Two hours northwest of Urumqi, across the Shima Bridge that links it to Shihezi, Manas County turns into one of Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture’s most approachable winter playgrounds. Unlike the giant resorts of the Altay mountains, Manas is built for casual visitors: easy slopes, big ice carnivals, jade culture and short day trips that fit a weekend. If you are planning a Xinjiang skiing trip but want a gentle, budget-friendly taste of the snow, Manas is an ideal first stop before you commit to a longer northern circuit. 
Why Visit Manas in Winter
Manas sits on the northern slope of the Tianshan, where cold, dry air produces reliable snow from December through February. The county has leaned into its “cold resource” with a string of open-air ice and snow venues that emphasize fun over technical difficulty. Three things make it worth the drive from Urumqi or Shihezi.
- Beginner slopes: local ski hills are short and forgiving, perfect for first-timers and children who need a calm place to learn.
- Family carnivals: sprawling ice parks with tubing, skating and snowmobiling rather than just chairlifts and black runs.
- Easy access: just off the Urumqi–Shihezi corridor, reachable on a half-day loop from either city without an overnight stay.
- Culture on the side: Manas jade markets and Silk Road heritage give the trip a texture a pure ski resort cannot offer.
Heiliangwan Ski Resort — A Friendly Mountain for Beginners
Heiliangwan Ski Resort (Heiliangwan Shanzhuang) opened its winter season on 17 January 2025 with a lively “Hot Snow Black Gully” opening festival. The hill offers beginner, intermediate and advanced runs plus a full slate of side activities: horse-drawn sleds, a roughly 5 km snowshoe trek around the service area, snow football and tug-of-war, snow paintball and snowmobiling. On opening day the resort gave away 50 free lift tickets and ran a 40-yuan introductory price including ski or tube rental; regular tickets later settled around 60–66 yuan, deliberately kept affordable for local families.
By the 2026 Spring Festival the resort had added more than 30 new play items — snow bumper cars, snowmobiles, ice bicycles and more — and was receiving over 2,000 visitors a day, with a clear focus on parent-child travel. For skiers based near Urumqi ski resorts who want a relaxed change of scene, Heiliangwan is an easy half-day add-on that will not strain the budget.
- Arrive mid-morning to catch the folk performances at the visitor center before the slopes get busy.
- Rent gear on site; beginner packages include board or tube so you can travel light.
- Save energy for the snow carnival area — that is where children spend most of their time.
Zihai Xunmeng Ice & Snow Carnival
On the north side of the Shima Bridge, the Zihai Xunmeng International Tourism Resort runs a 450,000-square-meter ice and snow carnival with more than 20 winter activities: skiing, skating, snowmobiling, tube spins and a “crazy octopus” ride that local families love. Its managers describe a push toward branded, professional winter tourism, and the venue’s proximity to both Manas and Shihezi makes it one of the most convenient snow parks in the region. It is an especially good match for family skiing in Xinjiang because the emphasis is on playing in the snow rather than conquering a mountain, so even toddlers and grandparents can join the day out.
Manas Jade & Local Flavor
Manas is famous across China for Manas jade (Manas biyu), a soft green nephrite that has been traded along the northern Silk Road for centuries. Winter is a good time to browse jade markets and small museums in the county seat, then warm up with hearty northern Xinjiang food — hand-pulled noodles, lamb stew and sweet baked goods. Pairing a morning on the slopes with an afternoon of jade culture gives the trip a slower, more local rhythm you will not find at a purpose-built resort.
What to Pack for a Manas Snow Day
Manas winters are cold but usually dry and sunny, so dressing in layers works better than one heavy coat. A simple checklist keeps the day comfortable.
- Base layer: moisture-wicking thermal top and bottom to stay dry while you sweat on the beginner slope.
- Mid layer: a fleece or light down jacket that traps heat without limiting movement.
- Outer shell: a wind-proof jacket and snow pants, plus waterproof gloves and a warm hat.
- Extras: sunglasses or ski goggles for the bright Tianshan glare, and lip balm for the dry air.
A Simple One-Day Itinerary
If you are coming from Urumqi, a relaxed loop is easy to plan and leaves time for both snow and culture.
- Depart Urumqi after breakfast and reach Manas in about 90–120 minutes by car.
- Spend late morning on the Heiliangwan slopes or the Zihai Xunmeng carnival with the kids.
- Eat lunch at a county-seat noodle house, then browse the Manas jade market in the afternoon.
- Drive back toward Shihezi across the Shima Bridge before dusk, or stay for a local hotpot dinner.
Getting There & Practical Tips
Manas is about 90–120 minutes by car from Urumqi and is linked to Shihezi by the Shima Bridge, so many visitors combine the two cities in one loop. Dress in layers, bring goggles for the bright Tianshan sun, and book carnival tickets on busy holiday weekends when crowds peak. The best time to ski in Xinjiang generally runs December to February, and Manas fits neatly into that window. If you want to compare regions before you commit, our overview of where to ski in Xinjiang covers everything from Manas to the Altay giants, helping you build a longer northern Xinjiang ski circuit.
Pairing Manas with Nearby Shihezi
Because the Shima Bridge links Manas directly to Shihezi, many visitors build a two-stop winter day: ski or play in Manas in the morning, then cross into Shihezi for hotpot and an evening stroll. Shihezi’s own winter venues mean you can extend the trip without driving back toward Urumqi the same day. If you are building a longer Changji-region circuit, Manas works well as the relaxed opener before you tackle the bigger slopes farther north.
- Morning: Heiliangwan slopes or Zihai Xunmeng carnival in Manas.
- Afternoon: jade market and a late lunch in the county seat.
- Evening: cross the Shima Bridge to Shihezi for food and rest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Manas good for first-time skiers?
Yes. Heiliangwan’s slopes are short and gentle, gear rental is on site, and ticket prices are kept low, making it one of the most beginner-friendly spots in northern Xinjiang.
How far is Manas from Urumqi?
About 90 to 120 minutes by car. The Shima Bridge also connects Manas directly to Shihezi, so it works as a day trip from either city.
What is the Zihai Xunmeng carnival?
A 450,000-square-meter ice and snow park north of the Shima Bridge with skiing, skating, snowmobiling and more than 20 play areas focused on families and casual visitors.
When does the season run?
Typically December through February, with the biggest crowds during the Spring Festival holiday when Heiliangwan adds 30-plus extra activities.
Can I combine Manas with other ski areas?
Absolutely. Many travelers pair Manas with Urumqi-area resorts or continue north toward the Altay resorts for a longer northern Xinjiang ski circuit.