Spanning 80 hectares, the resort will accommodate a shopping mall, movie theatre, outdoor theme park, ice hockey rink, curling training lanes and numerous hotels.

In terms of skiing and snowboarding, the main intermediate run is 60 metres wide and has a 20 degree pitch.

At 500m in length, it is the fourth longest indoor run in the world, with only slopes in France, Germany and the Netherlands stretching further.

However, its width is greater than those at the European centres, giving the new Chinese facility a world record 72,600 square metres of indoor snow.

The park also features a 380m long black run that is 40m wide with a 25 degree pitch.

A second shorter black run descends into the main park, where a large snow play area will be developed.

Other runs include two 40m long easy slopes in a separate area.

“What we saw was impressive,” said FIS secretary general Sarah Lewis.

“The size and scope of the facility that will enable both newcomers right through to advanced skiers and snowboarders is unique.

"This project is a clear indication, that skiing and snow sports in China are poised to take off in the upcoming years.”

Despite not being used as a venue for the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games, the resort could be a key component in improving the host country's performances in snow sports.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has demanded an improvement in snow disciplines before the Games.

Only four of China's 11 gold, nine silver and seven bronze medals won so far have come on snow.

"Our athletes perform well in ice-based events while lagging behind in skiing events," Xi said at the Asian Winter Games in Sapporo in February. 

"We have to boost the overall level of winter sports."

Three of China's golds have come in snowboarding - for Zang Ruxin in the women's slalom and for halfpipers Zhang Yiwei and Liu Jiayu - while Man Dandan won the women's cross country sprint.

Zhang Yan has also won two silver medals in biathlon, but their best Alpine skiing result so far has been a seventh place in the women's giant slalom for Yueming Ni.

In ski jumping, an 11th for large hill leaper Tian Zhandong has been their high-point.

The world's most populous nation have been far more successful in ice sports.

They have so far won three golds in short track, two each in figure skating and curling and an additional one in speed skating.