Heilongjiang, China

Winter Getaways in Heilongjiang, China

Famous for its arctic temperatures and breathtaking snowscapes, Heilongjiang in northeastern China is a wonderful destination for winter revelers looking for adventure and excitement. As the home of the 2023 Winter Universiade, Heilongjiang, also known as "Black Dragon River" in Chinese, is China's coldest jurisdiction, and in winter can reach temperatures up to -40°C.

Heralded by stunning scenery, such as the magnificent swaths of snow-covered forests and “sea of ice” formed by the frozen Songhua River, Heilongjiang's stunning winter landscape has long drawn travelers from around the world.

Given Heilongjiang's remote location, visitors looking for an off-the-beaten-path winter getaway should make a stop in the province's major tourist cities of Harbin, Mudanjiang, Jixi, and Yichun. Each city offers its own unique and distinct set of activities for the intrepid explorer. Whether you’re looking for local flavors, outdoor activities, cultural tours or vibrant night festivals, Heilongjiang is the perfect place to escape from the bustle of city life and immerse yourself in natures beautiful and wild winter expressions. Here are just some of the remarkable activities on offer for visitors to Heilongjiang.

Ice and Snow Sculptures

Heilongjiang's signature attractions are its stunning ice and snow sculptures. Every year between January and February, Harbin City hosts its renowned International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival, displaying massive artworks made of ice and snow imported from the frozen Songhua River. Apart from the festival, citywide exhibitions of ice sculptures can be seen all around Harbin throughout the winter months.

Traditional Chinese Hot Springs

Chinese culture highly praises the healing properties of hot springs. In Heilongjiang, these natural healing havens are great spots for a day or weekend escape. Beidahuang Hot Springs near Yichun, Shuangfeng Hot Springs in Jixi, Maoershan Hot Springs in Mudanjiang, and Xuanhua Hot Springs in Harbin, all offer visitors a variety of recreational activities such as horse riding, boat tours, mineral therapy, and karaoke rooms.

Folk Culture Festivals

Heilongjiang's cities are home to a handful of dynamic and innovative festivals throughout the winter months which showcase the unique culture and customs of the region. The Daxing'anling International Snow Sculpture Festival in Mohe County and the International Ski Festival in Yabuli Ski Resort are two of the province's most popular winter festivals which draw participants from throughout China and around the world.

Adventure and Outdoor Activities

For those looking to get out and explore, Heilongjiang has a wealth of outdoor activities and thrilling adventures. In Harbin, visitors can mingle with the locals by taking a leisurely stroll through the city's winding streets lined with provincial-style buildings. In winter, the city bustles with visitors flocking to take part in a variety of activities such as ice skating, skiing, snowmobiling, and snow tubing. For a one-of-a-kind all-terrain driving experience, don't forget to visit the Yabuli Ski Resort which offers snowmobiling in nearby mountains and riding off-road vehicles on icy roads.

Local Cuisine

No visit to Heilongjiang would be complete without sampling the province's unique and delicious cuisine. Dishes such as hot-pot, boiled pork slices, red-braised pork, niangpi, Gan Guo and beef dumplings are all local favorites. Street vendors peddling warm noodles, Barbecue skewers and roasted sweet potatoes are favorites among winter travelers.

Whether you’re looking for a winter getaway full of adventure, indulging in Chinese culture, sampling local flavors, or simply searching for some winter thrills, Heilongjiang has something for everyone.