HARBIN, China, Feb. 26, 2025 — Following the conclusion of the 2025 Asian Winter Games on February 14th, Harbin is witnessing significant growth across various sectors. The city’s economy, known as the “Ice City,” is experiencing a surge in popularity, increased consumer spending, and booming industries.

The Information Office of Harbin Municipality reported that when Harbin first hosted the Asian Winter Games in 1996, its GDP was just over 50 billion yuan, with the ice-and-snow economy contributing only 0.3 percent.

This minimal contribution contrasted sharply with the city’s overall economic structure at that time. However, the continuous expansion of the ice-and-snow industry has dramatically altered this situation.

Recent data indicates that Harbin’s GDP is expected to exceed 600 billion yuan in 2024, with the ice-and-snow economy now accounting for almost 30 percent.

Hosting two Asian Winter Games has further revitalized Harbin, leading to the development of new economic models.

Many tourists from Southeast Asia are visiting Harbin for “snowy adventures.” The Harbin Ice-Snow World has seen daily visitor numbers surpassing 100,000 for the first time. Asian Winter Games mascot merchandise, such as “Bingbing” and “Nini” items, particularly badges and fridge magnets, are selling out quickly due to high demand.

In 2024, Harbin launched seven new international flight routes, including tourism charters from Kuala Lumpur. Over 8,784 new lodging businesses have registered, showing a year-on-year increase of 208.4 percent.

During the Asian Winter Games, inbound travel orders increased by 157 percent compared to the same period last year, with per capita spending exceeding 10,000 yuan, marking record highs in both visitor numbers and expenditure.

These economic trends have propelled Harbin’s ice-and-snow economy into a new growth driver, establishing a comprehensive industry chain encompassing winter sports, culture, equipment, and tourism, thereby redefining the economy of cold regions.

The Harbin ice-and-snow equipment industry park has emerged, attracting brands like Anta and Pathfinder, creating a closed-loop ecosystem of “manufacturing-R&D-application.” Bosideng, a leading down jacket manufacturer, is investing one billion yuan in Harbin to build smart production factories.

The ice-and-snow economy has not only made significant progress in manufacturing but has also initiated a series of positive changes in other sectors.

One of the most significant is technological advancement. Local ice-and-snow equipment companies are now gaining recognition in the mid-to-high-end international market with innovative products.

During the Asian Winter Games, products developed by Chinese companies, including titanium alloy speed skating blades, 3D-printed skis, and carbon fiber ski helmets, were used in the event and exported to over ten countries.

The expanding ice-and-snow economy has also created new job opportunities. In Qingshan Village, near the Yabuli Ski Resort, over half of the 280 households have shifted to “snow-related” occupations, such as becoming ski instructors or opening guesthouses.

Harbin is now carefully planning its strategy for the “post-Asian Winter Games” period.

The city is committed to enhancing international exchange and cooperation in the ice-and-snow economy, comprehensively developing a national-level demonstration zone for winter sports, a resort for ice and snow tourism, a training base for ice and snow talent, a manufacturing base for ice and snow equipment, and establishing itself as an international hub for winter sports events.

Source: The Information Office of Harbin Municipality

CONTACT: Contact person: Mr. Liu, Tel: 86-10-63074558

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