Ice & Snow Odyssey: Harbin, Snow Town, Changbai

Upon arrival in Harbin, transfer privately from the station or airport to the hotel for check-in and a short rest. After check-in and a short rest, visit Zhaolin Park for the Harbin Ice Lantern Show. Known as the birthplace of the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival, this beloved park holds fond childhood memories for many locals.

Each winter, the park hosts lively ice sculpture competitions, where intricate creations take shape in the form of animals, castles, and fantastical figures. As night falls, colourful lights illuminate the sculptures, turning the entire park into a glowing ice-and-snow wonderland.

In the morning, visit Siberian Tiger Park, a major conservation and breeding centre for the species. Follow the protected viewing route to observe the tigers across the large enclosures before continuing to Sun Island. Continue to Sun Island, famous for its International Snow Sculpture Art Expo. Marvel at massive snow-carved masterpieces ranging from mythological figures to modern designs.

Pause for lunch at Jin Dongbei Iron Pot Stew (今东北铁锅炖), where meat and vegetables are slow-cooked together in a large iron pot, creating rich flavours and hearty warmth.

In the afternoon, head to Harbin Ice and Snow World, a Guinness World Record holder recognised as the largest ice-and-snow theme park in the world. This grand artistic project combines ice sculptures, cultural showcases, and live performances, with a new theme each year. Using vast amounts of ice and snow, it recreates iconic landmarks from around the globe and features attractions such as giant ice slides, a snow Ferris wheel, large-scale snow discos, and dazzling drone shows. By night, the experience becomes even more magical as every ice structure glows with colourful lights, enhanced by performances and interactive events, immersing you fully in this frozen wonderland.

This morning, you will set off on a 5–6 hour drive from Harbin to China Snow Town, officially known as Shuangfeng Forest Farm.

Snow Town is a dreamlike fairytale created by nature itself. With an average snow depth of 2 metres—the heaviest in China—its soft, viscous snow earns it the well-deserved reputation of “China’s No.1 Snow Town.”

Upon arrival, the pure white landscape of mountains, cottages, and forests instantly enchants you. A walk along Snowy Street reveals lively scenes of local life—lantern-lit wooden houses, snack stalls, and souvenir shops offering frozen treats such as pears and persimmons, as well as sticky bean buns.

As night falls, Snow Town glows under the red lanterns. From the observation deck, you can enjoy a breathtaking panorama of the entire village blanketed in snow. The warm light from chimney smoke mingling with the jade-like snow creates a magical atmosphere, as though you’ve entered a living fairytale.

Rise early for a sunrise experience at Yangcao Mountain, standing 1,350 metres above sea level. From its vantage point, the sun slowly emerges behind the peaks, painting the snowy landscape in shades of gold and crimson. Frost-covered branches and rime ice sparkle in the morning light, offering photographers a perfect opportunity to capture the grandeur of the Northeast winter.

Continue to Jingpo Lake, the largest alpine barrier lake in China, created by volcanic lava flows. Here, you will find the spectacular Diaoshuilou Waterfall, where water cascades dramatically over basalt cliffs. The surrounding landscape is dotted with volcanic craters and lava tunnels, offering a striking reminder of the region’s fiery geological past.

Arrive in Dunhua in the afternoon, check into your hotel, and enjoy a relaxing evening at leisure.

After breakfast, travel about 170 kilometres from Dunhua to Erdaobaihe, the main gateway town for the northern side of Changbai Mountain. The drive crosses the forested landscapes of eastern Jilin and reaches the town around midday.

After check-in and lunch, continue to a local mineral hot spring. Warm pools set against the winter landscape provide a relaxed afternoon after the previous days of overland travel and snow activities.

Return to Erdaobaihe in the evening for a Northeast-style dinner and an early rest before the full-day exploration of Changbai Mountain.

After breakfast, set off for the North Scenic Area of Changbai Mountain. The journey begins with a visit to Heavenly Lake (Tianchi), a sapphire-blue crater lake cradled by jagged volcanic peaks. Gazing at its mirror-like waters, you’ll feel the stillness of nature at the very roof of Northeast Asia.

From here, the outflow of the lake forms the spectacular Changbai Waterfall, cascading 68 meters down a basalt cliff. Standing before the roaring waters, you’ll witness how this mountain breathes life into the valleys below.

Following the river downstream, arrive at the enchanting Green Deep Pool (Julongquan). Its emerald-green waters, tinted by hot springs and volcanic minerals, create a striking contrast with the dark lava walls—a peaceful spot to pause and take photos.

Your adventure continues into the Underground Forest, where collapsed lava canyons nurture a dense primeval woodland. Walking along wooden paths, you’ll be immersed in an almost mystical landscape where ancient trees, mossy boulders, and cool mountain air form a natural cathedral.

After a day filled with breathtaking scenery, return to Erdaobaihe in the late afternoon to rest at your hotel.

Begin the morning with a warm-river drifting experience near Changbai Mountain, moving through a snowy forest landscape where mineral water and frozen riverbanks create a striking winter contrast.

After the activity, return to the hotel to collect the luggage, then continue by private vehicle to Changbaishan Airport. The seven-day winter journey concludes at the airport after the final drive through the snow-covered Changbai Mountain landscape.