China doesn’t do things in halves, and they’ve truly outdone themselves with the upcoming Huafa Ice and Snow World in Shenzhen. It’s set to open on 29th September 2025, next to the Shenzhen World Convention and Exhibition Centre, as well as the Shenzhen Wetlands, housing a smorgasbord of entertainment and leisure facilities on top of the ice and snow centre.
If you’re making a trip to Shenzhen this EOY, here’s what you need to know about Huafa Ice and Snow World:
Image credit: 10 Design
When it opens, Huafa Ice and Snow World will be the largest indoor ice and snow centre in the world, beating the current record holder, Harbin Wanda Indoor Ski Resort. Just so you know, the current top 3 largest indoor ski resorts are all in China, and Huafa is already on track to lose its title to Taicang Alps Resort near Shanghai in 2029, when Phase 2 of its construction is complete.
To put things into perspective, Huafa will house 100,000sqm, or 11 football fields, worth of indoor snow terrain; Taicang will top that at 190,000sqm by 2029.
Designed by global architecture practice 10 Design, Shenzhen Qianhai Huafa Snow World was intended to resemble a blue whale leaping from the water, with a cyberpunk aesthetic made possible by giant LED screens that line its exterior.
Ski season is no longer a winter-only thing with indoor ski resorts like Huafa Ice and Snow World – you can look forward to not 1, but 5 International Ski and Snowboard Federation-certified, competition-level slopes, ski runs up to 441m long, and state-of-the-art snowmaking tech, in a hall that will purportedly be kept at a chilly −6°C all year round.
For the thrillseekers, there will be an 83m-tall vertical drop too, so you can almost feel like you’re truly skiing off a mountaintop. The good news – there will be a lift that’ll save you from having to hike up.
Artist’s impression of the interior.
Image credit: Shenzhen Daily
There’s no need to worry that this indoor ski resort is only for serious skiers. They’ve made provision in their generous space for snow lovers of all ages, with various terrain parks, snow play zones, and fun activities for non-skiers as well.
Apart from the indoor ski resort, Huafa Snow and Ice World is also said to have a 33m-deep “suspended ice waterfall”, which will also serve as an indoor diving facility. This will be the first of its kind in China’s Greater Bay Area, and is part of what’s meant to be a Super Sensory Park – with an indoor wave pool that’s maintained at a balmy 28°C for surfing, a rock wall for climbers, and cycling tracks.
The integrated development will also feature a JW Marriott hotel, with a FUNMIX Zone that’s got office, retail, hospitality and dining options – an entertainment destination unto itself. It’s even rumoured that the JW Marriott hotel’s ballroom will have panoramic views of the indoor ski slopes.
Tickets to Huafa Ice and Snow World went on sale in August, with presale prices starting from S$56.40 for a 3h Beginner Ski Pass, inclusive of ski wear, boots, helmet, skis, poles, and a locker; it does not include access to the snow play zones and advanced ski areas, cable cars, or ski lifts.
More advanced skiers can opt for the 4h Intermediate And Advanced Ski Pass (from S$80.75), or the Unlimited Intermediate and Advanced Ski Pass (from S$91.75).
Do note that none of these passes include rental of ski gloves, goggles or masks. You can buy these passes from the Klook website.
Huafa Ice and Snow World is located approximately 35 minutes from Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport. Get on Shenzhen Metro Line 11 at the Airport Station, transfer at Airport North Station to Shenzhen Metro Line 20, and get off at Exhibition City Station.
Alternatively, you can take the High Speed Rail from Hong Kong West Kowloon Station to Futian Station, and transfer to the Shenzhen Metro Line 11 to get to Airport North Station, before taking Shenzhen Metro Line 20 to Exhibition City Station.
Ski bunnies, the seasons’ passing is of no consequence to you now – it’s pow day 365 days a year at Huafa Ice and Snow World. With these massive indoor ski resorts in China, you might even find yourself wanting to move there too.
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Cover image adapted from: 10 Design, Klook
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