China’s Snow Valley (中国雪谷) is nestled in the eastern part of Fenghuang Mountain National Forest Park, adjacent to the renowned Snow Town. While Snow Town is situated on the sunlit slopes, Snow Valley lies on the shaded side, boasting an average snow depth of 1 to 3 meters. Unlike the more commercialized Snow Town, Snow Valley retains a rustic charm and a pristine ecological environment, making it a unique destination.
Covering over 800 hectares, Snow Valley features the towering Datu Dingzi Mountain, which reaches an elevation of 1,691 meters. This peak is the crown of the Longjiang Mountain Range, adorned with a snow cap in June and blanketed with snowflakes by October. The summit is characterized by a flat terrain that supports a diverse array of rare medicinal herbs and nearly a hundred species of flowers and trees. Notably, there are over 200 hectares of grasslands, 5 hectares of uniquely shaped Yansong pines and Yuezhu trees, more than 1 hectare of alpine stone sea, and over 100 hectares of untouched forest. The park is also home to the Longjiang Tianxian First Gorge, which stretches over 4,000 meters in length and reaches depths exceeding 1,000 meters.
Snow Valley itself is a small village that can be explored in less than an hour. Upon entering the village, visitors can find a small hill on the left side, accessible by crossing a bridge. This vantage point offers a panoramic view of the entire village. In the evening, Snow Valley transforms into a picturesque scene, with the setting sun casting warm hues and wisps of smoke rising from chimneys, reminiscent of a traditional northeastern Chinese village – a perfect setting akin to a Chinese ink painting.
Many tourists choose to join tours or hire vehicles from Harbin to reach Snow Valley, often planning to hike up Yangcao Mountain the following morning. This experience allows visitors to retrace the steps of Yang Zirong from the film “Taking Tiger Mountain by Strategy,” traversing through the snowy forests. Over the mountain lies Snow Town, where the vast snowfields and sparse trees create stunning backdrops for photography, particularly during sunrise, offering breathtaking views of blue skies and pristine white snow.
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 hour |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 7.00 – 17.00 (11th November – 31st March) |
| Telephone Number | 0086-400-600-8182 |
Location and Transportation
China’s Snow Valley is located in Dongsheng Forest Farm, part of the Shanhetun Forestry Bureau in Wuchang City, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province. It lies approximately 248 kilometers from Harbin. Due to its remote location, there is no direct public transportation available. The best ways to reach Snow Valley are either by driving yourself or hiring a private car.
For self-driving, the trip takes about 4 to 5 hours from Harbin, offering the flexibility to explore along the way. Alternatively, visitors can arrange a private car or join a group tour that offers transportation to this picturesque winter destination.
