7 Days Northeast China Winter Tour: Changbaishan, Harbin & Snow Town

Nǐ hǎo! Welcome to Harbin, the "Ice City." Upon your arrival at the airport or railway station, your tour guide and driver will greet you at the exit. They'll then escort you directly to the downtown area and assist you with checking in at your hotel.

Harbin (哈尔滨), the capital of Heilongjiang Province in northeastern China, is widely known as the "Ice City." Each winter, it hosts the renowned Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival, one of the largest and most visually stunning winter events in the world. As temperatures plunge, the city transforms into a magical winter wonderland filled with towering ice castles and intricate sculptures illuminated in vibrant colors, creating a scene that feels both enchanting and surreal.

The Songhua River, often called Harbin’s "mother river," flows through the city and takes on a unique beauty in winter. When it freezes over, the river becomes a playground for winter sports. Locals and tourists alike flock to its vast icy surface to enjoy activities like ice skating, ice fishing, and snowmobiling. The massive ice blocks used in the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival are harvested from the frozen sections of the Songhua River, providing sculptors with the raw material needed to create their towering, complex works of art.

Another fascinating aspect of Harbin is its unique blend of cultures, earning it the nicknames “Moscow of the East” and “Little Paris of the East.” This pedestrian street is lined with Russian Orthodox churches and European-inspired buildings, creating a distinctive cityscape that is markedly different from other Chinese cities. Harbin’s culture is an intriguing fusion of Chinese, Russian, and European elements, visible in its food, music, and festivals. For instance, Harbin is known for its Russian-influenced sausage and bread, as well as its beer brewing tradition.

Arrival Ideas:

Harbin Taiping International Airport serves as the main gateway to the city. It offers numerous domestic flights to major Chinese cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xi'an, Chengdu, Chongqing, and Shenzhen. The airport also provides international flights to and from cities in Russia, South Korea, and other countries. Harbin is well-connected by China's extensive railway network. High-speed trains are available from major cities such as Beijing, reaching Harbin in about 6 to 8 hours.

Free Time Ideas:

When you have some free time to explore on your own, Zhaolin Park (兆麟公园) offers a chance to see the free Harbin Ice Lantern Show in winter. Known as the birthplace of the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival, Zhaolin Park is cherished by locals “老哈” as it holds many childhood memories. While it may not be as grand in scale as the massive Ice and Snow World, this charming park serves as an excellent “appetizer” to the city’s larger ice and snow festival.

After breakfast, you will visit to Saint Sophia Cathedral (圣·索菲亚教堂), an iconic landmark of Harbin. This magnificent Russian Orthodox cathedral, with its distinctive green onion dome topped by a golden cross and intricate red brick façade, offers a glimpse into the city's unique blend of Russian and Chinese influences. Standing before the cathedral, you'll be awestruck by its grandeur and solemn atmosphere Inside, the cathedral houses the Harbin Architecture Art Museum, which showcases the city's urban development history and architectural artistry. In winter, when snowflakes are gently falling, St. Sophia Cathedral in the snow resembles a fairytale castle, creating a truly magical and dreamlike scene.

Next, make your way to Zhongyang Pedestrian Street (中央大街), also known as Central Street, Harbin's bustling shopping and entertainment hub. This century-old street stretches over 1,450 meters and is lined with buildings in various architectural styles - Baroque, Renaissance, Eclecticism, and Art Nouveau - earning it the nickname "Outdoor Architectural Art Museum."

As you stroll through this vibrant central street, you'll encounter everything from local handicrafts to international brands. It's an ideal place to explore local shops, enjoy street performances, or simply soak in the city's unique atmosphere. Treat yourself to a blend of Chinese and Russian cuisines, including Harbin Sausages (哈尔滨香肠), Maidel Ice Cream (马迭尔冰棍), Russian bread (大列巴), and Qiulin Kvass (秋林格瓦斯), a Russian-inspired fermented beverage. In winter, Zhongyang Pedestrian Street becomes particularly enchanting, adorned with sparkling ice sculptures and strings of lights, complementing the nearby Harbin Ice Festival.

Next, you will be driven to the Siberian Tiger Park (东北虎林园), located on the north bank of the Songhua River in Harbin. This is the world's largest natural park dedicated to the conservation of the Siberian tiger, housing nearly 1,000 purebred Northeast tigers of various ages.

Unlike traditional zoos, the Harbin Siberian Tiger Park allows visitors to tour the grounds in cage-style sightseeing vehicles, which offer a safe yet thrilling way to observe tigers as they roam freely in a carefully simulated natural habitat. Imagine the excitement of moving among these majestic animals - sometimes catching sight of them strolling gracefully, other times watching them burst into sprints. Don't forget to capture these breathtaking moments, recording the perfect blend of wildness and beauty through your lens. For an even closer encounter, you’ll have the unique opportunity to feed the tigers yourself. Watch as they stand up on their hind legs, claws gripping the steel mesh as they beg for food from visitors. Note: The food for feeding the tigers is at your own expense. Besides Siberian tigers, the park also houses other large feline species, including lions, ligers (offspring of lions and tigers), and leopards, providing visitors with a valuable opportunity to learn about different feline species.

Afterward, we embark on a fantastical journey through ice and snow to Sun Island (太阳岛), home to the Sun Island International Snow Sculpture Art Expo - a highlight of the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival. Here, the magic of winter is taken to the extreme, with each snowflake imbued with life and sculpted into breathtaking works of art.

Stroll through this winter through paths lined with snow sculptures, and marvel at the exquisite snow sculptures that tower above you, crafted by talented artists from around the world. Capture the artistry and imagination that transforms the island into a snowy gallery under the open sky. These snow sculptures vary in form: some stand as majestic mountain ranges, others come alive as vivid animals, while yet others resemble dreamlike castles, inviting wonder and imagination. The most breathtaking aspect lies in the minute details - the nuanced expressions on characters’ faces, the delicate textures of animal fur - each element so meticulously rendered, the figures appear animated. In addition to the visual spectacle, Sun Island delights with a myriad of playful ice and snow activities.

Optional Activity: If you're interested in polar animals, you might want to consider visiting Harbin Polarland, located next to Sun Island. As the world's first polar amusement park, it features polar bears, penguins, sea lions, seals, and more. Please note that this activity is optional and can be enjoyed at an additional cost.

Next, we will head to the Ice and Snow World (冰雪大世界), the world-famous ice and snow theme park and the most dazzling highlight of the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival, celebrated for its spectacular ice sculptures.

Stepping into this fantasy space, meticulously crafted from tens of thousands of cubic meters of ice and snow, feels like instantly teleporting into a crystal-clear fairy-tale kingdom. As you wander through the park, an array of ice sculptures unfolds before you - from towering castles and elegant bridges to lifelike animals, modern buildings, and even imaginative sci-fi scenes. There are also unique ice bars and ice restaurants, offering you the extraordinary experience of dining or enjoying a drink in structures made entirely of ice.

As the last rays of the sunset quietly disappear over the horizon, the Ice and Snow World truly begins to reveal its magic. The entire park is transformed into a dreamlike setting, with thousands of colorful lights decorating the ice sculptures as if they were scenes straight out of a fairy tale, creating an enchanting world of light and shadow.

Moreover, Ice and Snow World offers a variety of ice and snow activities, such as snow tubing, ice go-karting, and ice biking. Among the most thrilling attractions is the winding super ice slide. Sliding down from a height, you will fully experience the speed and excitement that ice and snow can bring. The Snowflake Ferris Wheel offers a splendid view over the entire park, allowing you to fully appreciate the magnificent landscape of this icy domain. And for a unique winter celebration, join the ice disco, where children shriek with excitement and adults rediscover the joy of their youth, their laughter echoing through the cold air.

Travel Tips:

1. Dress Appropriately:Wear multiple layers of clothing to keep warm. Don’t forget hats, gloves, scarves, and thermal socks. Waterproof, insulated boots are essential, along with a mask for face.
2. Protect Your Electronics: Cold weather can drain battery life quickly. Keep cameras and phones close to your body to maintain warmth, and bring spare batteries or a portable charger.
3. Eye Protection: If you wear glasses, consider switching to contact lenses, as your warm breath can fog up lenses and obstruct vision. Sunglasses are recommended to protect against the intense glare from sunlight reflecting off the snow.
4. Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon is ideal for experiencing both daylight and the stunning nighttime illuminations of the sculptures and structures.
5. Prepare for Queues: Popular attractions like the giant ice slide and the Snow Ferris Wheel can have long wait times. Prepare for possible queues, especially during peak hours.

After the tour, return to your hotel in Harbin City.

Today, we will embark on a 5-6 hour drive to China Snow Town (中国雪乡), officially named Shuangfeng Forest Farm (大海林局双峰林场), located about 300 kilometers from Harbin.

If Harbin is a palace of ice and snow sculpture art, then China Snow Town seems like a dreamlike fairy tale carefully woven by nature with its pure white snow. Boasting unique snowfall conditions, China Snow Town has an astonishing average snow depth of 2 meters per year, making its snowfall the heaviest in China. The snow here is of exceptional quality, with high viscosity, earning it the well-deserved title of "China Snow Town."

As you step into Snow Town, the first thing that catches your eye is the vast, snow-covered landscape - mountains, houses, streets, and trees all blanketed in white, creating a picturesque winter wonderland. Strolling down Snowy Street (雪韵大街), you can not only feel the tranquility and serenity of Snow Town, but also immerse ourselves in the unique folk customs of Northeast China. The streets are lined with charming shops offering a dazzling array of local snacks and handmade crafts, making it feel like stepping into a captivating ice and snow market. You may come across some unique Northeast frozen delicacies, such as frozen pears and frozen persimmons, sticky bean bun (粘豆包).

Here, you'll have the opportunity to witness unimaginable layers of thick snow, breathe freely in the pure white surroundings, and joyfully roll in the snow, running through vast fields of snow. It’s a true experience of the majestic and mysterious snowy forests. Optional Activities: If interested, you can try a thrilling dog or horse sled ride through the snow-covered woods. You can also enjoy the unique  phenomenon of tossing hot water into the air and watching it freeze instantly. Or you can ride the tire-like sled from a slope to experience the happy childhood of locals.

Then, you will visit the Dream Home (梦幻家园). In the snow-covered landscape, rows of houses are scattered in a charming arrangement, their roofs blanketed with thick snow. As you wander through this area, you can’t help but smile at the sight of these magical houses, their rounded, snow-covered roofs like plump little snow mushrooms or delicious cream cakes, making you feel as though you could almost take a bite. Every corner of this enchanting village exudes a sense of wonder, with each house and snow-dusted path drawing you deeper into this whimsical winter world.

As night falls, the Snow Town is illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere. From the observation deck, you can gaze upon the entire village, bathed in the soft glow of red lanterns. The snow, pure and white as jade, sparkles in the light, transforming the landscape into a dreamlike scene. It’s as if you’ve stepped into a real-life fairy tale, where every corner is filled with enchantment and beauty.

Stay overnight in China Snow Town.

Tips:

1. The hotel conditions in China Snow Town may be not as good as those with same classes in Harbin city.
2. You can opt to stay in family-run guesthouses to experience the local traditional "kang" rooms. A "kang" is a heated brick bed with a fire underneath, providing a cozy warmth during the cold winter months.
3. Some local guesthouses may not provide toiletries, so it's advisable to bring your own.
4. Accommodation can be very tight during peak season, so it's highly recommended to book in advance to secure your stay.

Start your day with a breathtaking sunrise at Yangcao Mountain (羊草山日出), if you're a photography enthusiast. Located in the northwest corner of Snow Town, Yangcao Mountain stands at an elevation of 1,350 meters, offering a superb vantage point to overlook the entire village. From the observation deck, you can watch the sun slowly rise from behind the mountains, its rays spreading across the sky and turning the snow-covered landscape into a golden orange hue. You may also be fortunate enough to encounter natural wonders like rime ice and snow hanging from the trees, showcasing the vastness, grandeur and wild beauty of the northern landscape. (Optional activity: hiking is free, or you can take a 4WD for 280 yuan per person.)

Alternatively, you can also choose to visit the Bāngchuí Mountain observation deck (棒槌山观景台). Here, too, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire Snow Town, with its scattered snow-covered houses and curling smoke rising from chimneys, creating a peaceful and serene landscape.

Then, you will be driven to Jingpo Lake (approximately 180 km, 3 hours by car).  Here, you'll witness another winter spectacle - the ice waterfall.

Formed around 10,000 years ago due to volcanic eruptions that blocked the Mudan River, Jingpo Lake (镜泊湖) is China's largest alpine lava barrier lake. Known as Mirror Lake, it is celebrated for its crystal-clear waters that reflect the surrounding forested mountains, mirroring a giant, pristine canvas - hence its name. In winter, the shimmering waters of summer are replaced by a thick layer of ice, transforming the lake into a vast, silvery mirror that reflects the snow-draped mountains and trees around it.

At the northern end of the lake, the Diaoshuilou Waterfall (吊水楼瀑布) stretches over 40 meters wide with a drop of more than 20 meters, making it one of Asia's widest waterfalls. In the cold of winter, the waterfall's flow freezes, forming a spectacular ice cascade that resembles a colossal silver dragon thundering down the mountainside, its grandeur a breathtaking sight to behold. If you're lucky, you might witness an exhilarating display of cliff diving. A man in his sixties named Di Huanran, with remarkable courage and perseverance, performs daring dives from the cliff, turning this extreme sport into his lifelong passion and career.

After the tour, drive to Dunhua City (approximately 140 km, 2 hours by car) for accommodation.

Begin your morning with a departure from Dunhua City to Erdaobaihe Town, the gateway to Changbai Mountain (approximately 140 km, a 2-hour drive). Upon arrival, check into your hotel and take time to relax and refresh.

In the afternoon, head to the Mojie Scenic Area for a unique rafting experience. The water system of "Mojie" originates from the hot springs flowing from Changbai Mountain's Heavenly Lake and remains unfrozen all year round. In winter, when the temperature drops to -20 degrees Celsius, mist rises, forming rime ice and frost-covered trees. As you glide through the waters, you are surrounded by a mystical landscape where the air is thick with mist and the scenery is adorned with delicate frost formations on trees, creating a winter wonderland, as if stepping into a magical world. For this reason, photography enthusiasts have dubbed this place "Mojie," meaning "Magic World."

After your exhilarating rafting adventure in the magical Mojie Scenic Area, return to your hotel for a restorative soak in the hot spring. The contrast between the day's thrilling activities and the evening's soothing relaxation creates a perfect balance, ensuring your day is not only memorable but also wonderfully harmonious.

Begin your day with a scenic drive to Changbai Mountain, or Changbaishan (长白山) in Chinese, whose name aptly means "Perpetually White Mountain" due to its snow-capped peaks visible throughout the year. Changbai Mountain is a dormant volcano that presents a dramatic coexistence of volcanic landscapes and glacial remnants, creating a spectacular "song of ice and fire." As the highest peak in Northeast China and the Korean Peninsula, it remains a sacred mountain deeply revered by the Manchu and Korean peoples.

Similar to Mount Fuji, Changbaishan’s conical summit was removed during a significant eruption, forming a funnel-shaped depression surrounded by 16 new peaks, with water collecting in the basin to create a lake. Heaven Lake (天池), situated at the top of the main volcanic cone of Changbai Mountain, is the deepest and largest crater lake in China. The lake's waters shimmer like a sapphire, making it a signature landmark of Changbai Mountain. Heaven Lake is also the source of the Three Rivers, including the Songhua River, Yalu River, and Tumen River.

Today’s itinerary focuses on the Northern Slope of the Changbai Mountain Scenic Area, providing straightforward access to the renowned Heaven Lake. Your exploration begins with a ride on an eco-friendly bus to the transfer center. From there, take a shuttle vehicle along the left road to ascend the main peak and view Heaven Lake, also known as Tianchi in Chinese. Situated at an altitude of 2,189 meters, it stands as the world's highest volcanic crater lake. The most awe-inspiring aspect of Tianchi is its waters are crystal clear and profound, resembling a green gem nestled among the mountain peaks. It is surrounded by 16 peaks, with the main peak, Baekdu Mountain, soaring into the clouds, its summit glistening with snow, creating a vivid contrast with the emerald green of the lake and forming a breathtakingly beautiful panorama.

The Heaven Lake's captivating color stems from its exceptional clarity and depth. Tianchi's pristine waters are untouched by pollution, boasting extraordinary transparency. As China’s deepest lake, it reaches an average depth of 204 meters, with its deepest point at 373 meters. This clarity, coupled with significant depth, allows the lake to scatter and reflect blue and violet light, similar to seawater, presenting a sapphire-like radiance that is unforgettable.

After soaking in the views at Heaven Lake, you'll head back to the transfer center and take the right-hand road towards Changbai Waterfall (长白瀑布) with its water melted from Heavenly Lake at a height of 68 meters, making it the world's highest volcanic lake waterfall. Overlook the grand waterfall at the viewing deck you can see two strands just like two huge flying dragons above the ground. Continue your visit to the Small Heavenly Lake (小天池), a tranquil small pond whose mirror-like surface clearly reflects the surrounding trees. Next, visit Green Deep Pool (绿渊潭), named for its deep, emerald waters. It is a green water pool with a waterfall cascading down the cliffside. With its highest drop reaching 26 meters, the water splashes against large rocks before flowing into the deep, emerald pool below.

Your final stop is the Underground Forest (地下森林), a hidden primeval forest beneath the volcanic crater, where towering ancient trees and entwined vines create the feeling of stepping into another mysterious world. It is the lowest altitude attraction in the northern scenic area of Changbai Mountain. This forest was formed when seismic activity during a volcanic eruption caused the ground to sink vertically, creating a valley-floor forest. The forest's air is rich in negative ions, earning it the nickname "natural oxygen bar."

After the tour, you will be taken to the hotel in Erdaobaihe Town.

It is time to end your 7 Days Northeast China Winter Tour. Your guide will escort you to the Changbaishan Airport airport or train station for your journey to your next destination.

Departure Ideas:

Changbaishan Airport is located 81 kilometers from Erdaobaihe Town, requiring a 1.5–2 hour drive. The airport offers flights to Beijing (2 hours) and Shanghai (2.5 hours).

Changbaishan Railway Station is located directly in Erdaobaihe Town. It offers high-speed train services to Jilin (1 hour 40 minutes), Changchun (2.5 hours), Dalian (6 hours), and Beijing (6 hours).

Extension Ideas:

If you wish to extend your Winter Tour, you can explore other destinations in Northeast China like Jilin, Changchun, and Dalian. We'd be happy to assist you with these arrangements.

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your Northeast China Tour, we are always here working for you and hope to see you again for your next trip to China/Asia. Safe journey!