Chinese city reveals plans for more than 20 ski resorts

Baishan's mega snowsports complex set to rival resorts in the Alps.

Baishan city government has announced plans to increase the number of ski resorts in the area to more than 20, in addition to the construction of an indoor skating centre, 50 outdoor skating rinks, 12 snow-ice tourist towns and more than 50,000 beds. The project will be carried out over the next three years, with the aim to attract more than 3 million tourists each year. Last year alone, the government invested more than 60 billion yuan (US 9.2 billion) into 44 separate winter tourism projects.

“…first-rate snow conditions comparable with that of the Alps”

A press release issued on Boxing Day 2017 describes the intent for the complex to become “a global high-end snow-ice tourism destination” with “first-rate snow conditions comparable with that of the Alps”.

Baishan is a city in China’s Jilin Province, with the nearby Changbai mountain range offering some of the best alpine conditions in the country. As it stands, there are two major ski resorts in the area – Changbai Mountains International Holiday Resort and the newly built Changbaishan Luneng Resort – as well as a number of other ski facilities and hotels.

The announcement comes as China turns its attention to snowsports in the lead up to the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. Xi Jinping has spoken of his desire grow the country’s estimated 15 million skiers to 300 million by the time the event rolls around, and projects like this one will no doubt help his cause.