China is experiencing an unprecedented surge in winter sports enthusiasm, with over 300 million people embracing ice and snow activities since the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics. From skiing to ice skating, the nation has fallen in love with winter sports. The growth is not just in participation but also in infrastructure. According to China’s General Administration of Sport, the country boasted 2,847 ice and snow sports venues by the end of 2023—a 16.11 percent increase from the previous year. This expansion has made winter sports more accessible than ever before. Local governments across the Chinese mainland have been instrumental in this boom, investing in supportive facilities and promoting winter sports as a leisure activity. The northern city of Shenyang, for instance, has seen its ski resorts bustling with new enthusiasts. “It’s exciting to see so many young people taking up winter sports,” said Li Wei, a manager at a ski resort in Liaoning Province. “The energy is incredible, and it feels like a new era for sports in China.” The rise in popularity is attributed to the legacy of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, which ignited national interest in ice and snow sports. For many teenagers and young adults, winter sports have become a trendy way to stay active and enjoy the colder months. As the interest continues to grow, China is poised to become a global powerhouse in winter sports, nurturing a new generation of athletes and enthusiasts alike.
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China sees winter sports boom with over 300 million people engaging
cgtn.com
