6 Days Heilongjiang and Jilin Changbaishan Ice and Snow Tour with Snow Town (From Harbin)

After breakfast, prepare for your first full day of winter adventure. Guests will stop at a cold-weather supplies store to collect hand warmers (5 per person) and ensure everyone is equipped for the icy landscapes ahead.

The journey along Ya-Xue Highway (亚雪公路), famously known as the “Hundred-Mile Rime Ridge (百里雾松岭),” offers some of the most spectacular snow scenery in northeastern China. Majestic mountains and frost-laden forests unfold at every turn, perfect for photography and sightseeing.

Along the way, you may choose optional activities: horse-drawn sleigh rides (马拉爬犁, approx. 298 RMB/person) or snowmobiles (380–580 RMB/person) for a thrilling ride across the snow-covered terrain. Upon arrival at Snow Town (雪乡), explore Xueyun Street (雪韵大街), lined with charming snow cottages and lanterns. In the evening, enjoy a festive “Happy New Year Feast” (欢乐年夜饭) and optional cultural experiences, including Fantasy Home Park (梦幻家园) night show and Er Ren Zhuan (二人转) performances, capturing the warmth and lively spirit of northeastern China.

Guests stay overnight in a private Snow Town lodge, featuring heated kang beds for comfort. Snowy landscapes and cozy accommodations set the tone for the days to come.

Wake up early to witness the tranquil beauty of Snow Town at dawn. If you rise early, enjoy the view of Yangcao Mountain (羊草山) and the frost-covered village, where mist and snow decorate every branch and roof. Visit the Snow Town Fairy Tale Post Office (童话邮局) to send a postcard from this winter wonderland and the Snow Town Folk Museum (民俗博物馆) to learn about the region’s fascinating customs and local “eight strange” traditions.

Next, travel to Jingpo Lake (镜泊湖) for a seasonal ice adventure. Here, the frozen lake showcases ice bubbles, ice cracks, and golden reflections at sunset, while the fishermen’s winter ritual offers an immersive glimpse into centuries-old ice fishing traditions. Optional activities include ice slides, snow drifting, octopus rides, and four-wheel snow vehicles, ensuring fun for every adventurer. Savor the Wild Fresh Fish Feast (野生鲜鱼宴) for lunch, highlighting the lake’s specialty.

In the afternoon, proceed to Dunhua Zhongcheng Village (敦化中成村), a vibrant Korean ethnic tourism village. Stroll past traditional Korean-style homes, explore the village streets, and experience authentic customs, including tatami-style accommodations, traditional cuisine, and cultural demonstrations. Dinner features Korean-style fermented dishes and a showcase of local dance and music. Overnight is at the Zhongcheng Folk Hotel (中成民俗酒店), where modern comforts meet ethnic charm.

After breakfast, set out for Changbai Mountain (长白山), a sacred site historically closed to the public for over 200 years. As one of China’s most famous mountains and the border between China and North Korea, Changbai Mountain is celebrated for its majestic Tianchi (Heaven Lake, 天池), the volcanic crater lake that feeds the Songhua, Tumen, and Yalu Rivers. Highlights include the Changbai Waterfall (长白瀑布), a 68-meter drop where glacial melt creates a stunning spectacle, and natural hot springs such as Julong Spring (聚龙泉), offering relaxation amid the snowy mountains.

Lunch is flexible en route. After descending, visit the Korean Ethnic Centennial Village (百年朝鲜部落), an authentic window into Korean-Chinese culture. Guests can explore folk museums, heritage exhibits, and traditional culinary experiences, including trying on traditional clothing, making kimchi, or tasting local barley tea. Dinner is a Korean Song and Dance Performance Feast (朝鲜歌舞表演餐), where performers entertain while you savor traditional Korean dishes.

The evening concludes with a stay at a hot spring resort hotel in either Changbai Mountain or Piyan Mountain (长白/琵岩温泉酒店), featuring indoor and outdoor thermal pools. Unwind and let the warmth soothe your body after a day of exploration.

After breakfast, immerse yourself in the unique Korean-Chinese culture of Yanji (延吉), nicknamed “Little Korea”. The streets are spacious, clean, and lined with bilingual Chinese-Korean signs, giving visitors the sense of walking through a Korean city. Experience the everyday life of locals—sampling traditional kimchi, rice cakes (打糕), gimbap (紫菜包饭), and street snacks, or even trying on hanbok (韩服) in designated cultural areas.

A highlight of the morning is the Yanbian University (延边大学) “bullet screen wall,” a colorful installation covered with Chinese and Korean text signs, making it a favorite for social media photography. Then explore Kumdallae Square (金达莱广场), a lively public space for residents to gather and enjoy outdoor activities, or visit West Market (西市场) for fresh produce, marinated vegetables, seafood, and local sauces. For those interested in deeper cultural immersion, the Korean Folk Custom Garden (朝鲜族民俗园, optional entrance fee 30 RMB) offers traditional architecture, folk performances, and demonstrations of Korean-Chinese customs.

After your city exploration, board a high-speed train (second-class seat) to Harbin (哈尔滨). The journey takes approximately 4 hours, offering scenic views of northeastern China’s winter landscapes. Upon arrival, check into a four-star hotel. If time permits, visit the Harbin Ice and Snow World (冰雪大世界), a spectacular display of illuminated ice sculptures, snow castles, and interactive snow activities, capturing the magic of Harbin’s winter festival.

Begin your final day with a leisurely city walk in Harbin, capturing the essence of its Russian heritage and industrial charm. Start with the Saint Sophia Cathedral (索菲亚教堂), an iconic Russian Orthodox building with a striking green dome, perfect for photography. Continue to Central Street (中央大街), the longest pedestrian street in Asia, lined with 71 European-style buildings, where you can explore local shops, cafés, and historic architecture. Don’t miss the Zhongdong Railway Bridge (中东铁路桥), where the iron structure and rivets tell the story of Harbin’s industrial past.

For souvenirs, stop at the Da Mei Longjiang Service Center, offering northeastern specialties and Russian crafts, or visit a Russian chocolate factory, where you can watch chocolate-making demonstrations and receive complimentary chocolates.

Enjoy a traditional Eight Dishes Feast (八大碗), a hearty Northeastern Chinese meal featuring meats, vegetables, and local flavors. After lunch, transfer to the airport or train station for your departure. If your schedule allows, take a final stroll to capture the group’s memories in the winter wonderland city, where snow-covered streets, historic architecture, and lively markets leave a lasting impression of Harbin.

Optional activities before departure:

• Revisit Harbin Ice and Snow World or Snow Sculpture Art Expo for last-minute photos.
• Walk along the Songhua River Embankment (松花江边) to witness frozen river scenes and snow-covered bridges.
• Grab local street snacks like Harbin-style sausages or Russian-style ice cream before heading home.