Reference News Network, February 17 report: On February 15, the U.S. magazine "Around the World" website published an article titled "China's Winter Economy in 2026: A Winter Revolution Worth Trillions of Yuan," the content is excerpted as follows:
For decades, the term "Winter China" has always evoked images of smokestacks in the northeastern industrial areas or the biting winds of the Gobi Desert. But by February 2026, this image has been replaced by neon-lit ice sculptures and skiers speeding down the ski slopes of Changbai Mountains.
At the 2026 Winter Tourism Development Conference held in Harbin, the latest data released showed that China's winter tourism has entered a "new phase of sustained prosperity." It is no longer just a seasonal trend, but has grown into a large independent industry.
In 2025, the total scale of China's winter economy exceeded 1 trillion yuan, doubling twice compared to 10 years ago. The growth is astonishing.
Looking ahead, the development momentum of China's winter economy remains strong. The China Tourism Academy predicts that the figure will reach 1.2 trillion yuan in 2027 and 1.5 trillion yuan in 2030.
During the winter season from 2025 to 2026, experts predict that the scale of domestic winter tourism in China will exceed 360 million people, with direct income expected to reach 450 billion yuan.
The most notable change may be the shift in consumption patterns among Chinese tourists. In the past, most of the expenses on winter tourism were spent on "hard costs" such as air tickets and hotels. Now, consumer spending is shifting towards "soft costs." Tourists are now willing to spend more on the following items: immersive cultural experiences, such as the traditional winter fishing at Chagan Lake and Mongolian horsehead fiddle performances; photography services, with high-end "snow scenery portraits" becoming a must-have for Gen Z tourists; technology-driven entertainment projects, such as virtual reality tours and interactive light shows.
In 2026, Chinese people do not need to travel to the northeast to enjoy snow and play in the snow. The southern regions of China are vigorously investing in indoor snow and ice comprehensive facilities. In 2025, the investment in winter tourism in the South China region accounted for 30% of the national total investment, amounting to 30 billion yuan. These indoor facilities have made the "winter economy" no longer limited to the seasonal window period, becoming a year-round revenue growth point.
Moreover, China is not only a major consumer of winter products but also a major manufacturer. Products such as domestically produced ski boards, skiing equipment, and heavy snow groomers are now competing on the global stage. Through cross-border e-commerce, China is transforming from a simple tourist destination into a leader in the global winter equipment manufacturing supply chain.
Putting aside the cold statistical data, this trend reflects a transformation in the lifestyle of the Chinese people. Dai Bin, president of the China Tourism Academy, said: "Winter has become an important part of people's better lives."
Winter has become a time for people to gather and celebrate. This proves China's ability to transform "cold resources" into "hot economy," and also demonstrates that even the coldest land can be transformed into an engine of warmth and prosperity. (Translated by Wu Mei)
Original source: toutiao.com/article/7607717800492220963/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.