7 must-visit ski resorts in the Chinese Mainland

Going on a ski holiday used to mean choosing between popular European destinations such as Les Trois Vallées in France or the Swiss Alps. Today, travellers can also explore indoor snow parks and mountain ski resorts across the Chinese Mainland, with options to discover closer to Hong Kong. From the world’s largest indoor ski park in Shenzhen to the “snow capital” of Altay in the Xinjiang region, these are the top skiing destinations in the Chinese Mainland.

Best indoor ski resorts and snow parks in the Chinese Mainland  

1. Huafa Snow Bonski (Huafa Ice and Snow World), Shenzhen 

Experience year‑round skiing at one of the world’s largest indoor ski resorts in Shenzhen’s Qianhai Bay. Huafa Snow Bonski covers 100,000sqm and includes five slopes. Its longest run is 460 metres with an 83-metre vertical drop, while the 192-metre beginner slope offers a gentler introduction to indoor skiing. 

Getting there: take Shenzhen Metro Line 11 to Line 20 via Convention & Exhibition City Station (Exit B). From Hong Kong International Airport, you can enjoy seamless Air + Land cross-boundary transfer or take the ferry using our Direct Air + Sea connection, getting you there in around one to two hours. 

Where to stay: the soon-to-be open Shenzhen Huafa JW Marriott Hotel offers direct access to the ski resort for a seamless ski-in, ski-out experience. 

2. Wintastar, Shanghai 

Located next to Dishui Lake, Shanghai’s Wintastar  brings together entertainment, dining, shopping, three themed hotels, a Viking‑themed water park and a Nordic‑themed indoor ski area of around 90,000sqm. It’s the perfect family-friendly ski park, featuring three professional slopes and more than 25 non‑ski activities, including the Chinese Mainland’s first indoor snow train.  

Getting there: drive 30 minutes from Shanghai Pudong International Airport, or take Metro Line 16 to Lingang Avenue, followed by a 10-minute walk.

Where to stay: Hyatt Regency Shanghai Lingang is within convenient access via Metro Line 16 and close to other major attractions in the area.

3. Chengdu Sunac Snow World, Dujiangyan 

Situated in Dujiangyan to the north-west of Chengdu, Sunac Snow World combines Sichuan's unique cultural charm and traditional Qiang-style buildings inside a winter wonderland. The ski area spans seven floors of activities, including tobogganing, bumper cars and snow tanks. Seasoned skiers can challenge themselves on an advanced slope that starts on the 22nd floor.

Getting there: take the metro to Xipu High-speed Railway Station, then transfer to the high-speed train to Dujiangyan High-speed Railway Station. Finally, take bus 14 to the Sunac Cultural Tourism City stop. 

Where to stay: Anantara Xiling Snow Mountain Chengdu Resort   offers direct access to private hot springs from guestrooms and mountain backdrops. Located 20 minutes from the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, a stay here adds a unique animal encounter to your trip.

Best ski areas in the Chinese Mainland

4. Yabuli Ski Resort, Heilongjiang

After visiting Harbin’s ice festival, venture to Yabuli in Heilongjiang for one of the Chinese Mainland’s most established mountain ski destinations. Yabuli offers roughly 35km of varied ski runs, as well as some of the longest downhill tracks in the country, including a famous 5km alpine run and an extensive toboggan track. It also has a compelling backstory: once a royal hunting ground in the Qing Dynasty, it later became the country’s first modern competitive ski training base in the 1970s, and more recently has been the host of international competitions like the Asian Winter Games. 

Getting there: take a high-speed train from Harbin Railway Station or Harbin West Railway Station to Yabuli West Railway Station, then a coach or taxi to the ski resort. The whole journey takes around two and a half hours. 

Where to stay: the comfortable Yabuli Forest Hot Spring Hotel is conveniently located next to the main slopes, and the nearby Shangzhi Qushe Resort Hotel offers elegant furnishings and expansive scenic views. 

5. Jiangjunshan Ski Resort, Altay 

The Chinese Mainland’s skiing legacy comes alive in Altay, the nation’s “snow capital”. At its heart is Jiangjunshan Ski Resort, the Xinjiang region’s first natural ski resort. The resort features 17 kilometres of ski runs between 900 metres and 1,325 metres above sea level and is especially popular with snowboarders.

Getting there: you can fly into Altay from Urumqi, but many skiers prefer to board the “China’s Snow Capital Altay” Y965 night train from Urumqi. From Altay, it's an easy ride to the resort by taxi or shuttle bus.

Where to stay: UrCove by Hyatt Altay  in the central business district is a six‑minute drive from the resort, putting you right in the centre of the action.

6. Nanshan Ski Resort, Beijing 

Located in the snow-capped mountains of Miyun District in northeast Beijing, Nanshan Ski Resort  is just over an hour's drive from the airport. This family-friendly resort features 26 trails for all levels, including practice slopes for kids. If one day isn’t enough, Nanshan also offers night skiing until 10pm. Afterwards, unwind and refuel at the resort’s cosy restaurants with terrace seating and scenic views.

Getting there: a taxi from the airport is the easiest option. Alternatively, take a 30-minute Beijing-Harbin high-speed train ride from Beijing Chaoyang Station to Miyun Station. From there, transfer to a taxi or the Nanshan Ski Resort shuttle bus for a 10-minute ride to the slopes.

Where to stay: Vangen Spa Hotel offers private hot-spring style suites and sits in the Gubeikou/Panlongshan Great Wall area, a scenic add-on to your ski trip. 

7. Silk Road Ski Resort, Urumqi 

If you prefer to stay closer to the capital, Silk Road Ski Resort in Urumqi sits between 1,850 and 2,500 metres up in the Tianshan Mountains. It’s considered one of the country’s premier ski destinations and offers 10 kilometres of marked runs, including advanced slopes for experienced skiers. 

Getting there: take a taxi directly to the resort; seasonal shuttle options from Urumqi are also available.

Where to stay: sleek, stylish and comfortable, the Conrad Urumqi  connects you to city landmarks and upscale shopping.

This story was originally published in September 2024 and updated in November 2026. 

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