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Recently, I visited Karoo Ice and Snow World in Shenzhen, and it was a refreshing experience. As someone who hasn’t been skiing in about 10 years, I was excited to get back on the slopes.

Zach Mills is having fun skiing at Karoo Ice and Snow World in Longhua District in late January. Photos by Lin Jianping

The convenience of having an indoor winter sports park in the city was a pleasant surprise, especially since Harbin is a 4-hour flight away. Back in the States, My college buddies and I used to take 14-hour road trips to skiing parks, while here in Shenzhen, I could easily squeeze the entire experience into an afternoon.

The vibes were pretty relaxed, especially early in the afternoon when the crowd was light. It was nice not having to navigate through a sea of people, and there was a good mix of visitors — beginners, experienced skiers, and families, all enjoying the snowy fun.

Zach Mills (front) waits for his turn to glide down the snowy slopes at Karoo Ice and Snow World in Longhua District.

I spent a good portion of the afternoon skiing, and even though it had been a while, it didn’t take long to get back into the swing of things. It was great to be on the slopes again, particularly without having to leave the city or worry about the usual ski trip logistics. The amenities at the park were solid — everything you need to ski or snowboard was included, from snow clothes to gear.

In addition to skiing, my companions and I threw snowballs at each other, which, to be honest, might have been the funniest part of the day. There’s something about a snowball fight that just makes you feel like a kid again.

What really stood out, though, was how Shenzhen seems to offer the best of both worlds when it comes to outdoor activities and modern amenities. After an afternoon in the snow, it’s just a short drive to the Kunpeng Trail for a scenic hike with incredible views of the city embraced by surrounding mountains.

Whether you’re hitting the snowy slopes (indoors) or taking in the natural beauty of nearby hiking trails, the city offers a diverse range of experiences to unwind and enjoy.

Now I’m looking forward to checking out the new indoor winter sports facility they’re still building in Bao’an District, which is supposed to be the largest in China. Shenzhen’s ability to mix nature, adventure, and modern attractions is definitely one of the things that make living here so great.

(Zach Mills is an editor of Shenzhen Daily and a host for EyeShenzhen videos.)