Chongli becomes year-round popular destination

In August, Chongli in Zhangjiakou, north China's Hebei Province, is free from winter snow, yet the National Ski Jumping Centre, known as "Snow Ruyi," remains a popular destination.

As night falls, the lights along the ski jump course illuminate the valley, while music from outdoor concerts echoes through the mountains. "I always thought this place only came alive in winter, but it turns out it's vibrant all year round," said Wang Fang, a tourist from southwest China's Yunnan Province.

People enjoy nighttime activities at the National Ski Jumping Centre, known as "Snow Ruyi," in Chongli, Zhangjiakou, north China's Hebei Province. (People's Daily Online/Zhao Mingyan)

On the 27-kilometer downhill mountain biking trail at Fulong Four Seasons Town, Huang Liya from Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, races down the slopes. She skis here in winter and cycles here in summer.

The post-Olympic use of venues has long been a global challenge. Chongli's solution is to sustain venues through events and drive industries through venues.

Chongli Olympic Park has brought together three major competition venues —the National Ski Jumping Centre, the National Biathlon Centre and the National Cross-Country Skiing Centre — along with supporting facilities.

After the snow season ends each May, the venues transition into summer operations. For instance, the National Ski Jumping Centre has developed new offerings combining sports education with high-altitude experiences.

In 2025, Chongli Olympic Park generated 169 million yuan (about $25.14 million) in revenue, up 24.26 percent year on year. From May to October 2025, Chongli welcomed over 5.1 million tourist visits, generating 4.42 billion yuan in tourism revenue. Summer visitor numbers have remained close to winter levels for two consecutive years.

A sunset party is held at Thaiwoo Ski Resort, Chongli, Zhangjiakou, north China's Hebei Province. (Photo/Li Yunlong)

Chongli's year-round appeal is not an isolated phenomenon, but a key part of the Beijing-Zhangjiakou Sports, Culture and Tourism Belt. The industrial chain spanning venues, services and manufacturing is steadily expanding across Beijing and Zhangjiakou.

Since its launch in 2021, the Beijing-Zhangjiakou All-Season Sports Tourism Carnival has featured 1,018 sports events and 251 premium sports tourism projects across its first five editions.

This summer alone, Chongli hosted more than 600 professional competitions and public cultural and sports activities, nearly doubling last year's figure.

Runners run on the 2026 Chongli 168 Ultra Trail in Chongli, Zhangjiakou, north China's Hebei Province. (Photo courtesy of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Chongli District Committee)