HOCKEY IN CHINA

Fastest-growing market

35
Ice Rinks
1
Teams
0
Leagues
0
Players
#27
IIHF Men's
#13
IIHF Women's
1981
First NHL Player
full
IIHF Member
Division I B
Ranked #4 in division
IIHF Division (2025)

Hockey in China

China has 35 ice rinks, 1 active hockey team, 0 leagues and 0 players on file in the RinkStop directory. China is a full member of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) and the men’s national team is currently ranked #27 in the world, with the women’s national team at #13.

Finding hockey in China

The teams listed on this page are organized by league. The top professional league is the KHL (Kunlun).Each team has a roster page with arena info, the league they play in, and a link to the team\u2019s official site.

Where to play hockey in China

New players should start with a learn-to-skate program at one of the 35 rinks on this page. Most rinks also run learn-to-play hockey clinics for both kids and adults. Registration with the national federation is typically required before joining a team. The \u201cHow to play\u201d section below has a step-by-step pathway from first-time skater to league play.

Hockey ecosystem in China

China has 35 ice rinks, 1 active teams, and 0 leagues in the RinkStop directory. Fastest-growing market

National Teams in China

IIHF Full Member
Men's
China Men's
World #27
Men's U18
China Men's U18
Unranked
Men's U20
China Men's U20
Unranked
Women's
China Women's
World #13
Women's U18
China Women's U18
Unranked

Directory status: RinkStop currently lists 35 rinks in China, 1 teams, and no leagues yet. Hockey is governed by Chinese Ice Hockey Association in China. Help us complete this directory — add a team or league in China.

Hockey Teams in China

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Dragons

Ice Rinks in China

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How to Play Hockey in China

A practical guide for beginners, newcomers to China, and parents looking to get their child into the sport.

  1. 1
    Learn to skate first
    Most hockey players in China start with skating lessons. Many rinks run learn-to-skate programs for ages 3+ that teach the basics of balance, edges, and stopping — the foundations of hockey.
  2. 2
    Try a learn-to-play clinic
    Most local rinks and clubs run learn-to-play programs for beginners. These typically run 6–8 weeks, provide loaner equipment, and cost between $50–$300. Browse rinks above and contact one directly to ask about upcoming sessions.
  3. 3
    Join a youth or adult recreational team
    After learn-to-play, most players in China join a house league or recreational team. These run weekly practices and games at the local rink and are the most common entry point to organized hockey.
  4. 4
    Register with the national federation
    Fastest-growing market In the US this is USA Hockey, in Canada it's Hockey Canada, and in Europe each country has its own federation. Registration is typically annual and includes insurance.
  5. 5
    Progress through the development pathway
    Talented players in China typically progress through age-group teams (U8, U10, U12...) into travel or select teams, then junior leagues, and eventually professional or collegiate hockey. The pathway differs by country but generally follows the IIHF development model.
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Help us keep the China hockey directory accurate. Add or update a rink, team, or league →

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Frequently Asked Questions About Hockey in China

How many ice rinks are in China?+

RinkStop currently lists 35 ice rinks in China. The directory covers public arenas, private clubs, and training facilities.

What is the main hockey league in China?+

The top professional hockey league in China is the KHL (Kunlun).

How do I start playing hockey in China?+

Most players in China start with a learn-to-skate program, then progress to a learn-to-play clinic through a local rink or club. The "How to play" section below has a step-by-step pathway.

Is there women's hockey in China?+

Yes, China has women's hockey programs. Most rinks run women-only recreational leagues in addition to any national women's league.

Is hockey popular in China?+

Hockey in China: Fastest-growing market. IIHF ranking: #26.

How many registered hockey teams are in China?+

RinkStop's directory lists 1 active hockey teams in China across all levels and age groups.

What is the IIHF ranking of China?+

China is ranked #27 in the IIHF Men's World Ranking (as of 2025-05-26).

Does China have an ice hockey national team?+

Yes. China fields 5 national teams through the IIHF, including China Men's National Ice Hockey Team and China Men's U18 National Ice Hockey Team.

Can my child start hockey at any age in China?+

Yes. Most programs in China accept beginners from age 5–6, and many rinks offer adult learn-to-play programs for any age above 18.

Hockey Guides for China

The RinkStop blog covers the questions every player, parent, and coach asks.

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