As an international skiing enthusiast, I've chased the perfect slopes across the globe. But when I delved into the world of skiing in China, I was astounded, especially by what Harbin and Zhangjiakou had to offer. Let me share why these cities secure a top spot among China's best Ski Resorts and introduce you to ten must-visit ski areas.
The Allure of Harbin's and Zhangjiakou's Skiing Scene
Before diving into the specific resorts, it's essential to understand why Harbin and Zhangjiakou are magnets for skiers worldwide. The city's unique geographical location provides an ideal climate for skiing, with long, cold winters and abundant snowfall. This natural advantage, combined with a growing infrastructure dedicated to winter sports, has catapulted Harbin and Zhangjiakou into the spotlight of the global skiing community.
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1.Yabuli Ski Resort: A Skiing Paradise for All
Yabuli Ski Resort is a name that resonates with skiers both in China and abroad. As I arrived, the vast expanse of snow-covered mountains greeted me, creating a breathtaking panorama. This resort truly lives up to its reputation as one of the best ski resorts in China.
The variety of slopes at Yabuli is remarkable. For beginners like myself, the gentle-gradient slopes are a haven. The instructors here are not only professional but also incredibly patient. They used simple and effective teaching methods, which allowed me to quickly grasp the basics of skiing. In no time, I was gliding down the slopes, feeling a sense of accomplishment and exhilaration.
Intermediate skiers will find a plethora of slopes that offer a perfect balance of challenge and enjoyment. The well-groomed runs wind through snow-covered forests, providing a beautiful backdrop as you ski. The slopes here are long enough to gain good speed and practice different turning techniques.
Advanced skiers are in for a treat with the steep black - diamond runs and the well-equipped terrain parks. The powder-filled slopes offer an adrenaline-pumping experience, and the terrain parks with their jumps, rails, and other features are a playground for those looking to showcase their skills. The resort also has modern ski lifts that efficiently transport skiers to the top of the slopes, minimizing waiting times.
2.Wanda Harbin Ice and Snow World Ski Resort: Where Fun Meets Convenience
Wanda Harbin Ice and Snow World Ski Resort is another gem in Harbin's skiing crown. What sets this resort apart is its location within the city, offering unrivaled convenience. You can easily access the slopes without having to endure a long journey from the city center.
The moment I entered the resort, I was struck by its vibrant atmosphere. The resort has a wide range of slopes suitable for all skill levels. The beginner slopes are well-marked and have a gentle incline, making them perfect for those new to skiing. I saw many families enjoying themselves on these slopes, creating memories together.
Intermediate skiers can explore the longer and more challenging runs. The snow quality here is excellent, providing a smooth skiing surface. The resort also has a number of snow-making machines, ensuring that the slopes are well-covered even during periods of low natural snowfall.
For the more adventurous, the terrain park at Wanda is a great place to test your skills. It has a variety of obstacles and jumps, designed to challenge even the most experienced snowboarders and skiers. The resort also offers a range of amenities, including cozy cafes where you can warm up with a hot cup of cocoa after a day on the slopes.
3.Erlongshan Ski Resort: A Serene Skiing Escape
Erlongshan Ski Resort offers a different kind of skiing experience-a more serene and peaceful one. Nestled in the beautiful Erlongshan Scenic Area, this resort is surrounded by stunning natural scenery. The moment I arrived, I felt a sense of tranquility wash over me.
The slopes at Erlongshan are well-maintained and offer a good variety for skiers of different levels. The beginner slopes are ideal for learning the ropes, with friendly instructors on hand to offer guidance. I found the atmosphere here to be very relaxed, which made it easier to focus on improving my skiing technique.
Intermediate skiers can enjoy the longer and slightly steeper slopes. The views of the surrounding mountains and forests as you ski are simply breathtaking. The resort also has a small terrain park for those looking to add a bit of excitement to their skiing experience.
One of the highlights of Erlongshan Ski Resort is the opportunity to ski at night. The slopes are illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere. Skiing under the starry sky with the snow glistening beneath your skis is an experience that I will never forget.
4.Changbaishan Wanda International Ski Resort: A Winter Wonderland with Alpine Charm
The moment I arrived at Changbaishan Wanda, the snow-capped Changbai Mountains loomed like a postcard come to life. What stuck with me most was how the resort balances rugged natural beauty with unexpected luxury. The slopes wind through dense pine forests, their edges dusted with snow that glows in the sunlight. Even midday, when the sun sits high, the air stays crisp enough to make every breath feel invigorating.
I spent hours exploring trails that dipped and climbed, pausing now and then to gawk at the mountain vistas—so vast they made me feel small in the best way. But the real treat? After skiing, I sank into a natural hot spring at the resort's base, steam curling around me as snowflakes drifted down. It's a contrast that feels almost surreal: cold air on your face, warm water on your skin, and peaks stretching to the horizon. Pure magic.
What truly sets this resort apart, though, is its post-ski magic. After a day on the slopes, I soaked in a natural hot spring nearby, the warm water contrasting perfectly with the cold air and snowflakes drifting around me. It is a luxury that turns a great ski day into an unforgettable winter memory.
5.Wanlong Ski Resort, Chongli: A Powder Lover's Paradise
Wanlong Ski Resort in Chongli, Hebei, has a reputation among seasoned skiers as one of China's best—and after my visit, I totally get why. The moment I stepped off the shuttle, the crisp air smelled of fresh powder, and the sight of endless snow-covered slopes stretching toward the horizon made my heart race.
Beginners might find the main learner area a bit more dynamic than some resorts, but the instructors here are pros at breaking down techniques. I tried a group lesson and was amazed at how quickly our small group went from stumbling to making smooth turns on the gentle bunny slopes.
Intermediate skiers will thrive on the resort's signature "long runs"—some stretching over 3 kilometers—where you can really find your rhythm. The snow here is consistently high-quality, with a dry, fluffy texture that makes every turn feel like gliding on clouds.
But it's the advanced slopes that steal the show. The black diamonds here are steep and challenging, with natural dips and rolls that keep you on your toes. The terrain park is a playground for experts, with massive jumps and intricate rail setups that showcase the resort's commitment to pushing limits.
A highlight? The high-speed gondolas that whisk you to the top in minutes—no more tedious waits in line. And after a day of skiing, the mountain-top restaurant serves up hearty hot pot, with floor-to-ceiling windows letting you gaze at the slopes you just conquered. It's pure bliss.
6.Beidahu Ski Resort: Where History Meets Adventure
Beidahu has a quiet gravitas, and it's easy to see why. As I wandered the lodge, photos of past Asian Winter Games lined the walls, and locals spoke of "skiing where champions skied" with pride. But don't let the legacy intimidate—this place wraps you in warmth, too.
The trails here feel "lived-in" in the best way: wide enough to breathe, but with little surprises—a sudden view of a frozen lake, a grove of snow-laden pines—that make every run feel new. I spent a morning following a trail that started gentle, then dipped into a playful slope that had me laughing as I picked up speed. By afternoon, I found a hidden overlook, where I sat on a snowbank and watched skiers carve down the mountain like brushstrokes on a canvas. Beidahu doesn't shout about its greatness—it lets the slopes speak for themselves.
7.Songhua Lake Ski Resort: Skiing with a Lakeside View
Songhua Lake Ski Resort is a hidden gem that feels like a postcard come to life. Located just a short drive from Jilin City, it's unique for its proximity to the frozen Songhua Lake—so when you're at the top of the slopes, you're looking out over a vast expanse of ice and snow, sparkling in the sunlight.
Beginners will appreciate the "family zone," where slopes are extra-wide and free of crowds. The instructors here are great with kids, using colorful cones and games to make lessons feel like play. I even joined a group for a 30-minute "taster session" and left feeling confident enough to try a longer run—high praise from someone who's still mastering the basics!
Intermediate trails here are all about the views. One of my favorites winds along the lake's edge, with the frozen water below and snow-capped hills in the distance. It's slow enough to soak in the scenery but challenging enough to keep things interesting.
Advanced skiers can tackle the "Lakeside Black Diamond," a steep, winding run that ends with a dramatic overlook of the lake. The terrain park is smaller than some, but it's well-maintained, with features that reward precision and skill.
After skiing, don't miss the lakeside ice bar—yes, a bar made entirely of ice! Sipping a hot mulled wine while sitting on ice benches (don't worry, they're padded) and watching the sunset over the lake? It's a winter experience you won't find anywhere else.
8.Taiwu Ski Town, Chongli: A European-Style Escape
Taiwu isn't just a resort—it's a village, and it feels like one. Chalet-style lodges with smoke curling from chimneys, a square where kids build snowmen, and trails that weave right through the heart of it all. I arrived early, and the first thing I heard was laughter: a group of friends zipping past on sleds, a baker calling out as he set fresh croissants in a window.
Skiing here is relaxed, almost casual. I followed a trail that took me from a slope to a café patio, where I sipped hot chocolate without taking off my boots. Later, I wandered through a market selling hand-knit scarves and local honey, then hopped back on my skis to explore a trail that looped around a frozen pond. By night, the square lit up with fire pits, and strangers became friends over stories of the day's best runs. Taiwu feels like home—if home were covered in snow and full of joy.
What makes Taiwu special? The attention to detail. Even the shuttle buses are decorated like sleighs, and the nightly fire pits in the village square bring skiers together to swap stories. It's the kind of place where you'll make friends with fellow travelers over a shared love of snow—and leave already planning your return.
9.Fulong Ski Resort, Chongli: Night Skiing Under the Stars
Fulong Ski Resort, also in Chongli, is a favorite among locals and tourists alike for one big reason: its incredible night skiing. But even during the day, it's a standout—starting with its unbeatable location, just 15 minutes from Chongli's city center.
Beginners will love the "sunshine slope," a wide, open area bathed in natural light (and floodlights at night) that's perfect for building confidence. The instructors here are known for their patience, and I saw more than one first-time skier grinning ear to ear after their first successful run down the slope.
Intermediate trails here are designed for flow—smooth, continuous descents that let you pick up speed without feeling out of control. They're well-groomed, so even after a day of heavy use, the snow stays fresh.
Advanced skiers can test their skills on the "Black Lightning" run, a steep, narrow trail that's lit up at night, making for a thrilling after-dark challenge. The terrain park has a mix of jumps and rails, with new setups every week to keep things exciting.
But the real magic happens after sunset. The slopes are illuminated by soft, warm lights that make the snow glow like diamonds, and the quiet of the night—broken only by the swish of skis—feels almost magical. I skied until 10 PM, and by the end, my cheeks hurt from smiling. It's an experience that turns a good day into an unforgettable one.
10.Silk Road International Ski Resort, Xinjiang: Where Snow Meets the Sky
Last but never least, Xinjiang's Silk Road International Ski Resort is a revelation—high in the Tianshan Mountains, with snow so deep and powdery, it's like skiing on clouds. The moment I arrived, I was blown away by the altitude (over 2,000 meters!) and the clarity of the air—you can see for miles, with snow-capped peaks stretching to the horizon.
Beginners might need a minute to adjust to the altitude, but once you do, the "beginner bowl" is a safe, sunny spot to learn. The instructors here are locals who know the mountain like the back of their hands, and they'll even share stories of the area's Silk Road history as they teach you to turn.
Intermediate skiers will thrive on the "Forest Trail," which winds through ancient spruce trees heavy with snow. It's peaceful and picturesque, with just enough slope to keep you engaged.
Advanced skiers, prepare to be wowed. The "Heavenly Run" is a 5-kilometer descent from the mountain's summit, with drops and rolls that make it a favorite among experts. There's also backcountry access for those brave enough to venture off-piste—just make sure to go with a guide, as the terrain can be unpredictable.
The best part? The snow season here lasts from November to April—longer than most resorts in China. And after skiing, the on-site yurts (traditional nomadic tents) serve up Xinjiang's famous lamb skewers and hot tea, letting you warm up while soaking in the mountain views. It's a perfect blend of adventure and culture.
From Harbin's iconic slopes to Xinjiang's sky-high trails, China's top 10 ski resorts are more than just places to ski—they're windows into winter's many moods: lively, serene, historic, and wild. Whether you're chasing powder, soaking in views, or making new friends, there's a slope here that will feel like it was made just for you. The combination of world-class ski resorts like Yabuli, the convenient and fun-filled Wanda Harbin Ice and Snow World Ski Resort, and the serene Erlongshan Ski Resort offers something for every type of skier. Whether you're a beginner looking to learn, an intermediate skier seeking new challenges, or an advanced skier in search of the perfect powder, China has it all. You won't be disappointed!
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Strap on your boots—winter is waiting.
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