Discover the top ski resorts in China and plan your perfect winter getaway with this comprehensive guide. From popular destinations near Beijing to resorts accessible from Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and other major cities, this article highlights the best China ski resorts for all skill levels.
Learn where to find pristine slopes, modern facilities, and unique winter experiences, whether you’re a beginner or an expert skier.
What Are the Top 6 Ski Resorts in China?
Yabuli Ski Resort | govt.chinadaily.com.cn
See TOP 50 China ski resorts list. The table below sums up the best 6 China resorts with the core info you need,
Resort Name | Location (Near) | Ski Season | Suitable For | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Beijing | Nov–Mar | All levels (beginners to pros) | 2022 Winter Olympics venue; 22+ ski lifts | |
Harbin (Northeast) | Nov–Mar | Advanced skiers; teams | China’s largest; 812m vertical drop | |
Changbaishan (Northeast) | Nov–Apr | Families; scenery lovers | Rime ice + hot springs; 4,000+ ski lockers | |
Chengdu (Southwest) | Dec–Mar | Day trippers; nature fans | 5,364m peak; year-round alpine views | |
Guangzhou (South China) | Year-round | Families; beginners | Asia’s 3rd largest indoor ski resort | |
Shanghai (East China) | Dec–Feb | Weekend travelers | Bamboo forest backdrop; night skiing |
Top 1: Genting Snow Park (Chongli) – Olympic-Level Slopes Near Beijing
Garden Genting Snow Park
Genting Snow Park, located in Chongli District (220km from Beijing), is the gold standard for skiing near the capital—thanks to its role as a venue for the 2022 Winter Olympics (it hosted freestyle skiing and snowboarding events) .
The resort sits at an altitude of 1,600–2,100m, with natural snowfall complemented by advanced snow-making systems that cover 100% of its slopes. It’s one of the few resorts in China with FIS (International Ski Federation)-certified courses, making it popular with both competitive skiers and casual visitors.
Very easy to redeem the ticket! Just scan the QR code at the machine in the hotel. After finish ski, remember to return the ski card to avoid to being charge by RMB50 deposit.How to Get There?
- High-Speed Rail (Most Convenient): Take the Beijing-Zhangjiakou High-Speed Rail from Beijing North Station to Chongli Station (1.5 hours, $25–$35). From Chongli Station, take a resort shuttle bus (15 minutes, $3) or a taxi ($10).
- Self-Drive: Drive from Beijing via the Beijing-Tibet Expressway (3 hours, tolls ~$12). The resort offers free parking for 2,000+ cars.
What’s Special?
- Slope Diversity: 41 slopes totaling 21km, including 10 beginner-friendly green slopes, 25 intermediate blue slopes, and 6 advanced black slopes (the Olympic “Big Air” jump is open for guided experiences).
- Amenities: 22 ski lifts (including 6 high-speed gondolas) to avoid long waits; English-speaking ski instructors; on-site hotels like the Genting Grand Hotel (with ski-in/ski-out access) and cozy cafes serving hot pot (a must-try after skiing).
- Pro Tip: Book the “Olympic Experience Package” to ski on the official competition slopes and visit the Olympic Museum nearby.
Top 2: Changbaishan Wanda Ski Resort – Scenery + Skiing (Near Changbaishan)
Changbaishai Wanda International Resort
Located at the foot of Changbai Mountain (Jilin Province), this resort combines top-tier skiing with breathtaking natural beauty—think snow-capped peaks, rime-covered trees, and views of the iconic Tianchi (Heavenly Lake) . It’s a favorite for families and leisure travelers because of its balanced mix of gentle slopes and luxury amenities, including hot springs to unwind after a day on the snow.
How to Get There?
- Air: Fly to Changbai Mountain Airport (17km from the resort, 20 minutes by taxi, $15). There are direct flights from Beijing (2 hours), Shanghai (3 hours), and Seoul (1.5 hours).
- Train: Take a high-speed train to Changbaishan Station (30km from the resort, 40 minutes by shuttle bus, $5).
- Resort Shuttle: Wanda Resorts offers free shuttles from the airport and train station to the resort.
What’s Special?
- Scenic Slopes: 26 slopes (12 beginner, 10 intermediate, 4 advanced) with views of Changbai Mountain. The “Rime Trail” is a gentle slope lined with frost-covered trees—ideal for photography.
- Hot Spring Combo: Most on-site hotels (like Wanda Jin Resort and Yuhua Loft Hot Spring Hotel) include hot spring access in their room rates. The Hanashan Hot Spring has 23 indoor/outdoor pools, perfect for warming up in -20℃ weather .
- Family-Friendly: A dedicated kids’ ski area with cartoon-themed slopes and professional children’s instructors; nearby Wanda Momoland offers snow tubing and ice skating.
Top 3: Yabuli Ski Resort – China’s Largest Natural Snow Paradise (Near Harbin)
Yabuli Ski Resort
Yabuli Ski Resort, in Heilongjiang Province (177km from Harbin), is China’s oldest and largest ski destination—often called the “Cradle of Chinese Skiing” . Nestled in the Changbai Mountains, it boasts abundant natural snow (average snow depth of 1m from November to March) and has hosted major events like the 1996 Winter Asian Games and 2009 Winter Universiade. It’s the training base for China’s national ski team, so you’ll often spot athletes practicing alongside tourists.
How to Get There?
- Train: Take a high-speed train from Harbin to Yabuli West Station (2.5 hours, $18–$25). The resort provides a free shuttle from the station (15 minutes).
- Bus: Buses depart from Harbin’s Taiping International Airport and Harbin Railway Station hourly (3 hours, $12).
- Self-Drive: Drive from Harbin via the Harbin-Yabuli Expressway (2.5 hours, tolls ~$8).
What’s Special?
- Massive Scale: 50 hectares of skiable area, with a maximum vertical drop of 812m—the largest in China. The longest slope (Sun Mountain Run) stretches 5km, perfect for advanced skiers.
- World-Class Facilities: A 6-seater gondola and 4-seater chairlifts (upgraded in 2024) reduce queue times; a 8,000㎡ indoor training hall for bad weather; and cryotherapy facilities to soothe sore muscles.
- Cultural Touches: Try local Northeast Chinese dishes like iron pot stew (tietanguo) and sour cabbage with pork in the resort’s restaurants—warm and hearty for cold days.
We joined a two-day tour to Yabuli Resort and took the mountain cable car to the top of the mountain. From the cable car we could see people skiing on the ski slopes. Watching them ski was also a pleasure. When we reached the top of the mountain, we saw a vast expanse of white snow. It was a very beautiful snowfield. After the tour, you can "slide" down the mountain on the slide. One person sits in one "car" and controls the speed by himself. You can slide down quickly and enjoy the snow scenery along the way. It is a good experience.Top 4: Xiling Snow Mountain – Chengdu’s Backyard Ski Getaway
Xiling Snow Mountain
Just 120km from Chengdu (Sichuan Province), Xiling Snow Mountain is the closest major ski resort to Southwest China’s biggest city . It sits at an altitude of 2,200–5,364m, so it enjoys natural snowfall from December to March, plus year-round alpine scenery (summer brings wildflowers and cool temperatures). It’s perfect for day trips or weekend getaways from Chengdu.
How to Get There?
- Bus: Take an express coach from Chengdu’s Chadianzi Bus Station to Xiling Snow Mountain (9:00/9:30 AM departures, 3 hours, $6) .
- Transfer: Take a bus from Chengdu to Dayi County (1.5 hours, $3), then switch to a shuttle bus to the resort (1 hour, $3) .
- Self-Drive: Drive via the Chengdu-Dayi Expressway (2.5 hours, tolls ~$5).
What’s Special?
- Dual Scenery: The lower area (Dafeishui Scenic Area) has gentle slopes for beginners, while the upper area (Red Clouds Plateau) offers steeper slopes and panoramic views of the Sichuan Basin.
- Year-Round Appeal: Visit in summer for hiking and grass skiing; in winter, the “Sun and Snow” view (sunshine on the snow) is a unique sight.
- Affordable: A combined ticket (admission + cable car + shuttle bus) costs ~$28, which is cheaper than most resorts . Local Sichuan restaurants on-site serve spicy hot pot and mapo tofu—perfect for warming up.
Top 5: Guangzhou Sunac Snow Park – Year-Round Skiing in South China
Guangzhou Sunac
For skiers in Guangzhou, Shenzhen, or Hong Kong, Sunac Snow Park (also called “Snow Miracle”) is a game-changer—it’s a 75,000㎡ indoor ski resort, 3 times the size of Dubai’s indoor slope . With a constant temperature of -6℃, it offers real snow and skiable slopes 365 days a year, making it ideal for southerners who don’t want to travel north.
How to Get There?
- Metro: Take Guangzhou Metro Line 9 to Feixiang Station (Exit A), then transfer to the resort shuttle (10 minutes, free).
- Self-Drive: Drive to Sunac Cultural Tourism City (Huadu District, 40 minutes from downtown Guangzhou, free parking).
- High-Speed Rail: From Shenzhen, take a high-speed train to Guangzhou North Station (30 minutes, $10), then take a taxi to the resort (15 minutes, $8).
What’s Special?
- Indoor Innovation: 4 slopes (beginner to intermediate) with a maximum drop of 50m and a 460m-long main slope . There’s also a “snow town” area with fake snowfall, ice sculptures, and sledding for kids.
- Convenience: No need to pack warm clothes—rent ski suits, boots, and goggles on-site ($15–$25 per set).
- Family Fun: The “Snow Play Area” has snowball fights and snowmen building; adjacent to the resort are an outdoor theme park and water park, perfect for a multi-day trip.
Top 6: Anji Jiangnan Tianchi Ski Resort – Shanghai’s Nearby Alpine Escape
Jiangnan Tianchi Ski Resort
Located in Anji County (Zhejiang Province), 2.5 hours from Shanghai, this resort is the best option for weekend skiers in the Yangtze River Delta . It sits at 1,000m above sea level, with a backdrop of bamboo forests (Anji is known as “China’s Bamboo Township”) and a large man-made lake (Jiangnan Tianchi), creating a unique alpine atmosphere.
How to Get There?
- High-speed rail: Take the high-speed rail from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station to Anji Railway Station (1 hour, 18 US dollars), and then take a taxi to the resort (40 minutes, 20 US dollars).
- By car: Depart from Shanghai and take the Shanghai-Hangzhou-Ningbo Expressway (2.5 hours, toll about 10 US dollars).
- Group Tours: Many travel agencies in Shanghai offer one-day Tours ($80 - $120, including transportation and cable car tickets).
What’s Special?
- The background of the scenery: The hillside overlooks Tianchi Lake and the endless bamboo forest - photographers will love the view at sunrise.
- Night skiing: Open until 9 p.m., with illuminated slopes, it is perfect for those who work on weekdays (night tickets are 30% cheaper than daytime tickets).
- Gentle slopes: 5 gentle slopes, mainly suitable for beginners and intermediate skiers, very suitable for first-time skiers or families. After skiing, you can enjoy local bamboo shoots and Anji white tea at a nearby restaurant.
What're the Types of Ski Resorts in China & What to Expect?
Expect an excited & memorable skiing experience in China
China’s ski resorts fall into two main categories, each with distinct advantages:
Category | Natural Snow Resorts | Man-Made / Snow-Making Resorts |
|---|---|---|
Region | Northeast, North China | Southwest, South, East China |
Features | Abundant natural snow (Nov–Mar), large skiable areas, scenic mountains | Indoor/outdoor with snow machines, year-round or short winter seasons, close to major cities |
Best For | Expert skiers, long trips, authentic winter landscapes | Beginners, families, day trips, southern travelers |
Top Picks | Yabuli, Changbaishan, Genting Snow Park | Guangzhou Sunac, Anji Jiangnan Tianchi, Xiling Snow Mountain |
Common Amenities Across Resorts
- Ski Schools: Most have English-speaking instructors (book 1–2 days in advance for peak season).
- Equipment Rental: Skis, boots, goggles, and suits are available (prices: $10–$30 per day).
- Accommodation: Ski-in/ski-out hotels (Genting, Changbaishan) or nearby budget guesthouses (Anji, Xiling).
- Dining: A mix of local cuisine (Northeast stew, Sichuan hot pot) and international options (pizza, coffee).
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5 Essential Tips for Skiing at China’s Top Resorts
- Choose the Right Resort for Your Skill Level – Northeast resorts like Yabuli are best for advanced skiers, while southern snow-making resorts suit beginners and families.
- Book Ski Schools in Advance – Many resorts offer English-speaking instructors; reserve 1–2 days ahead during peak season.
- Rent Equipment On-Site – Most resorts provide skis, boots, goggles, and suits ($10–$30/day), saving you the hassle of bringing your own.
- Check Weather and Snow Conditions – Natural snow resorts have peak conditions Nov–Mar, while man-made resorts may operate year-round.
- Plan Accommodation and Dining – Ski-in/ski-out hotels are convenient in major resorts; enjoy local cuisine like Northeast stew or Sichuan hot pot.
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China Entry Requirements & Things to Prepare
- 24/240 China Visa-Free Transit: US citizens can stay up to 240 hours in 54 Chinese cities without a China visa when transiting.
- China Plug & Power: China plug uses Type A/C/F (220V). Bring a Type A/C adapter (US plugs sometimes work, but bring a universal adapter for safety).
- Internet Access in China: You need a China VPN for Google/Ins/YT/X, etc. But you can also use China eSIM with built-in access to overseas apps!
Getting Around & Top Destinations in China
- China Metro Guides: Shanghai Metro | Beijing Metro | Guangzhou Metro | HK Metro
- China Airport Guides: Shanghai Airport | Beijing Airport | Guangzhou Airport | HK Airport Express
- China City Maps: Beijing Map | Guangzhou Map | Shanghai Map | HK Map
- Top Destinations in China: Shanghai Attractions (Disneyland, Bund) | Beijing Attractions (Forbidden City, Great Wall) | HK Attractions (HK Disneyland)
Must-Have Apps in China
- China Map App: I love to use Gaode Map (English supported) or Baidu Map (limited English) for real-time transit and traffic. Or you can still use Google Maps in China, but some data may be outdated.
- China Transport App: Use DiDi (China's Uber) for English address input and cashless payment. I recommend to use the DiDi mini-program in Alipay for more convenience.
- China Payment App: Use Alipay or WeChat Pay (link foreign cards before arrival).
- China Booking App: Trip.com for high-speed trains (China HSR Guide), China hotels/flights. Use Trip.com promo codes for USA users.
FAQs about China Ski Resorts
Does China have good ski resorts?
Absolutely. China has world-class resorts—Genting hosted the 2022 Olympics, Yabuli is a national training base, and Changbaishan offers scenic skiing with hot springs. Resorts cater to all levels, from beginners to pros.What is the biggest ski resort in China?
Yabuli Ski Resort in Heilongjiang Province is China’s largest, with 50 hectares of skiable area, 812m vertical drop, and the country’s biggest ski jumping facilities .What are the big 3 ski resorts in China?
The “Big 3” are Genting Snow Park (Chongli, Olympic-level), Yabuli Ski Resort (Heilongjiang, largest), and Changbaishan Wanda Ski Resort (Jilin, scenery + amenities).Is Beijing good for skiing?
Yes. Beijing’s surrounding areas (especially Chongli, Hebei) have excellent resorts. Genting Snow Park is 1.5 hours by high-speed rail from Beijing, with Olympic-quality slopes and easy access. Nanshan Ski Resort (1 hour from downtown Beijing) is also great for beginners.Can I ski year-round in China?
Yes—indoor resorts like Guangzhou Sunac Snow Park and Shanghai Sunac Snow Park offer 365-day skiing with constant -6℃ temperatures . Outdoor resorts are only open November–March.How much does skiing cost in China?
Prices vary by resort:
Indoor resorts (Guangzhou Sunac): $30–$50 per 4 hours (including equipment).
Outdoor resorts (Genting, Yabuli): $50–$100 per day (lift ticket + equipment).
Peak season (December–February) may add 20–30% to prices.