Jilin: Iterating New Ice-Snow Sports Products

Changbai Mountain Snow·Meet at Winter Universiade

Southeast Asia Winter Resort Column (Episode 5)

On November 5, Jilin Province of China, host of the 33rd FISU World University Winter Games, held a press conference on the overall arrangements for the new snow season and the Changchun Universiade Ice-Snow Carnival, detailing a series of initiatives for the upcoming 2026–2027 snow season in which the ice-snow feast and the sporting event will resonate and empower each other. It is reported that Jilin Province has seized the major development opportunities brought by the Winter Universiade to its ice-snow tourism sector, coordinating 11 prefecture-level regions and 13 provincial and central government departments for the new snow season, and compiling a checklist of 99 key snow-season tasks to drive implementation through list-based management.

"For the new snow season, we will iterate our ice-snow product supply and create brand-new ice-snow consumption scenarios," according to the Jilin Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism. Ski resorts across the province will see comprehensive improvements in the number, area and length of ski runs, aerial ropeways and other facilities as well as management standards. The number of ski runs has increased by 14 from last season, bringing the total to 383; the ski run area has expanded by 26.8 hectares to 1,233 hectares; the total length of runs is up 11.4 kilometres to 315 kilometres; and two more aerial ropeways are in operation, lifting the total to 55, further boosting the ski resorts' reception capacity.

In Changchun, Tiandingshan Ski Resort caters primarily to first-time skiers. It features 18 runs, mostly beginner and intermediate slopes with wide, gentle terrain and a maximum vertical drop of over 120 metres, capable of receiving 5,000 skiers at the same time. Adjacent to Changchun Ice and Snow World, it enables a combined experience of skiing and ice sculpture sightseeing. For enthusiasts seeking night skiing, Miaoxiangshan Ski Resort in Changchun is an ideal pick. Known as an "urban ski gym" for weekend getaways, it boasts 13 runs stretching 13 kilometres in total, with a maximum vertical drop of 248 metres. Its runs average roughly 40 metres in width, great for new learners, and a 900-metre advanced run lets skiers glide straight from the summit down to the cableway station. Changchun Lianhuashan Shimao Ski Resort is a large integrated destination suitable for beginners, intermediate skiers and youth ski training, as well as snowboarding groups. It offers high-capacity cableways plus full on-site dining and accommodation services. Jingyuetan Ski Resort in Changchun is hailed as "the ski resort within the city". Nestled amid forests on three sides and beside Jingyuetan Lake, it also provides snowmobile rides and ice activities, perfect for first-timers, casual sightseeing and photo-taking.

Jilin City enjoys a reputation as a skiing paradise. Beidahu Ski Resort, on the outskirts of Jilin City, stands out as a top-tier destination in Northeast China and Asia's largest single-site national-level ski resort. It has 74 runs spanning 80 kilometres in total, covering 275 hectares. With its main peak at 1,404 metres above sea level and a vertical drop of 870 metres — the largest among ski resorts in Asia — plus 13 cableways and seven magic carpets, it delivers an immersive, liberating skiing experience amid vast mountain terrain. In contrast to Beidahu's professional ski setup, CTG Songhua Lake Resort offers a vibrant commercial, all-in-one entertainment experience. A national 4A-level scenic area and national ski tourism resort, it has 50 runs totalling 55 kilometres over 2.3 million square metres of skiable terrain. Its golden 4:4:2 ratio of beginner, intermediate and advanced slopes suits skiers of all levels, supported by professional coaching teams covering all age groups.

The ice-snow offerings around the Changbai Mountain region have received major upgrades this winter. Changbai Mountain Wanda Ski Resort sits on the mountainside of Changbai Mountain at an altitude of 1,034 metres, commanding sweeping views of snow-covered forests. Upscale experiences including cableway sightseeing, snowmobile rides and cloud-top café visits are among its highlights. The resort focuses on ski vacations paired with open-air hot springs, offering a distinctive experience: snow falling overhead while warm steam rises from your body. At Changbai Mountain Scenic Area, visitors can ride cableways to the summit, unwind at the cloud-top café and gaze out at endless snow-blanketed forests, or hop on a snowmobile and race through the pale woodland. This snow season, drawing on the IP of Notes on Tomb Raiders, the "Yunding Heavenly Palace" snow sculpture installation will be unveiled at the Enduli Yunding Heavenly Palace Square, presenting a cross-dimensional cultural and tourism feast for fans of the novel and all visitors.

(Contributed by Hong Kong Commercial Daily correspondent)

Tiandingshan Ski Resort