Zhangjiakou City, 249 km (155 miles) from Beijing, which is less than a 4-hour drive. It is the first open ski resort in China.
As one of the designated venues for the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, it has developed a reputation for its top-notch services and world-class slopes. Its 32 trails accommodate skiers of all levels. However, the site may be more suitable for professional or advanced skiers. Its highest altitude is about 2,110 meters (6,923 feet) above sea level with a vertical drop of 550 meters (1,804 feet).
5. Chengdu Xiling Snow Mountain Ski Resort
To experience skiing on your Chengdu tour, you should definitely look into Chengdu Xiling Snow Mountain Ski Resort. This site in Sichuan province is known to be the largest alpine ski resort in south China, located only 110 km (68 miles) west of Chengdu.
With ski equipment rental services, professional ski instructors, and cozy accommodations, it is the ideal spot for a family vacation. The trails and slopes are friendly for beginners. You can have fun with other activities like snowmobile and Grass Skiing as well.
✔ Recommended Tour: 2 Days Xiling Snow Mountain Ski Resort Tour from Chengdu
6. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Ski Resort
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Ski Resort is the warmest natural alpine ski resort in China. The mountains are between 4,500 and 4,700 meters (between 14,764 and 15,420 feet) above sea level, covered in thick snow all year round. The resort is just 19 km (12 miles) north of Lijiang in Yunnan Province. It’s about a 40-minute drive.
The skiing area is not large. The trails are friendly to beginners. The best part about visiting this resort is its gorgeous scenery, the alpine meadow, lakes, and snow-capped peaks. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is also a popular hiking destination known across the country.
✔ Recommended Tour: 5 Days Yunnan Tour of Lijiang and Shangri-La
7. Jilin Beidahu Ski Resort
Also in Jilin province is Beidahu Ski Resort, one of the best ski resorts in China. It is known for its mild climate, comprehensive facilities, and large scale. It has the biggest vertical drop in Asia, 930 meters (3,051 feet). With 22 trails, the resort is suitable for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. During the ski season, you may have a chance to see the gorgeous rime ice formation at this resort.
8. Alshan Alpine Ski Resort
Alshan Ski Resort in Alshan, Inner Mongolia is a first-class ski resort in China. Situated amongst the mountains and forests, the resort consists of two parts: training ground for competitions and recreation area. Both venues are built according to the international skiing standard. Plan your winter trip to China and enjoy the snow!
9. Shennongjia Tourist Ski Resort
Shennongjia Tourist Ski Resort is in Hubei, a province in southern China. It is one of the only ski resorts near the southeastern coast. There’re a number of beginner and intermediate downhill slopes if you’re one for thrills and adventure.
10. The Silk Road Ski Resort in Urumqi
The Silk Road Ski Resort is located in the Nanshan Scenic Area of National Forest Park. It is about 54 km (34 miles) from Urumqi City in Xinjiang, which takes 1 hour by car. It is the largest ski resort in Northwest China as well as one of the three major ski resorts in China. With eight primary ski trails, the resort can accommodate 10,000 people at once. Three ski and sightseeing cable cars can take you into the forests.
In the winter, there’s plenty of sunshine. The air is fresh, and the snow is pure. After a ski, you can sit down at the coffee shop or the mini bar for a hot chocolate and enjoy the winter scenery. It’s a good stop to make on your China Silk Road tour.
