On the morning of January 1, while it was still early, the Ha Khau border gate (on the China-Vietnam border) was already crowded with Vietnamese tourists queuing for exit procedures.

On January 1 alone, over 3,000 Vietnamese tourists entered China via the Ha Khau border gate, located in Van Nam province, southwestern China. Many tourists continued their journey by high-speed train to Jiaozi Snow Mountain in Kunming, seeking the rare experience of snow in tropical countries like Vietnam.

Jiaozi Snow Mountain in Kunming. Photo: Lijiang

Tour guide Nong Thuy Duong stated that snow-capped mountain ranges are becoming a trend on Southeast Asian social media.

Since the beginning of the year, highland tourist destinations in Van Nam, Tu Xuyen, and Quy Chau have seen a sharp increase in Southeast Asian visitors. The Southwest region, traditionally less prominent than northern icy destinations, is gaining recognition for its snow-covered mountains, diverse ethnic cultures, and proximity to Southeast Asia.

Tourists visit Jiaozi Snow Mountain in Van Nam province. Photo: Chinadaily

According to a 2025 report by China's General Administration of Sport, China's ice and snow economy is growing rapidly, with its scale increasing from 364,7 billion yuan in 2016 to 980 billion yuan in 2024, an average annual growth rate of over 21%.

This growth is driven by improved connectivity, the efficient operation of the China-Laos Railway, an increasingly dense flight network between the region and Southeast Asia, and optimized visa-free transit policies, which have significantly reduced travel barriers for tourists.

Many destinations are also upgrading their offerings. Potatso National Park (Tay Tang Diqing, Van Nam) opened an interactive snow play area with skiing activities and a children's zone. A local business representative reported an average annual increase of about 30% in Southeast Asian visitors.

For many tourists, this is their first time seeing snow. "Snow is rare in Malaysia, so this experience is very new; the activities are suitable for the whole family," one tourist shared. Another Singaporean tourist described feeling "special and excited" while trying skiing.

In Tu Xuyen, Wawu Mountain has gained prominence on Thai social media due to its snow-covered forests and peaks. To serve international visitors, Chengdu Tianfu International Airport has opened a payment support center for arriving tourists; public transportation now accepts foreign bank cards. Many attractions have installed multi-language AI translation screens and currency exchange counters, making journeys more convenient.

Tuan Anh (According to Chinadaily)