The world's largest indoor ski center officially opened in south China's Shenzhen City on Monday, giving visitors the chance to experience the thrill of snow sports all year round in a city which is typically known for its tropical climate.
The Shenzhen Huafa Qianhai Ice and Snow World covers about 100,000 square meters, equivalent to the size 11 soccer fields, and has been recognized by the Guinness World Records as the largest facility of its kind anywhere on the globe. The complex boasts five ski runs, the longest one stretching 450 meters, as well as an 83-meter-high ski jump.
The groundbreaking project is poised to redefine winter sports in southern China, offering a fresh tourism experience and driving economic growth in the region.
The facility is set to see a big influx of visitors during China's week-long National Day holiday period which began Wednesday, and even from its opening day, the resort has drawn skiing enthusiasts from all around the world.
"There's no snow in Shenzhen unfortunately, but as Shenzhen's got money [to develop this], it gets a wonderful mountain, small mountain [at this indoor facility]," said Landais Christophe, a visitor from France.
China has already opened several other indoor ski venues, including one in the nearby city of Guangzhou, but what makes this new snow resort stand out from others is its record-breaking scale and world-class infrastructure.
"This is the world's largest indoor snow resort, spanning 100,000 square meters. Our facility features five ski slopes, each equipped with cable cars and conveyor belts. Two of our slopes are certified by the International Ski Federation for professional competitions," said Zhang Ye, manager of the training center of the Shenzhen Qianhai Huafa Ice and Snow Sports.
Beyond skiing, the project is set to become a major economic driver for the Greater Bay Area, a major city cluster across south China, and is expected to entice visitors from other countries across the region.
"This facility is not only going to attract people in Shenzhen but also people in the Greater Bay Area and the southeastern part of Asia, for example, like Thailand, like Vietnam. This differentiation will bring economic and social and cultural benefits to the whole society," said Wu Haifeng, director of the Center for Sustainable Finance at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (Shenzhen).
World's largest indoor ski center opens in south China's Shenzhen
