Journeys to China's winter wonderlands

Fun in Liaoning

With a focus on seven major cities, this route takes visitors across Northeast China's Liaoning province.

The Guaipo International Ski Resort in the provincial capital Shenyang is the biggest in the city. It has eight ski slopes that satisfy the needs of skiers of all levels. A winter recreational zone offers ice activities at the resort. Shenyang Palace Museum is a well-preserved ancient palace complex, including imperial buildings from the Qing Dynasty. The museum was established in 1926 and was added to the World Cultural Heritage List in 2004.

In Benxi city, the Yunshan ski resort promises full-on winter fun with its ski slopes, an ice and snow paradise, winter sport center and an ice castle. Winter performances are staged from time to time to spice up the experience. Visitors can appreciate a long cave with karst formations and underground lake at the city's Benxi Water Cave.

Other highlights on the route include Hejiagou sports town in Yingkou city, where visitors can not only engage in various winter sports but enjoy health and wellness offerings, hot springs, camping and rural experiences.

Changbai Mountains

Forging a path across Northeast China's Jilin province, this route takes in the Changchun Ice and Snow New World, a large-scale winter-themed park in the provincial capital Changchun. It will provide visitors with a glimpse into the fascinating world of ice buildings, snow sculptures and ice slides. At night, it holds spectacular fireworks and light shows. In Jilin city, Songhua Lake Resort is an ideal site for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts, with more than 3 km of slopes available. Beginners can also enjoy the excitement from the peak to the bottom of the hill. Visitors can take a ride that offers a stunning view of the Songhua Lake and the wild, snowy mountain. The Changbai Mountains International Resort in Baishan city shouldn't be missed. Tourists can enjoy performances featuring the Changbai Mountains as their backdrop, sing karaoke, go to bars and taste gourmet food. Hot springs are also available.

Moreover, a winter industry expo and an international rime festival will also be held in Changchun.

Slide between provinces

This route visits eight cities across Heilongjiang and Jilin provinces and offers various winter recreation and sport experiences, as well as local art and folk celebrations. Harbin Ice-Snow World in Heilongjiang's capital city, Harbin, covering an area of 820,000 square meters, has used some 230,000 cubic meters of ice and snow to create 65 different landscapes, with the popular attraction, the super ice slide, extended to 423 meters. Another place visitors shouldn't miss in Harbin is Yabuli Ski Resort, where majestic snow-covered mountains await skiers and snowboarders. The snow is thick and moderately hard. There are junior, middle and senior ski runs. Professional staff are available to offer training.

Other alluring sites in Jilin include the Songhua Lake Resort and the Beidahu ski resort in Jilin city. Beidahu offers steep trails for ski team training, while a large portion of the trails have been developed to satisfy the needs of intermediate skiers.

In addition to winter sport experiences, a snow sculpture expo in Harbin and rime and winter fishing festivals in Jilin, are also welcoming travelers.