As the 2022 Winter Olympics approach, China is experiencing a winter sport and recreation boom. During the 2022 new year holiday, tourists flocked to resorts to enjoy skating, sledding, skiing, and snowboarding.  

Chinese people are expected to make over 305 million trips for winter sports activities over the current season, a 20% increase from last winter, according to a report on China's ice and snow tourism development released by China Tourism Academy on Jan. 5.

The academy also released a list of the 10 most popular ice and snow resorts in China. Here, we take a look at their top picks:

10. Harbin Ice and Snow World

Location: Harbin, Heilongjiang province

Harbin is the capital of Heilongjiang province, China's northeastern-most region. With its arctic climate and abundant ice and snow, the city is known as China's "Ice City." The Harbin Ice and Snow World is one of the world's largest theme parks of ice and snow, with an area of 820,000 square meters. It features gigantic sculptures, illuminated castles made from ice blocks, various kinds of amusement facilities, and stage shows. Established in 1999, the park usually opens from late December to February. Each year the park is rebuilt with newly designed buildings and sculptures.

The 23rd Harbin Ice and Snow World, with the theme of celebrating the Winter Olympics, opened on Dec. 25, 2021. The central ice tower is 42 meters tall and resembles the lighted Olympic torch.