Chongli: Skiing Beijing's Olympic Legacy (2026-27 Season)

The Olympic Town That Became China's Ski Capital

An hour from Beijing by high-speed rail sits a valley that hosted the snow events of the 2022 Winter Olympics — and refused to go quiet afterwards. Chongli, in Zhangjiakou, Hebei, is now China's most international ski destination: nine resorts including Wanlong, Thaiwoo, Genting, Fulong and Xue Ruyi, spread across a single mountain valley, with a season that runs from late October to early April. The Olympic venues are still there, the lifts are world-class, and the après-ski towns have grown up around them.

The numbers tell the story of a boom. In the 2025-26 season, the Chongli ski region recorded 605 million visits, up 16.3%, with integrated revenue of 6.8 billion yuan, up 13.3%. More striking for international travellers: inbound ice-and-snow bookings grew 130% in December 2025, and Southeast Asian travellers now make up nearly 70% of Chongli's overseas visitors — people who grew up with heat and humidity, coming for their first touch of powder.

Why Chongli, and Not Somewhere Closer to Home

For a first skiing trip, Chongli has three advantages that matter. First, access: the Beijing-Zhangjiakou high-speed rail reaches the resort in about an hour, making it the easiest snow holiday in China to reach from a megacity — you can be on the mountain the same morning you land in Beijing. Second, infrastructure built for the Olympics: wide beginner runs, professional instructors, rental shops, and English-friendly services that have been developed specifically for international visitors. Third, everything in one valley: ski in the morning, visit an Olympic venue in the afternoon, hot spring in the evening, and never sit in traffic.

The Three-in-One Product: Venues, Slopes, Leisure

Chongli has deliberately built a product line that works for everyone, not just skiers: Olympic venue tours + alpine ski holidays + mountain leisure. Non-skiers can ride the sightseeing cable cars, walk the Olympic sites, and enjoy the resort towns' restaurants, ice parks and hot springs. For skiers, the resorts split by personality — Wanlong is the powder playground for advanced riders, Thaiwoo is family-friendly, Genting and Fulong offer variety, and Xue Ruyi hosts big events. Whatever your level, there is a mountain for you.

Practical Notes for a Chongli Trip

• Season — late October to early April; December to February is the peak
• Getting there — high-speed rail from Beijing (about 1 hour), then a short shuttle to the resort valley
• Rentals and lessons — gear rental is easy at every resort; book an instructor for your first hour or two — it transforms the day
• Book ahead — lift tickets and hotels sell out on weekends and Chinese New Year; book online via the resort's official account
• Combine with Beijing — the easiest way to add the Great Wall, Forbidden City and Olympic sites to a ski trip

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Chongli from Beijing?

About one hour by high-speed rail — the easiest snow destination to reach from a megacity in China; you can be skiing the same morning you land.

Is Chongli suitable for beginner skiers?

Yes — the nine resorts cover all levels with wide beginner runs and professional instructors; Olympic venues also make great sightseeing for non-skiers.

Which nationalities visit Chongli most?

Southeast Asian travellers make up nearly 70 percent of overseas visitors; inbound ice-and-snow bookings grew 130 percent in December 2025.

When is the ski season?

Roughly late October to early April, with December to February the peak months.