China's skiers turn to domestic slopes over Japan tensions

Following unfriendly Taiwan-related remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, China issued a travel advisory for Japan in November 2025. As a result, many Chinese skiers who had planned winter trips to Japan are now opting for domestic resorts instead.

Among them is Li Xiaotong, a skiing enthusiast from Dalian. He originally planned to hit the slopes in Hokkaido, Japan in November, but ultimately chose Yunding Snow Park in Chongli, Zhangjiakou, Hebei Province. Li says the local temperatures and snow conditions have been excellent, and with the 2025-2026 International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) Freeski and Snowboard Big Air World Cup taking place here at the same time, he can enjoy both skiing and world-class competition, all in one trip.