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Top 10 Winter Tourist Destinations in China: A Magical Journey of Snow and Warmth

2025-01-14 18:28:22 5

When winter arrives, snowflakes gently fall, and the world is transformed into a fairy-tale kingdom blanketed in snow. China offers many winter travel destinations, each showcasing its own unique charm. From skiing and snow sightseeing to hot springs and cultural experiences, these locations provide diverse and unforgettable winter getaways. Here are the top 10 winter tourist destinations in China, where you can enjoy both the enchantment of snow and the warmth of the season.


1. Jilin Rime Island – Rime Wonderland, Snow and Ice Spectacle

Jilin Rime Island

  • Address: Fuling District, Jilin City, Jilin Province

Jilin Rime Island is one of China's most famous rime scenery spots. Every winter, the island is enveloped in a spectacular rime, where trees and buildings are coated in frost, creating a silver-white fairyland. The rime is especially mesmerizing in the early morning, as it sparkles under the sunlight. It's a photographer's paradise, where visitors can capture the stunning snow-covered landscapes, and also relax in the local hot springs.

Jilin Rime Island


2. Changbai Mountain – Snow, Skiing, and the Heavenly Lake Hot Springs

  • Address: Changbai Mountain, Fusong County, Baishan City, Jilin Province

Changbai Mountain, one of China’s four great natural wonders, is a winter destination with stunning snow and abundant outdoor activities. The ski resorts here are ideal for skiing enthusiasts, with excellent snow quality and a variety of slopes. The Heavenly Lake, frozen during winter, becomes a giant ice mirror reflecting the surrounding snow-capped peaks. Additionally, visitors can enjoy the warm hot springs, making it a perfect winter retreat.

Changbai Mountain


3. Wuzhizhou Island – China's Maldives, a Winter Escape to Warmth

  • Address: Wuzhizhou Island, Sanya, Hainan Province

Wuzhizhou Island offers a completely different winter experience, ideal for those seeking warmth. Known as "China’s Maldives," it offers tropical temperatures and crystal-clear waters even during winter. Visitors can enjoy various water activities like diving, snorkeling, and beach walking while escaping the cold. Wuzhizhou Island is the perfect winter escape for those who want to bask in sunshine and sea breeze.

Wuzhizhou Island


4. Songhua River Snow Village (Sogong Snow Village) – A Romantic Fairy Tale Town

  • Address: Hailin City, Heilongjiang Province

Songhua River Snow Village is often referred to as a "winter fairy-tale town." Each winter, it is covered in thick snow, creating a picture-perfect winter wonderland. The snow accumulates on rooftops, trees, and streets, resembling a dreamlike scene. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities like skiing, dog sledding, snowmobiles, and ice sculptures. The winter cabins, equipped with warm fires and serving traditional northeastern cuisine, offer a cozy and memorable stay.

Songhua River Snow Village (Sogong Snow Village)


5. Kanas and Hemu – Snow Mushrooms and Winter Fishing Folklore

  • Address: Altai Region, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region

Kanas and Hemu are perfect destinations for those who want to experience winter landscapes and local ethnic cultures. During winter, Hemu is famous for its "snow mushrooms," where thick snow forms mushroom-shaped lumps on trees, creating a magical sight. Visitors can also enjoy the winter fishing folklore, a traditional activity of the local Kazakh and Tuva people. Kanas Lake in winter is a serene, snow-covered paradise, perfect for those seeking tranquility and beauty.

Kanas and Hemu


6. Harbin Ice and Snow World – Ice Sculpture Kingdom

  • Address: Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, Songhua River South Bank

Harbin Ice and Snow World is one of the largest ice and snow festivals in the world. Every winter, international ice sculptors gather here to create stunning ice sculptures, which are illuminated by colorful lights, creating a spectacular display. Visitors can also participate in various winter activities like skiing, ice skating, and snow slides. Harbin is the ultimate destination for ice and snow lovers, offering endless entertainment and wonder.

Harbin Ice and Snow World


7. Tangshan Hot Springs – A Thousand-Year-Old Sacred Spring, Warmth in Winter

  • Address: Tangshan, Lishui District, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province

Tangshan Hot Springs is one of China’s oldest hot springs, with a long history and renowned for its therapeutic waters. The hot spring area becomes especially attractive in winter, as visitors can bathe in the warm mineral-rich waters while surrounded by cold air. This combination offers the perfect balance of warmth and relaxation. Tangshan Hot Springs is a top destination for visitors seeking rejuvenation and winter wellness.

Tangshan Hot Springs


8. Yabuli Ski Resort – The Birthplace of Skiing in China

  • Address: Yabuli, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province

Yabuli Ski Resort is the birthplace of skiing in China and remains one of the country's premier ski destinations. The resort features world-class ski slopes suitable for all levels of skiers, from beginners to professionals. Besides skiing, visitors can enjoy snowmobiles, ice skating, and other winter activities. Yabuli is an ideal destination for skiing enthusiasts, offering both thrilling slopes and picturesque winter scenery.

Yabuli Ski Resort


9. Mount Huangshan – Cloud Sea, Hot Springs, and Snow Viewing

  • Address: Huangshan City, Anhui Province

Mount Huangshan is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, including pine trees, granite peaks, and sea of clouds. In winter, the mountain becomes an awe-inspiring snow-covered paradise. Snowfall adds to the majesty of the scenery, as visitors can marvel at the incredible snow-covered peaks and the mystic cloud sea. The hot springs at the base of the mountain provide a perfect retreat after a day of sightseeing, offering a unique winter experience in nature’s embrace.

Mount Huangshan


10. Arxan and Chaihe – Skiing and Hot Springs, Double the Enjoyment

  • Address: Arxan City, Inner Mongolia

Arxan and Chaihe in Inner Mongolia are ideal for those seeking a combination of skiing and hot springs. The Arxan Ski Resort is popular for its great slopes and perfect snow conditions. After skiing, visitors can relax in the hot springs, experiencing the unique charm of soaking in warm mineral water while surrounded by snow-covered mountains. The natural beauty of Arxan’s pristine landscapes makes it a tranquil and adventurous winter getaway.

Arxan and Chaihe


Whether you are looking for skiing, snow sightseeing, hot springs, or cultural experiences, China’s top winter tourist destinations offer a wealth of options to suit every preference. This winter, pick a destination and embark on a magical journey to experience the wonders of snow and warmth.

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