Shiliuyun-Xinjiang Daily (Reporter Zhang Xiaomi) news: With the arrival of snowfall, Xinjiang's tourism sector is embracing the winter season, officially marking the start of its winter tourism period.

This winter, Xinjiang's tourism industry continues to show great vitality. Across the region, more diverse ice and snow sightseeing and sports activities are being offered. Branded winter events have also become more frequent and professional. More importantly, this season's tourism offerings go beyond just ice and snow, integrating fun leisure activities, local culture, and intangible cultural heritage experiences to create multifaceted travel opportunities.

"Xinjiang's winter tourism options are becoming more diverse and well-rounded, significantly boosting its appeal and competitiveness in the market," said Zhang Xiaoyu, vice president and secretary-general of the Xinjiang Tourism Association.

Thrills on snow and ice

The appeal of winter sports in Xinjiang continues to grow. Ski resorts in Urumqi, Altay, Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, and other areas have started snowmaking operations in preparation for the upcoming season. Sports like alpine skiing, ice climbing, and ice sailing are also gearing up, promising exciting experiences for visitors.

On November 5, 2025, the Silk Road Mountain Resort in Urumqi County began full-scale snowmaking in its eastern zone. "This year, our 'skiing+' offerings are more extensive, focusing on providing visitors with a warm and comfortable ski vacation experience," said Zhuang Hong, the resort's marketing manager. That same evening, the Qinggelilang Mountain International Ski Resort also commenced snowmaking, taking advantage of the cooler temperatures.

Photo taken on November 5, 2025 shows the intensified snowmaking efforts at the Silk Road Mountain Resort in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Photo by Xu Xinhao)

The Koktokay International Ski Resort is now open for the winter season. Other resorts like Jikepulin and Jiangjunshan are also preparing to welcome visitors. Together, the four major ski destinations in Altay Prefecture have launched three special promotional offers for snow enthusiasts, making winter sports more accessible to people both within and outside Xinjiang.

"The winter charm of Altay, also known as the "Snow Capital of China," is ready to shine just like the falling snow," said Xie Yinyin, an official from the Policy, Regulation, and Industrial Promotion Section of the Altay Prefecture Culture, Sports, Radio, Television and Tourism Bureau.

In Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, 12 S-grade ski resorts and three backcountry snow parks are gearing up for the season. Snowmaking is scheduled to begin in mid-to-late November, with resorts opening one after another in December. According to Wang Tao, head of the Resource Development and Industrial Development Department at the Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism Bureau, this year's lineup will include relatively new events such as ice sailing competitions, alpine skiing races, and kite skiing. These activities are designed to let visitors experience the many exciting sides of winter sports.

Kashi Prefecture is also upgrading its winter tourism facilities. Twenty ski areas, ice rinks, and snow parks are getting ready to open, offering activities like skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, and snowmobiling to cater to different visitor preferences.

Fun-filled tours and activities

Besides classic winter sports, a variety of creative experiences are making the most of the snow and ice.

Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture has planned 109 separate winter tourism activities for the season, ensuring that each week has a theme and every month brings something new. "The program includes well-established annual events, plus new additions like drone shows, digital bonfires, and traditional Datiehua (striking iron flowers)," said Wang Tao.

For instance, Gongliu County will host a New Year's Eve drone light show and a large hot pot feast on the snow. Huocheng County will organize a snowfield electronic music party to celebrate the new year, while Zhaosu County will invite visitors to explore glaciers, relax in hot springs, and discover local secrets, alongside ice and snow sculpture exhibits. Visitors can also enjoy the romantic spectacle of swans in Yining County and witness the impressive sight of heavenly horses galloping across the snow in Zhaosu County.

Six winter itineraries lasting from three to seven days have been launched in Altay Prefecture. These routes connect its four main ski resorts and highlight local attractions such as the winter views along Altay-Hemu Highway, the Stone City grassland scenery, and the ancient cave paintings at Dundebulake. "Travelers can enjoy skiing and snow fun, take part in local customs, taste seasonal foods, and truly immerse themselves in the winter atmosphere of Altay," said Xie Yinyin.

Kashi Prefecture is actively developing its own winter sports events to combine competitions with sightseeing and hands-on experiences. Dong Huiqi, head of the Tourism Promotion Section of the Kashi Prefecture Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism Bureau, mentioned that various counties and cities are preparing eight different ice- and snow-themed events.

Cultural warmth in the cold season

Beyond the snow and ice, Xinjiang's rich ethnic culture adds a special dimension to the region's winter travel appeal.

Kashi Prefecture, known for its strong local traditions, will hold more than 160 cultural and tourism activities over the winter. These range from folk custom experiences and snow entertainment to cultural performances, complemented by 10 carefully designed "Winter Tour in Kashi" routes. "By offering immersive snow activities alongside cultural displays, we aim to make our winter tourism products more attractive," Dong Huiqi said. "We also encourage each area to highlight its unique characteristics to ensure a varied and authentic experience for guests."

Photo shows snow enthusiasts ski and play at the Jinhuyang Ski Resort in Zepu County during previous snow seasons in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Photo by Jin Wei)

Makit County offers a winter study tour focused on Dolan culture, while Yopurga County plans to introduce an off-road adventure set in a desert ice and snow environment. The ancient city of Kashi will host a winter open day featuring intangible cultural heritage workshops, where masters of traditional crafts demonstrate their skills, and visitors can create their own winter-themed handicrafts.

Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture is also boosting its winter tourism appeal. Tekes County will host the 3rd Snowground Buzkashi Competition, Nilka County plans an Ice and Snow Nadam Fair, and Qapqal Xibe Autonomous County will organize winter fishing events and cultural performances at Saixi Lake. In Yining City, Liuxing Street will feature New Year's Eve music, dance, and local food experiences.

Photo shows tourists enjoy a performance at the Yotkan ancient city in Hotan County in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Photo by Yang Fan)

In Hetian County, an immersive performance at the Yotkan ancient city will run until the end of November. Daily events range from an opening ceremony to traditional ball games, with shows scheduled throughout the day. "We are adapting the program to include more indoor performances, so winter visitors can also enjoy the show," said Yang Fan, deputy general manager of the Yotkan ancient city project.

In Hemu Village, Burqin County, visitors can experience traditional fur skiing, snow horse racing, archery, and fun local contests like log sawing, stone lifting, and bone breaking. These unique activities draw travelers year after year to enjoy the distinctive winter culture of the region.

"Each county offers its own cultural highlights, from the fur skiing contests and the grand winter fishing tradition at Ulungur Lake, to the nomadic winter herding culture in Jeminay County. These events open a window into the heart of Xinjiang's winter," said Xie Yinyin.

Together with the warmth of local hospitality, these vibrant traditions not only bring winter in Xinjiang to life but also help visitors connect with the profound cultural richness of the land.

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