Core Insights - The ice and snow economy is expanding into southern China, breaking geographical and climatic barriers, and becoming a vibrant part of consumer upgrades and industrial transformation in the region [1] Group 1: Southern Ice and Snow Demand - Southern consumers are increasingly engaging in ice and snow activities, with indoor ski resorts becoming popular leisure destinations [2][3] - Data shows a significant increase in interest for indoor skiing in southern cities, with Shanghai's search volume for "indoor ski resorts" up 117% year-on-year [2] - The trend indicates a shift from casual snow play to more serious skiing experiences, with families and young professionals participating more frequently [3] Group 2: Supply Quality Improvement - The growth of the ice and snow economy in southern China is driven by tailored supply that meets diverse consumer demands, including enhanced service and innovative products [5] - Indoor ski resorts are projected to account for over 25% of total visitor numbers in the 2025-2026 season, with significant investments in the southern region [6] - New service offerings, such as "stay and ski" packages, are being developed to enhance consumer experience and engagement [6][7] Group 3: Policy and Infrastructure Support - Government policies and infrastructure development are crucial for supporting the growth of the ice and snow economy in southern China [8] - The implementation of strategies to promote ice and snow sports is being coordinated across multiple departments, enhancing consumer engagement and infrastructure [8] Group 4: North-South Collaboration - The collaboration between northern and southern regions is evolving, with southern indoor ski resorts serving as training grounds for consumers before they visit northern ski areas [9][11] - The potential for the ice and snow economy in southern China remains high, driven by rising disposable incomes and a shift towards experiential consumption [9][10] - The development of a comprehensive "ice and snow +" ecosystem is being prioritized to enhance consumer offerings and drive growth [10][11]

Core Insights - The booming ice and snow economy in China is highlighted by the significant increase in tourist numbers and industry growth, with the ice and snow industry scale rising from 364.7 billion yuan to 980 billion yuan from 2016 to 2024, averaging an annual growth rate of 21.09% [1][4] Industry Growth - Harbin received 1.405 million tourists on January 1, 2026, marking an 11.4% year-on-year increase [1] - The ice and snow tourism has consistently exceeded 300 million visitors for three consecutive seasons [1] Domestic Brand Development - Domestic brands are emerging in the ice and snow equipment market, with companies like Jilin Chemical Fiber Group developing carbon fiber ski boards that are lighter and more affordable than international brands [3] - The domestic ski board, branded as "Xifei," is 30% lighter and has 3 to 5 times the strength of regular boards, appealing to consumers [3] Market Trends and Innovations - The ice and snow equipment market is expanding, with a focus on technology and design that resonates with local culture, such as incorporating "Chinese style" elements into product designs [5] - The industry is transitioning from OEM to independent R&D and standard-setting, driven by advancements in new materials and smart technologies [5] Regional Development Patterns - The "North Snow, South Expansion" trend is evident, with southern cities like Chengdu and Guangzhou developing indoor snow facilities to attract tourists year-round [6] - New operational models, such as night skiing and immersive experiences, are being introduced to enhance visitor engagement [6] Diverse Offerings and Consumer Experience - New ice and snow experiences, such as ice floating in Xinjiang, are gaining popularity, with the region introducing various winter tourism projects to diversify offerings [9][10] - The total number of visitors to the Jiangjun Mountain International Ski Resort in Xinjiang reached 460,000, a 52% increase year-on-year, showcasing the growing appeal of diverse winter activities [10]