China's geographical proximity to Siberia gives its northeastern winters a distinct bite. The long, harsh cold season gives rise to a stunningly raw and unspoiled environment of vast snowy expanses, frozen rivers, and forests. As the three northeastern provinces of Heilongjiang, Jilin, and Liaoning have continued to upgrade infrastructure and introduce celebrations to create immersive winter experiences, the region is now at the heart of the country's winter tourism.
Sporting activities at world-class ski resorts, displays of massive ice and snow sculptures, wildlife observation, and a wealth of folk traditions are part of a rich mine of winter wonders.
The northernmost province of Heilongjiang allows visitors to experience the winter the way it should be experienced.
The provincial capital, Harbin, is an ideal first stop. The Harbin Ice-Snow World offers winter fun with sound and light shows over an area of 1 million square meters this year.
Some 300,000 cubic meters of ice and snow were used in the design and construction, which tips its hat to the 9th Asian Winter Games that will open in Harbin in February. This includes ice re-creations of landmarks from the members of the Olympic Council of Asia, among them Cambodia's Bayon temple.
An ice harvesting festival, a new fantasy show, outdoor performances, and ice carving competitions are available to make the experience more interesting. Technology-enabled digital culture and art experiences are also available that allow visitors to explore the microcosmic world of ice crystals and snowflakes and try their hand at building snowmen, curling, and solving lantern riddles.
Located just a three-hour drive away, the Yabuli ski resort features one of China's longest and most challenging ski trails weaving through dense forests.
It also houses one of the world's longest slides, stretching 2,680 meters with a vertical drop of 570 meters and 48 twists and turns. Constructed using stainless steel tracks and a sturdy plastic canopy, the slide resembles a giant dragon winding its way down the mountainside.
This year, the resort is offering a favorably priced one-card deal that gives access to ski trails on its three mountains, as well as to Alpine and cross-country ski experiences. At the same time, apres-ski experiences have been introduced in collaboration with well-known coffee and music bar brands. It's also possible to have a dip in hot springs after an exhausting day on the slopes.
Be sure to visit the giant panda pavilion, currently the northernmost and coldest of its kind in China. Two giant pandas were moved there in 2016 and have since fully adapted to the climate.
For those who want to relive a fairy tale, Xuexiang, located less than a two-hour drive away, exudes an enchanting dreamlike atmosphere. Known for its thick, pristine snow which gives roofs and fences mushroom-like wintry caps, the site is suited to photography and leisurely exploration. The scenic spot in the depths of the Changbai Mountain is offering bonfire parties at which visitors can sample local treats and enjoy folk customs. Snow-related activities like sledding, skiing, snowmobiling, and horse-drawn sleigh rides are also on offer.
In addition to superb powder snow, Jilin province to the south of Heilongjiang has top-tier hotels, hot springs, and abundant entertainment. It's an ideal place to chill — literally. Many of its well-equipped resorts, such as the Changbai Mountain Wanda International Resort in Fusong county, Baishan, have arranged shooting club experiences. Local authorities have also made a feature of the rime ice that drapes trees in the area, and developed themed sightseeing tours to islands, mountains and along rivers.
Changbai Mountain in the southeast of the province is at the front and center of premium winter offerings, thanks to a volcanic terrain and diversity of activities, ranging from forest hiking, camping, fishing, cross-country motorcycling, snow cabin hotpot, and winter travel photography. Climbing the northern slope to enjoy the snowy scenery of Tianchi Lake is a top choice for photography and adventure enthusiasts. There are volcanic hot springs, where visitors can enjoy a therapeutic soak.
About 600 kilometers from Changbai Mountain, Chagan Lake in Songyuan City offers a winter fishing and hunting experience, where visitors can enjoy folk charm. Ice and snow runs and snow volleyball are also available.
To get a good measure of the beauty of rime, it's definitely worth visiting Wusong Island in the Songhua River to the north of Jilin city. The island is renowned for its spectacular rime-covered landscapes. This year, the island has added a cultural twist in the form of galas combining folk customs with modern artistic performances to enable visitors to enjoy the natural wonder in a lively rural cultural atmosphere.
Liaoning is the southernmost province in Northeast China, and enjoys a milder climate. Its coastal location has endowed it with breathtaking winter seascapes and an abundance of seafood. Dalian is considered a jewel in the crown for its long coastline and hundreds of islands.
A visit to Dalian is not complete without experiencing the sea. During periods of sustained low temperatures, sea ice can be seen at Xiajiahezi beach, where the red-and-white lighthouse and yellow sands set against the vast expanse of white sea ice create a stunning visual contrast.
A 25-kilometer drive to Donggang presents the perfect spot for viewing the sea, with flocks of seagulls soaring overhead, that could be straight out of a movie. The seawater freezes instantly on the railings of the wooden seaside boardwalk forming thick layers of icicles.
For those seeking a taste of Dalian, Anbo fair in Pulandian district is said to be the largest and most popular in the area. From seafood and traditional costumes to Spring Festival couplets and decorations, the market has something for everyone. Here, you can chat with the vendors, learn about local life and culture, and taste local cuisine.
If you go
High-speed trains and flights are readily available from Beijing to the three provinces. The trip to Harbin takes two hours by plane or five hours by high-speed rail. Homestays and hotels can be found in all the major cities. Be sure to bundle up. Bring down jackets, scarves, and gloves to deal with the extreme cold. Also, be sure to try regional specialties, such as smoky sausage, and crispy fried pork in a sweet-and-sour sauce.
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