Wanlong Ski Resort — China Travel

Wanlong Ski Resort Scenic Area, Chongli District, Zhangjiakou City, Hebei Province, China

Opened in 2003 on Chongli's Red Flower Ridge, Wanlong Ski Resort predates China's modern ski boom and helped establish the country as a credible winter sports destination. While European Alpine resorts like Chamonix and St. Anton trace their roots to the 19th century, Wanlong represents the first generation of purpose-built Chinese ski destinations. The resort earned National AAAA scenic status and designation as a National Sports Tourism Demonstration Base, and its co-hosting role during the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics (Zhangjiakou cluster) cemented its place on the international winter sports map. It pioneered the "ski-plus-resort" concept that now defines Chongli's seven interconnected resorts. The mountain's leeward geography and state-of-the-art snowmaking system combine to deliver what locals call China's driest, softest powder—the "powder snow paradise" nickname is no marketing gimmick. At 2,110 meters at the summit with a 554-meter vertical drop, Wanlong's scale surpasses most European resorts in the Pyrenees and rivals mid-tier Alpine venues. The season runs from late October through May, making it both the first to open and last to close in the Chongli region—a critical edge for visitors planning trips around the academic calendar or Northern Hemisphere winter breaks. Thirty-two trails span beginner, intermediate, and expert gradients, with advanced runs dominating the lineup. The 4,160-meter Long Dragon trail offers an extended cruising descent reminiscent of Austrian blue runs at Sölden or Lech. Yin Long and Jin Long deliver flowing, varied pitches, while glades, mogul fields, and steep composite faces create the technical playground that advanced riders call mandatory terrain. Six FIS-certified courses put the resort on par with European Cup venues and attract national team training camps throughout the season. Compared with sister resort Genting Snow Park, Wanlong clearly targets the more aggressive end of the market. Five on-site hotels offer true ski-in/ski-out convenience, complemented by eight themed restaurants, hot springs, and a 350-instructor ski school—one of the largest instructor pools in Asia. The resort shares a connected lift pass with neighboring Genting Snow Park, effectively doubling accessible terrain. Mountain viewpoints deliver stunning rime ice formations and sunrise/sunset photo opportunities that rival anything in the Dolomites. On-mountain favorites include bakery stops and Sichuan-style hotpot, though visitors should budget accordingly—prices sit at the top of the Chongli range, with lift tickets running 400–700 RMB on weekdays. Wanlong rewards skiers with parallel-turn or edge-control skills; beginners will find limited and overly mellow green runs that frustrate snowboarders especially. Ski-and-stay packages start around 1,000 RMB, and some lifts and hotel facilities show their age after two decades of use. To reach the resort, take the high-speed rail to Taizicheng or Chongli station (15–20 minutes by shuttle), or board direct buses from Beijing Capital Airport. Summit winter temperatures plunge to −20°C, so invest in waterproof, windproof gear and a proper helmet. Carry your passport, download a translation app, and purchase travel insurance covering high-risk sports before arrival. Emergency rescue: 0313-4785007. For Western travelers seeking an accessible introduction to China's winter sports scene—or simply chasing fresh tracks without the European crowds—Wanlong delivers an authentic Chinese ski culture experience with international-grade infrastructure. Few places on Earth let you ski Olympic-caliber terrain, soak in hot springs afterward, and still make it back to Beijing for dinner. Combine a Wanlong trip with a Beijing city break for a unique winter itinerary that bridges dynastic history with cutting-edge mountain adventure.