Chongqing — Traditionally famous for its spicy food and mountain scenery, this sprawling metropolis in southwest China is now making a name for itself in winter sports. On January 10, Chongqing launched its Eighth Ice and Snow Sports Season at the Nantianhu resort in Fengdu County, kicking off a series of nearly 20 competitions and public events that will run through April.
Opening ceremony scene. (Photo/Chongqing Daily)
Opening-day activities included folk drum performances, family snow obstacle course challenges, snow air volleyball matches between teams from Chongqing and neighboring Sichuan, and skiing competitions, creating a lively atmosphere at the start of the winter season. The events attracted participants and spectators to Nantianhu, one of Chongqing’s major winter sports destinations.
Several sports officials and athletes attended the launch, including Dong Haishan, an official with the Chongqing Municipal Bureau of Sports, and Ren Ziwei, an Olympic champion in short-track speed skating who now coaches the Chongqing short-track speed skating team. Ren encouraged members of the public to actively take part in ice and snow sports while paying attention to safety.
More than 100 ice and snow sports enthusiasts participated in activities on the opening day, joining a range of events designed to promote public engagement in winter sports.
This year’s Ice and Snow Sports Season will include snow-based competitions such as family snow obstacle course challenges, regional snow air volleyball invitational tournaments, and ski competitions, as well as ice events including youth ice hockey tournaments and figure skating competitions. In addition to competitive events, a series of public participation activities will be held to encourage residents of all ages to experience ice and snow sports.
Residents take part in a family snow challenge. (Photo/Chongqing Daily)
The Ice and Snow Sports Season forms part of Chongqing’s broader efforts to expand participation in winter sports in a city traditionally better known for its mild winters and mountainous terrain. In recent years, Chongqing has increased investment in ice and snow infrastructure and events to promote year-round participation.
Since the start of China’s 14th Five-Year Plan (2021–2025), Chongqing has recorded rapid growth in ice and snow sports. Chongqing athlete Wang Qiang won two gold medals at the Ninth Asian Winter Games, achieving China’s first gold medal in men’s cross-country skiing at the event. The Chongqing delegation also made its debut at the National Winter Games, winning five gold, four silver and six bronze medals.
Scene from the snowboarding competition. (Photo/Chongqing Daily)
At the grassroots level, six winter sports disciplines have been included as official events in the Chongqing Municipal Games, helping to broaden participation and strengthen talent development. Chongqing has also gained international exposure by hosting the Cup of China ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating for five consecutive editions. In addition, Chongqing and neighboring Sichuan have jointly hosted 12 ice and snow competitions, reflecting growing regional cooperation in winter sports.
Chongqing currently has 16 ice and snow venues operating year-round, allowing competitions, training and recreational activities to be held throughout the year as the city continues to expand access to ice and snow sports.