Northeast China is experiencing a surge in summer tourism as visitors seek respite from the record-breaking heatwaves sweeping across the country. Once renowned for its snowy landscapes, the region is transforming into a haven for those seeking cooler escapes.
Standing amidst the icy remnants clinging to a cliff in a geological forest park, Liu Zhuohui from Shanghai expressed his satisfaction with his wise decision to escape the oppressive summer heat. His experience highlights the rising popularity of Northeast China as a summer destination. The region’s attractions, previously famous for their winter wonders, are now enjoying increased visitor numbers during the summer months.
This shift is attributed to the severe heatwaves that have plagued southern, eastern, and central China. In July, temperatures at 59 national weather stations reached or exceeded historical records, making the summer particularly challenging for residents in these areas.
Travel platform Mafengwo reports a significant increase in bookings for summer vacations in the northeastern provinces of Liaoning, Jilin, and Heilongjiang. Beyond well-known tourist destinations like Dalian and Harbin, smaller cities such as Yichun, Dandong, Benxi, Jinzhou, Qiqihar, and Huludao are also witnessing a surge in tourism.
The two-month summer break has created a strong demand for cooler destinations, similar to the boost in winter tourism during the Chinese Lunar New Year. Northeastern provinces are capitalizing on this trend to enhance their tourism sector.
Inside the Beishan Four Seasons Cross-country Ski Resort’s indoor rime ice lab in Jilin, visitors like Chen Jiajia can experience a frosty wonderland amidst the August heat. The lab, known as Asia’s first all-weather standardized cross-country skiing training venue, was initially exclusive to national teams and professional athletes. Since opening to the public last winter, it has become a popular tourist attraction.
The resort has expanded its offerings to include snow sledding, sightseeing vehicle tours, and shooting, catering to diverse visitor interests. This strategy aims to promote cross-country skiing to a broader audience while expanding the appeal of the facility beyond winter.
At the Changchun Tiandingshan Ski Resort in Changchun, Jilin’s capital, the winter’s deep snow transforms into verdant grass-covered slopes during summer. This transformation further showcases the region’s ability to offer year-round attractions.
Changbai Mountain in Jilin, home to numerous top-tier ski resorts, has introduced an online car-hailing service with 350 vehicles to accommodate the surge in summer travelers. This move demonstrates the commitment of local authorities to support the growing tourism sector.
Du Yili, vice president of the China Tourism Association, praised the strategy employed by local authorities to cultivate a dual-season tourist appeal. By highlighting icy adventures in winter and cool retreats in summer, the region aims to achieve a balance between ecological sustainability and economic progress.
Northeast China, historically known as China’s oldest industrial region and referred to as the ‘rust belt’ due to economic restructuring challenges, has turned its harsh winters into a strategic advantage. The region leverages its cold climate to attract winter sports enthusiasts and automotive companies seeking extreme cold-weather testing environments.
This strategic shift in Northeast China highlights the region’s adaptability and potential. By embracing its unique climate and diversifying its tourism offerings, Northeast China is transforming itself into a vibrant and year-round tourist destination, attracting visitors from across the country and beyond.
