China's ice and snow tourism is entering "a new stage of sustained prosperity," with the season from December 2025 to February 2026 expected to see 360 million winter tourism trips and around 450 billion yuan (about 64.31 billion U.S. dollars) in revenue, according to a report released on Monday by the China Tourism Academy (CTA).
The report points out that the ice and snow tourism market has huge growth potential. A recent CTA survey found that 74.8 percent of of respondents planned to take part in related leisure activities during the 2025-2026 winter season, and 50.5 percent intended to travel long distances to engage in winter tourism.
It notes that consumer spending is shifting from typical "hard expenses" like transportation and accommodation to more "soft expenses" such as entertainment, cultural experiences and technology, reflecting a shift in both the quality and structure of winter tourism in China.
According to the report, in addition to the country's northern snow belt, which houses traditionally popular ski destinations, central and southern regions have also created their own winter wonderland, largely by building indoor resorts.
It says that indoor complexes have become a key investment area, fueling year-round tourism demand.
China expects 360 mln ice, snow tourism trips in 2025-2026 winter season: report
China expects 360 mln ice, snow tourism trips in 2025-2026 winter season: report
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday that the issue of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz is a spillover effect of the current conflicts, noting the Strait of Hormuz remains unstable if the war doesn't end.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks in a phone conversation with Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.
The Saudi Arabian foreign minister briefed Wang on the latest developments of the Middle East situation, saying the war in Iran has caused severe impacts on countries in the region and the world at large.
Saudi Arabia attaches importance to China's important role in international affairs, and values high-level strategic cooperation with China, he said, adding that the kingdom is ready to further enhance consultation and coordination with China on platforms including the United Nations, to jointly push for the de-escalation of the situation and an end to the conflict.
Wang noted that the prolonged war in Iran, which has lasted for over a month, has caused enormous casualties and losses, and undermined the security and stability of Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries, over which China expressed concerns.
Wang said China and Pakistan recently jointly issued a five-point initiative for restoring peace and stability in the Gulf and Middle East region, which includes safeguarding the sovereignty and security of the Gulf states, stopping attacks on civilians and non-military targets, and ensuring the security of shipping lanes.
Wang said the top priority is to focus on cessation of hostilities. Actions by the UN Security Council should avoid escalating confrontations and should not legitimize unauthorized military operations; otherwise, it will lead to endless trouble, with small and medium-sized countries being the first to bear the brunt, he added.
Wang noted that China appreciates Saudi Arabia's commitment to promoting peace and ceasefire, and stands ready to work with Saudi Arabia to make efforts for the early restoration of regional peace.
Chinese FM says Strait of Hormuz remains unstable if war doesn't end
