Forbidden City, check. Terracotta warriors, check. Great Wall of China, check. Shanghai Bund, check. What next for avid China travellers? Skiing, of course.

As if you didn’t think of that!

Well, the cold powdery white stuff might actually prove to be a lucrative tourism asset for China. Melco China Resorts has announced the advanced development of two hotels at the Yabuli Sun Mountain resort in the northeast of China. The company also broke ground for its “first luxurious mountain homes project,” which will be available for sale later this year in Heilongjiang Province.

Melco, the largest ski operator in China, is aiming to “develop, operate and manage world-class mountain resorts in China,” according to a company statement. It will transform five existing ski areas in the northeastern provinces of Heilongjiang and Jilin into “unique, year-round luxury mountain resorts.” The company also plans to secure additional areas and develop further resorts in the coming years.

The company statement also includes a projection from the China Ski Association that the total number of ski visits to China is expected to reach 10 million by 2010.
 
 “Buyers of our homes will have access to a lifestyle that allows them to escape the crowded, hectic urban city centers where they live and work. They can relax and indulge themselves amidst pristine, natural mountain scenery. We are feeding a growing demand for superior lodging and service excellence that snow sports and other outdoor sports enthusiasts seek”, said Kwan.

Sun Mountain Yabuli resort is the core focus of MCR’s immediate development plan with three premium hotels, including a luxurious 24 all-suite boutique mountain top hotel. Located approximately two hours south east of the city of Harbin, Yabuli is China’s most recognized destination ski resort and will host the World Winter University Games in early 2009.

MCR will also upgrade the Sky Mountain Beidahu and Star Mountain Beijing resorts, with minor works starting immediately and much larger development planned for the coming years. Meanwhile, work on MCR’s Adventure Mountain Changchun resort and development of the members-only Lotus Mountain Club will be well underway by 2009.

Last update : Friday, 02 May 2008

Keywords : Skiing, Resort, Tourism, Melco, Yabuli Sun Mountain, Sky Mountain Beidahu, Star Mountain Beijing

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