10-Day Northeast China Winter Tour: Harbin, Snow Town & Changbai Mountain
Tour Overview
Experience the best of a Northeast China winter tour, from snowy landscapes and hot springs at Changbai Mountain to the lantern-lit village of China Snow Town.
Over 10 days, you’ll hit Changchun for some history, Yanji to dive into Korean culture and food, Yabuli if you want to try beginner skiing, and Harbin for its Russian-style buildings and insane ice and snow festivals.
Along the way, there’s rime rafting, snow-covered villages, hearty Northeastern food, and glowing ice sculptures. It’s a solid introduction if you’ve never been to Northeast China before—plenty of winter scenery, but also hands-on cultural experiences.
Travel destinations: Changchun, Changbai Mountain, Yanji, Snow Town, Yabuli, Harbin
Suitable for: First-timers to Northeast China, winter enthusiasts, families, couples, photographers, first-time skiers
Tour type: Private
Tour at a Glance
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Day
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Destination
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What to See and Do
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1
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Changchun
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Arrival, hotel check-in, and free time
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2
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Changchun → Changbai Mountain
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Palace Museum of the Puppet Manchukuo, high-speed train to Changbaishan, hot spring bath
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3
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Changbai Mountain
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North Slope Scenic Area, Heavenly Lake, Changbai Waterfall, Julong Hot Springs, Green Abyss Pool
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4
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Changbai Mountain → Yanji
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Mojie rime rafting, drive to Yanji, Chinese Korean Ethnic Folk Culture Park, a Korean-style dinner
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5
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Yanji → China Snow Town
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Yanji West Market, drive to Snow Town, Xueyun Street, Yangko folk dance performance, bonfire party
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6
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China Snow Town → Yabuli
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Morning snow scenery, drive to Yabuli, skiing and various snow activities
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7
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Yabuli → Harbin
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Drive to Harbin, iron-pot stew, Saint Sophia Cathedral, Central Street
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8 – 10
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Harbin
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Sun Island Snow Expo giant snow sculptures, Siberian Tiger Park, Harbin Ice and Snow World, Volga Manor, Chinese Baroque Historic and Cultural Block, departure
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Highlights of This Tour
Soak in a Snowy Hot Spring at Changbai Mountain
Stay in Erdaobaihe and unwind in a hot spring surrounded by snow and forest. Lose yourself in the winter scenery of Changbai Mountain and, weather permitting, enjoy views of Heavenly Lake.
Hop on Rime Rafting in Changbai Mountain
Drift along an unfrozen river on a raft through snow-covered forests, with a chance to see rime-covered trees when weather conditions are right.
Experience Korean Ethnic Culture and Cuisine in Yanji
Make traditional Korean rice cakes, try on Korean ethnic attire for photos, and enjoy a Korean-style dinner featuring grilled meat and cold noodles.
Stay Overnight in China Snow Town
See snow-clad houses and mushroom-shaped snow formations by day, then admire the village glowing under red lanterns at night. Also experience traditional Northeast yangko dancing and a snowy bonfire.
Try Skiing in Yabuli
Enjoy a 2–3-hour skiing on beginner slopes, with advanced runs and professional instructors available upon request.
See Harbin Ice and Snow World Light Up
Sample a traditional Northeastern iron-pot stew, appreciate the ice sculptures by day and watch the whole park light up after dark.
Day-by-day Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Changchun
After arriving at Changchun airport or railway station, meet your guide and driver in the arrivals hall or at the exit, then take a private vehicle to the hotel. After check-in, enjoy the remaining free time. If you arrive early, you can rest at the hotel or explore the surrounding area and have a meal.
Travel Tip: In Northeast China, it can be extremely cold in winter and the temperature difference between indoors and outdoors is large. Be sure to bring warm coats, non-slip shoes, hats and gloves.
- Day 2: Changchun to Changbaishan by High-Speed TrainExplore Manchukuo Buildings and History & Enjoy a Hot Spring Bath
After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up at the hotel and take you to visit the Palace Museum of the Puppet Manchukuo. It was once the residence and workplace of Puyi, China’s last Qing emperor, during the Japanese-controlled Manchukuo regime.
Follow the guide to explore the main buildings, living quarters and historical exhibitions to learn about the history of Changchun and Northeast China in the first half of the 20th century.
Shenyang Imperial Palace (Palace Museum of the Puppet Manchukuo) covered by snow in winter Go to the railway station and take the high-speed train for about 2.5 hours to Changbaishan Station.
Upon arrival, your local guide and driver will greet you at the exit and take you to the hotel in Erdao Baihe Town.
At night, soak in a hot spring surrounded by snow and see the winter scenery of Changbai Mountain.
- Day 3: Changbai MountainDiscover Changbai Mountain’s Snowy Landscapes, Hot Springs, Crater Lakes
Drive to the Changbai Mountain North Slope Scenic Area. Upon arrival, take the park's shuttle buses to see the scenic area.
If weather permits, visit Heavenly Lake (Tianchi) at the main peak first. In winter, the surrounding mountains and forests are covered with snow. On a clear day, you may see the crater lake with snow-capped peaks around it.
Visit Changbai Mountain's Heaven Lake in winter Go downhill to Changbai Waterfall — it's the tallest volcanic lake waterfall in the world, dropping 68 meters. Right below it lies Julong Hot Springs. In winter, steam rises off the springs while everything around is frozen and snowy, which looks pretty striking. You can also grab some hot spring eggs cooked here. Keep going and you'll reach Green Abyss Pool, a deep green pool tucked among birch trees.
In the late afternoon, return to Erdao Baihe Town.
Note: The weather on Changbai Mountain changes rapidly in winter. Whether Tianchi Lake is accessible depends on the wind, snowfall and official announcements on that day. If it is closed, your guide will adjust the itinerary according to the conditions.
- Day 4: Changbaishan to Yanji by Private VehicleExperience Rime Rafting & Korean Ethnic Culture, Savor Korean Dinner
This morning, head to Mojie Scenic Area to experience winter rime rafting. Drift slowly along the unfrozen river and admire snow-dusted forests on both banks. If weather conditions are favorable, you may see the rime landscapes with trees covered in ice crystals.
Enjoy rafting on the hot spring water in Changbaishan Mojie Scenic Area Afterward, drive approximately 2.5–3 hours to Yanji, with short rest stops along the way as needed.
Upon arrival, visit the Chinese Korean Ethnic Folk Culture Park to discover the architecture, costumes and lifestyle of China's Korean ethnic group. If interested, try on Korean ethnic attire and take photos in traditional buildings and courtyards. Also, you can try your hand at making rice cakes to learn about the local food traditions.
Have a Korean-style dinner with local dishes, such as grilled meat, cold noodles, and abundant side dishes. After the meal, walk around Yanbian University and check out the bilingual signs in Chinese and Korean.
Taste Korean style lunch in Yanji - Day 5: Yanji to China Snow Town by Private VehicleExplore Yanji’s Local Market, Snow Town’s Snowy Village and Festive Nightscape
Before leaving, visit Yanji West Market to browse stores selling local food such as kimchi, rice sausages and dried pollock. Enjoy some snacks you like or take home as souvenirs.
Take a private vehicle to China Snow Town, which takes about 6 to 7 hours. There will be rest stops along the way so you can stretch your legs and get a snack. Please note that travel time may be affected by winter weather and road conditions.
Check into the hotel and then take a leisurely walk along Xueyun Street and its surrounding areas. Feast your eyes on the snow-blanketed wooden houses, rooftops and forests. When the thick snow piles up on the eaves and wooden poles, the "snow mushrooms" form.
After nightfall, red lanterns illuminate the streets. Walk along the wooden trail to Bangchui Mountain for a bird’s-eye view of the town. At about 7:00 pm, watch the Northeast Yangko folk dance performance and join a bonfire party in the snow.
Xueyun Street at China Snow Town in the Evening - Day 6: China Snow Town to Yabuli by Private VehicleExperience Beginner Skiing in Yabuli
Take your time to walk through the villages and see the snow scenery of Snow Town in the early morning.
Later, drive about 2 hours to Yabuli Ski Resort, one of China's largest ski resorts. The exact duration may vary depending on winter road conditions.
Put on ski gear and spend 2–3 hours skiing on the beginner slopes. These slopes are suitable for first-time skiers as well as those with some experience. If you plan to use intermediate or advanced slopes or need a professional ski instructor, let your travel consultant know so they can arrange it in advance.
For those who do not want to ski, other snow activities are available, such as riding a snowmobile or snow tank through the snowy forests, taking a horse-drawn sled, or walking along the rime corridors. Or simply rest at the resort.
Go skiing at Yabuli Ski Resort - Day 7: Yabuli to Harbin by Private VehicleTaste Northeastern cuisine, Admire Russian-influenced Cathedrals and Buildings
Travel by road to Harbin, about a 2.5- to 3-hour drive. After arrival, have an iron-pot stew for lunch — a Northeast China winter staple. Meat and vegetables simmer together in a large iron pot at your table. Share the meal from the same pot.
Move to Saint Sophia Cathedral, one of Harbin’s most famous landmarks. Admire its Byzantine-style architecture and learn how Harbin's Russian heritage shaped its unique architecture.
Walk about 10 minutes to Central Street to see European buildings of different styles, long-established stores, and cafes. If interested, try the Madieer popsicles. Even in sub-zero winter, you will see locals and tourists eating popsicles while walking.
Return to your hotel and have your free evening time.
Zhongyang Pedestrian Street in Harbin in winter - Day 8: Harbin Must-Visit HighlightsMarvel at Giant Snow Sculptures, See Siberian Tigers, Watch Ice Sculptures light up
Start today’s tour at Sun Island Snow Expo, featuring large-scale snow sculptures.
Every winter, the themes and designs of snow sculptures change. You may see huge snowmen and giant snow sculptures of blue-and-white porcelain, pandas, and missile vehicles. The Chinese ink paintings on the snow will also catch your eye. Walk slowly to see them and take photos.
Giant snow sculptures at Harbin Sun Island Next, visit the Siberian Tiger Park. Take the sightseeing bus to see the semiwild tigers up close and learn about efforts to protect them. The bus body is reinforced, and the doors and windows are protected by metal mesh, so safety is not a concern.
In the late afternoon, go to Harbin Ice and Snow World, China's largest ice sculpture theme park. See ice sculptures and large ice buildings, and try free winter activities such as ice cycling, ice fishing, ice top spinning, and curling during the day. Stay until after dark to see the lit displays turn the park into a winter scene.
Go back to the hotel to rest in the evening.
Harbin Ice and Snow World at night Warm Tips: Temperatures will be in the -20s °C, so make sure to dress warmly. Bring a hat that covers your ears, waterproof gloves, non-slip snow boots, and heat packs. Put a heat pack on your phone too—the battery drains extremely fast in this cold.
- Day 9: Harbin Culture ExplorationTake in Russian-style Winter Scenery, Wander in a Distinctive Chinese Baroque Neighborhood
Leave downtown Harbin for Volga Manor in the suburbs, about a 1-hour drive from the city center. It is a Russian-style estate with over 30 classic buildings from the tsarist era. In winter, the manor is covered with snow, and Russian buildings are scattered among the woods and snow. Walk around and take photos.
There are also Russian dance and song performances, and hands-on activities such as making dalieba bread and painting matryoshka dolls. If available that day, join any cultural activities that interest you.
Volga Manor covered by snow in winter Drive back to the downtown area and visit the Chinese Baroque Historical and Cultural Block. Wander along the streets to see the well-preserved old buildings, where traditional Chinese courtyards blend with Western architectural details, reflecting Harbin’s distinctive architectural heritage. Also, you can savor some local snacks, such as pork rib buns.
After the visit, return to your hotel for the evening.
- Day 10: Harbin Departure
Enjoy some free time until your scheduled flight or high-speed train.
Your guide will confirm the pickup time with you the day before. At the agreed time, your guide and driver will meet you at the hotel and take you to Harbin Airport or the high-speed railway station for your onward trip.
Tour Price Per Person
The price varies depending on the activity, number of people, travel date, and selected hotel. Please contact us for a specific price.
Accommodation For This 10-Day Northeast China Winter Tour
For your China private tour, the choice is in your hands: you can select luxury 5-star hotels for unparalleled comfort, cozy 4-star accommodations, or value-for-money 3-star options.
All our partner hotels are handpicked for their prime locations, conveniently situated near bustling commercial areas. Every room is equipped with standard amenities like air conditioning, hot water, 24-hour showers, reliable Wi-Fi, and windows for natural light.
In some hotels, there are English-speaking staff who are committed to providing attentive service. Should you have any special requests, feel free to ask - they are always ready to assist.
