Heilongjiang, located in the northeastern corner of China, is a captivating destination known for its winter landscapes, unique cultural heritage, and distinctive local cuisine. This 4-day itinerary takes you on an unforgettable journey through the ice and snow, starting from the vibrant streets of Harbin, the province’s capital, and venturing into the snowy wilderness of Yabuli, Snow Town, and beyond. Whether you’re gazing at the shimmering ice sculptures in Harbin’s Ice and Snow World, experiencing the serene beauty of Snow Town’s winter wonderland, or indulging in hearty northeastern dishes, this itinerary offers a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation. Prepare to explore the frosty landscapes and warm hospitality of Heilongjiang, and immerse yourself in the charm of China’s winter heartland.
Day 1: Zhongyang Street – Stalin Park – Flood Memorial Tower – Snow Sculpture Expo at Sun Island – Harbin Ice and Snow World – Zhongyang Street
Arrive in Harbin in the morning and take Bus 13 from Harbin Station (哈尔滨站) to Dao Li 12th Street. From there, walk along Zhongyang Street (中央大街) to the Songhua River (松花江), where you can visit Stalin Park (斯大林公园) and the Flood Memorial Tower (防洪纪念塔). Afterward, take a snow carriage to cross the river and experience a unique northern mode of transportation. Once you reach the northern bank of the river, walk to Sun Island (太阳岛) and explore the Snow Sculpture Expo (雪博会) for about 2-3 hours. Afterward, take a special shuttle bus to Harbin Ice and Snow World (哈尔滨冰雪大世界). The sun will still be up, and the crowds won’t be too large, so you can start with some ice activities. As night falls, the ice lanterns at the Ice and Snow World will light up, creating a magnificent and dreamy atmosphere. Around 7:00 PM, leave the Ice and Snow World and return to Zhongyang Street to admire the street’s nighttime beauty.
Dining
- Morning: Have breakfast at Lao Chujia Daotai Food House (老厨家道台食府), where you can try authentic Harbin dishes like Guobao Rou (锅包肉), smoked duck (熏鸭), and sesame noodles (麻酱拉皮).
- Lunch: It’s a good idea to bring some bread or biscuits as food options on Sun Island are limited and expensive.
- Dinner: Enjoy a meal at one of the Russian-style restaurants along Zhongyang Street, where you can try dishes like canned shrimp (罐虾), borscht (红菜汤), and caviar (鱼子酱). Afterward, you can indulge in local snacks like roasted sausages (烤红肠), deep-fried cold noodles (炸冷面), or Ma Die’er ice cream (马迭尔冰棍) on the street.
Accommodation
Stay near Zhongyang Street, which has many hotels and guesthouses within walking distance. Choose a place based on your personal preferences.
Day 2: Yabuli New Sports Committee Ski Resort – Erlanghe Scenic Area
Take the K7227 train from Harbin Station to Yabuli South Station (亚布力南站), arriving at 9:22 AM. From there, take a 7-minute taxi ride to Yabuli New Sports Committee Ski Resort (亚布力新体委滑雪场), where you can ski for 2-4 hours. Beginners are advised to hire a coach for an introduction to skiing. Afterward, charter a car to Erlanghe Forest Farm (二浪河林场). This hidden gem, located in the heart of Heilongjiang’s highest peak, Datu Dingzi Mountain (大秃顶子山), is less famous than Dongsheng Forest Farm (东升林场) but offers a peaceful, rustic experience with no touristy vibe.
Dining
At Yabuli (亚布力) and Erlanghe Forest Farm (二浪河林场), many family-run guesthouses serve authentic northeastern cuisine. Skiing can be quite exhausting, so a hearty northeastern meal will help restore your energy.
Recommended dishes include: Chicken Stew with Mushrooms (小鸡炖蘑菇), Pork Stew with Vermicelli (猪肉炖粉条), Frog Legs Stewed with Potatoes (林蛙炖土豆), Sticky Bean Paste Dumplings (粘豆包)
Accommodation
Stay at family-run guesthouses in Erlanghe Forest Farm (二浪河林场). There are no official hotels, but the hosts are warm and hospitable.
Day 3: Erlanghe Scenic Area – Datu Dingzi Mountain – China Snow Town
Start the day with a sunrise view from a nearby hill. The early morning sun casting a glow on the white snow creates a holy aura over the Erlanghe Forest Farm (二浪河林场). Afterward, drive to Datu Dingzi Mountain (大秃顶子山), Heilongjiang’s highest peak, and enjoy the beautiful landscape. After visiting the mountain, proceed to the main destination of the trip: China Snow Town (中国雪乡). Once there, take a stroll down Snowy Street (雪韵大街) to see the full scenery of the town and visit the Snow Town Film Studio (雪乡影视城), where famous films like Chuang Guandong (闯关东) were filmed. Later, head to the highest peak of Snow Town, Yangcao Mountain (羊草山), for a breathtaking sunset view. In the evening, watch a Northeast “Erhuan” performance (东北二人转) at Dreamland Home (梦幻家园) to experience the warm, joyful atmosphere of a northeastern family.
Dining
The cuisine in Snow Town (雪乡) consists mainly of northeastern dishes, and every family-run guesthouse has its own specialty.
Recommended dishes include: Pork Cabbage Stew (杀猪菜), Flatbread (贴饼子), Pork Ribs Stewed with Potatoes (排骨炖土豆), Sauerkraut Stewed with Vermicelli (酸菜炖粉条), Barbecue
Accommodation
Stay near Snow Town, where most accommodations are family-run guesthouses. There are also a few hotels, but they tend to be more expensive. Choose based on your preference. Snow Town (雪乡) is small, so accommodations nearby won’t interfere with your sightseeing.
Day 4: China Snow Town – Snow Valley – Gogol Street
In the morning, take a 4-hour trek from Snow Town to Snow Valley (雪谷). The journey offers captivating views, with frosty trees and snow mushrooms scattered along the route. For those who are less confident in their physical endurance, it’s possible to take a bus from Snow Town to Snow Valley instead. Snow Valley has a similar charm to Snow Town but is even more rustic, with fewer artificial touches. Once you complete the trek, relax for a while and take photos of the stunning scenery. Afterward, charter a car to Wuchang City (五常市), and take a train or bus back to Harbin. Once back in Harbin, enjoy a nighttime walk along Gogol Street (果戈里大街) and buy souvenirs.
Dining
Snow Valley’s (雪谷) cuisine is also based on northeastern home-cooked meals, and every guesthouse owner offers their own signature dishes.
Don’t miss the renowned Wuchang rice (五常大米), known for its soft, sticky texture and slight sweetness.
Recommended dishes include: Stewed Fish (炖鱼), Cold Noodles (凉皮), Mixed Stew (乱炖), and Wuchang Rice (五常大米)
Accommodation
Stay near Gogol Street (果戈里大街), where there are a variety of hotels and apartments. Located near Harbin Railway Station (哈尔滨火车站), it offers convenient transportation options.
