China is ramping up efforts to promote ice and snow tourism in its northeastern region, unveiling new policies to attract both domestic and international visitors. The National Development and Reform Commission announced on Thursday plans to enhance the high-quality development of winter tourism hotspots like Harbin.
To entice foreign tourists, Harbin, the capital of Heilongjiang Province, will extend its visa-free transit period from 72 hours to 144 hours. This move aims to make it easier for travelers to experience the city’s famed winter festivals and picturesque snowy landscapes.
The action plan also includes coordinating visa-free transit policies across other northeastern areas, making the region more accessible. Additionally, China is encouraging tourists from key domestic areas such as Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei, the Yangtze River Delta, and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area to explore the winter wonders of the northeast.
Local governments are being supported to roll out measures like special local holidays to further boost ice and snow tourism. Strengthened cooperation with travel platforms is also on the agenda to enhance the overall tourist experience.
Harbin has already seen a significant boom in winter tourism. During the 2023-2024 winter season, the city welcomed over 87 million visitors, marking a staggering 300% increase from the previous year. Tourism revenue soared to 124.8 billion yuan (approximately $17.4 billion), up 500% year-on-year.
The rich ice and snow resources are turning northeast China into a hot destination, fueling economic growth and bringing global attention to its winter attractions.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
