Zhangjiakou opens 2026-27 snow season with winter carnival

The 2026–27 snow season opened on Saturday, as Chongli district in Zhangjiakou, Hebei province, launched a season-long winter carnival across nine resorts in a bid to draw more visitors and boost spending.

The opening gala at Wanlong Ski Resort featured live bands, cosplay parades, and ski-wear fashion shows, alongside booths showcasing Zhangjiakou specialties, such as wine and dairy products. A giant cake and a snow-field hotpot festival drew packed crowds, with nine broth flavors simmering in sub-zero temperatures.

"Hotpot is the star attraction of the new season. Over 1,000 skewers sold out before noon," said Cao Xiaomin, who runs the festival.

Visitors were enthusiastic. Li Wei, a tourist from Zhejiang, said the experience was unlike anything back home. "Standing in the snow with red oil bubbling in the pot—this ice-and-fire combo is amazing," Li said, adding that her social media post quickly racked up likes.

Wanlong has added a high-speed gondola and three terrain parks, and converted its summer downhill bike trail into a natural powder run for multi-season use. Other resorts will roll out year-end, New Year, and Spring Festival events.

Authorities have also expanded direct transport links to Shenzhen and Shanghai and launched a 24-hour service hotline. With discounted packages across resorts, Chongli aims to turn its snow-covered mountains into a sustained consumption engine.