Skiers enjoy the snow at Caiwei Manor ski resort on Saturday in Shuigou village, Xinghualing district, Taiyuan, Shanxi province. [Photo by Zhu Xingxin/for chinadaily.com.cn]
The weekend crowd at Taiyuan's Caiwei Manor ski resort is a snapshot of China's thriving ice-and-snow economy. Located just over 10 kilometers from downtown, the resort has become a premier winter destination for locals since its seasonal opening in late November.
The resort is equipped with seven graded runs for all skill levels and comprehensive night skiing facilities to cater to everyone from beginners to seasoned veterans, according to Fu Qiong, manager of the resort. She and her staff anticipate an increase in visitor flow during the New Year and Spring Festival holidays, with a noticeable rise in the number of teenage visitors.
Skiers enjoy the snow at Caiwei Manor ski resort on Saturday in Shuigou village, Xinghualing district, Taiyuan, Shanxi province. [Photo by Zhu Xingxin/for chinadaily.com.cn]
For enthusiasts like Peng Hui, skiing is a fantastic way to connect with nature and improve fitness. "This winter, I specifically practiced alpine skiing, and the whole process was thoroughly enjoyable," Peng said. Families are also driving the surge. "We especially came here with our child this weekend to relax and enjoy a shared family experience," said local Chen Jianxin. "Skiing can also help my child cultivate courage and perseverance."
The resort's success mirrors a national trend. Data shows the scale of ice-and-snow consumption in China exceeded 187.5 billion yuan ($26.6 billion) during the 2024-2025 season, a year-on-year increase of more than 25 percent, with tourists expected to reach 520 million visits.
Skiers enjoy the snow at Caiwei Manor ski resort on Saturday in Shuigou village, Xinghualing district, Taiyuan, Shanxi province. [Photo by Zhu Xingxin/for chinadaily.com.cn]
Beyond recreation, Caiwei Manor fuels local growth. Most of its over 100 staff are from nearby villages, working in snowmaking, security, and services. "In the future, we will take ice and snow sports as a key driver to continuously fuel rural vitalization," said Fu. Supported by the district's development plans, the resort is expanding with an Ice and Snow Center and upgrades aimed at creating a distinctive, year-round cultural tourism destination.
Sun Shuyue contributed to this story.
Skiers enjoy the snow at Caiwei Manor ski resort on Saturday in Shuigou village, Xinghualing district, Taiyuan, Shanxi province. [Photo by Zhu Xingxin/for chinadaily.com.cn]
Skiers enjoy the snow at Caiwei Manor ski resort on Saturday in Shuigou village, Xinghualing district, Taiyuan, Shanxi province. [Photo by Zhu Xingxin/for chinadaily.com.cn]
Skiers enjoy the snow at Caiwei Manor ski resort on Saturday in Shuigou village, Xinghualing district, Taiyuan, Shanxi province. [Photo by Zhu Xingxin/for chinadaily.com.cn]
