Nestled in the picturesque Taizi Village (Prince Village) on the outskirts of Zhangjiakou City, in close proximity to the popular Wanlong and Duolemeidi ski resorts, Genting Secret Garden Resort (密苑云顶乐园) offers a truly elevated mountain escape. Boasting a stunning backdrop of snow-covered peaks and meticulously groomed slopes, it stands out not only for its impressive scale but also its world-class facilities.
Genting Secret Garden is a massive undertaking, representing a significant 6.5 billion yuan investment across a sprawling 99 sq km area. This vast resort is designed to be a premier all-season destination, though its winter offerings are particularly spectacular. Skiers and snowboarders of all abilities will find their haven here, with a diverse range of slopes that span from easy green runs to challenging double black diamonds, and plenty in between. The resort currently features over 16 km of slopes, with a breakdown of approximately 21% easy, 46% intermediate, and 33% difficult trails, ensuring there's something to satisfy every skill level and comfort zone. When fully completed as planned, the resort envisions an even grander scale with 87 ski routes totaling 70km in length, serviced by 22 ski lifts covering 30km.
What truly sets Genting apart and elevates the guest experience are its state-of-the-art lift systems. They were among the first in the region to introduce heated seats in their gondolas, a welcome luxury on a chilly mountain day. These modern gondolas share a line with high-speed chairlifts, which are also equipped with pull-down cover shields, providing essential protection from biting winds as you ascend the mountain. The convenience is unparalleled – chairlifts are accessible immediately outside the hotel lobby, drastically cutting down the time it takes to get from enjoying breakfast to carving turns at the top of the mountain. The efficiency and comfort of the lifts are genuinely impressive and contribute significantly to a seamless ski experience.
Beyond the fantastic skiing, the resort itself is designed with guest comfort and entertainment in mind, easily ranking among the nicest we've seen in China. The apres-ski options are varied and inviting. The resort boasts an array of facilities including dedicated areas for pool tables and foosball, perfect for some friendly competition after a day on the slopes. The island cocktail bar with its adjacent lounge area provides a chic space to unwind. This lounge features a stage that transitions from showcasing thrilling extreme snowboarding and ski videos during the afternoon to hosting live music performers, especially appealing during the buy-one-get-one-free happy hour that runs until 8 PM.
Dining at Genting Secret Garden is also a highlight. While the included breakfast buffet provides a great start to the day, the resort offers several other enticing in-house restaurants. We had dinner at Green Dragon, and its menu was remarkably diverse, catering to a wide range of culinary preferences with offerings from comforting burgers and pizzas to flavorful Hainan Chicken Rice, rich curries, and classic wonton noodles. Other dining options within the resort complex include hotpot, as well as familiar international chains like KFC, Pizza Hut, and Starbucks, providing convenient choices for a quick bite or a casual meal. The resort also plans for further expansion of dining and entertainment venues.
Genting Secret Garden Resort gained significant international recognition when it was selected as a key venue for the 2022 Winter Olympics. In July 2015, Beijing, in a joint bid with Zhangjiakou, was awarded the Games by the International Olympic Committee, making Beijing the first city to host both the Summer and Winter Olympics. Genting Secret Garden played a crucial role, hosting the Freestyle Skiing and Snowboard competitions, including disciplines like moguls, aerials, half-pipe, slopestyle, ski cross, and parallel giant slalom, awarding a total of 18 gold medals. To align with the IOC's goal of a more affordable Games, Beijing strategically reused or converted several venues from the 2008 Olympics and constructed new ones primarily in the outlying areas of Yanqing and Zhangjiakou, where the snow sports events took place. The projected combined operating and capital budget for the 2022 Games was $3.9 billion, notably less than the $4.6 billion spent in 2008. Genting's selection as an Olympic venue underscores its high standards and capacity to host world-class events.
Overall, Genting Secret Garden Resort offers a premium mountain resort experience with exceptional skiing facilities, luxurious and convenient amenities, diverse dining options, and the prestige of being an Olympic venue. Its continued development and ambitious plans solidify its position as a major player in China's burgeoning winter sports and mountain tourism scene.
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