North China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region has officially launched its five-month ice-snow tourism season, marking a significant step in China’s nationwide push to develop the ice-and-snow economy. The season, which runs from December 20, 2025, to May 2026, will feature 159 cultural activities, 48 sporting events, and 45 themed travel routes, according to local authorities. Key highlights include the 21st Ice and Snow Nadam Fair and the 22nd China-Russia-Mongolia International Ice and Snow Festival in Manzhouli, a border city in Inner Mongolia. This initiative aligns with China’s state-level plan to grow the ice-and-snow economy to a 1.2 trillion yuan ($169 billion) industry by 2027 and 1.5 trillion yuan by 2030. Other regions, such as Heilongjiang, Jilin, and Xinjiang, are also enhancing their winter tourism offerings with expanded attractions, tourism vouchers, and unique incentives like student ‘snow breaks.’ Inner Mongolia cities like Ulanqab and Arxan are promoting local features such as volcanic skiing and snowmobiling, while offering tourism vouchers, ‘ski-hot spring’ combo tickets, and enhanced visitor comfort measures like heated rest areas and extended venue hours.
Inner Mongolia launches five-month ice-snow season amid China’s winter tourism push
