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Yabuli International Ski Resort – the Largest and Most Versatile Ski Resort in China

Written by Clementine |

Harbin Yabuli International Ski Resort, located in Shangzhi city of Harbin, is 200 kilometers away from Harbin and 120 kilometers away from Mudanjiang city. The average temperature here is -10ā„ƒ, and the extreme minimum temperature is -44ā„ƒ. With the snow cover period is about 170 days, the skiing period is nearly 150 days and every year from Mid-November to late march is the best skiing time.

Yabuli, formerly known as yabloni, means ā€œorchardā€Ā in Russian, which was a hunting place for the royal family and the Manchu nobles in the Qing dynasty. The whole ski resort is surrounded by mountains with dense forest and thick snow, and the main peak here has been set up as a large tourist ski resort, and the other two peaks were the game track of the third Asian Winter Games, which are also the national ski athletes training base.

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Yabuli Ski Resort in Harbin
Yabuli Ski Resort in Harbin

Basic Facts about Yabuli Ski Resort

  • Location: Yabuli Town, Shangshi City, Harbin City, about 200 km from downtown Harbin, 3 hours’driving away
  • Opening hours:08:00 – 22:00
  • Skiing Season: November – March, a total of about 150 days.
  • Vertical drop: 600 – 913 meters
  • Snow Depth: 30 – 50 cm
  • Average Temperature in Winter: – 10ā„ƒ – -20ā„ƒ
  • Trails: about 50 trails with 40% beginner trails, 40% intermediate trails and 20% advanced trails
  • Facilities and entertainment projects: over 10 cableways, magical carpets, the world’s longest slide, snowmobile, dogsledder, hot spring
  • Best for: all tourists, including families and experts

Reasons to Choose Yabuli Ski Resort

Unparalleled Professionalism and Authority in Skiing

Yabuli Ski Resort is the training base for China’s national ski team and has venues certified by the International Ski Federation for alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, freestyle aerials tricks, biathlon, halfpipe, ski Jumping, etc. Till now, Yabuli sports training base has successfully hosted several national-level and world-level winter games. So its trail design, snow quality and safety standard are definitely the top level in China.

Yabuli ski resort has a relatively perfect snow-making system with a snow-making pipeline as long as 20 kilometers and a snow-making area of 225 hectares. It provides abundant skiing trails for tourists, including beginner trails, intermediate trails and advanced trails. The total number is about 50 and the total length is over 70 km. There is also a children’s ski area and a windmill traditional ski area. Every tourist can enjoy skiing here.

Complete Supporting Facilities

To save time for queuing and ensure tourists’ experience, Yabuli Ski Resort is also equipped with 25 cableways, connecting the three peaks and covering all the trails in the scenic area. The cable car includes imported high-speed detachable ropeway in the design of cabin with 8 heated seats and chair lift for beginner and intermediate trails.

Besides, Yabuli is also a complete resort area. From international resorts, high-end hotels to economic homestays, a complete accommodation system has formed here. At the same time, to meet the basic needs of tourists, chain restaurants and cafes are opened at the ski gear hall of New Yabuli Ski Resort and Yawangsi Ski Hall. At the peak and mountainside have a few fast food restaurants. Shopping centers are gathered at the entrance of the ski resort.

Diverse Activities and Experiences Beyond Skiing

Besides skiing,Ā Yabuli International Ski Resort also providesĀ various snow entertainmentĀ projects, such asĀ sledding, snowmobiles, dogsleds, horse-drawn sleds, ice skating on the lake, making snowmen and other recreational activities. If you do not want to try exciting snow activities,Ā the world’s first slide, the High Mountain Sightseeing Cableway and hot springĀ bathing are all safe and can enrich your travel experience.

Convenient Transportation

The high-speed train from Harbin to Yabuli West Station takes only 1.5 hours with frequent departures every day. Outside the train station, there are also sufficient taxis and shuttle buses, which can take you to the resort in 30 minutes.

Characteristic Dining Experience

At Yabuli International Ski Resort, people also can eat a lot of traditional northeastern dishes. Disan xian is the most famous one, which is made of fried potato, green pepper and eggplant. There are also some restaurants set up by local people, and if you go to such restaurants to have a meal, you can seat on a unique heated brick bed (in Chinese called ā€œKangā€) while taste the delicious local food, which can help visitors have a chance to experience the local culture.

Hotels in Yabuli Ski Resort
Hotels in Yabuli Ski Resort

What to Do in Yabuli Ski Resort – Top Activities

Enjoy Skiing

Skiing is definitely the soul of Yabuli Ski Resort. If you don’t experience skiing on the top ski trails in Asia, it’s like coming for nothing. For beginners, hire a coach in the primary area. Believe it or not, you can master the basic plow slide only in 2 – 3 hours. For experienced skiers, feel the excitement of continuous sprinting in a long alpine trail.

Take the High Mountain Sightseeing Cableway

High Mountain Sightseeing Cableway is must-try for every tourist. It is the most cost-effective sightseeing project in Yabuli. You can take the cable car to the top ofĀ Sanguokui MountainĀ at an altitude of over 1,000 meters directly. During the ride, the magnificent forest and snowfieldĀ under your feet will amaze you. It is the best choice for sightseeing and photography.

Experience The World’s First Slide

It can only be experienced in Yabuli International Ski Resort, so it will be a surprise during your tour. TheĀ length of the slide reaches 2,680 meters.Ā You may wonder if it is safe. The answer is yes.Ā It is actually a dry land slideĀ and the rail is made of stainless steel. The most important is that you can control the speed by yourself. When sliding along the winding rail, you will feel like on a roller coaster. The whole process will be full of fun. It must be an unforgettable experience.

Bathing in the Hot Spring in the Cold Weather

How relaxing it is to enjoy a hot spring bath after skiing! Your fatigue will be relieved immediately. It makes your travel perfect. In Yabuli Forest Hot Spring, there are several outdoor and indoor pools. It is highly recommended to choose the outdoor pools. Your body is soaked in the hot spring with a temperature of 40ā„ƒ, while your hair is covered with frost. This strong contrast will leave a deep impression on you.

Try Snowmobiling

It is an easier way to experience the fun of snow sports. After the brief guidance by the professional coach, you will be able to drive the snowmobile to speed through the dedicated place or routes. Usually, you will be guided, so the safety can be guaranteed. Just immerse yourself in the speed and excitement.

Costs for Entrance Tickets, ski Equipment & Lessons

The basic entrance fee of the ski resort is CNY 10 per person, which does not include the skiing projects. While the price for skiing varies according to the ski resorts, grade of trails, duration and time period. Below are the detailed reference price list.

Price of Trails

Yawangsi Ski Resort
Beginner and Intermediate Ski Trails: 3Ā Hours: CNY 240; Half a day: CNY 290; Full day: CNY 330

Alpine Skiing: CNY 480 – 880

New Sports Committee Ski Resort
3 Hours: 240; Full day: CNY 480
New Yabuli Ski Resort
3 Hours: CNY 240; Half a day: CNY 290; Full day: CNY 330

Price of Ski Class

Type
Duration
Price in Yawangsi Ski Resort
Price in New Yabuli Ski Resort
Price in New Sports Committee Ski Resort
One to one
1 hour
CNY 200 – 560
CNY 200 – 500
CNY 200 – 260
One to two
2 hours
CNY 600 – 1,000
CNY 600 – 1,000
/
One to three
2 hours
CNY 900 – 1,300
CNY 900 – 1,300
/
One to five
2 hours
CNY 1,500 – 1,800
CNY 1,500 – 1,800
/

Ā Price of other items:

Item
Time
Price
Snow clothing
Half a day
CNY 80 – 90
Snow clothing
Full day
CNY 150
Snow goggles
Full day
CNY 50
Helmet
Full day
CNY 80
Gloves
Once
CNY 20
Protective Gear
Half a day
CNY 80 – 100
Protective Gear
Full day
CNYĀ 150
Locker
Full day
CNYĀ 20 – 60
Horse-drawn sleigh
30 minutes
CNY 220
Snow Mobile
15 minutes
CNY 150 – 280
Snow tubing
2 hours
CNY 80 – 100

Hotels in Yabuli

Around the ski resort, there are various types of accommodation available, including high-end resort hotel, comprehensive hotel and special homestay and villas. Inside the resort, there are several five-star hotels. here are some recommended hotels for you.

Club Med

  • Feature: located at the foot of Sanguokui Mountain and next to the cable car station. The hotel price already includes three meals, afternoon tea, skiing lessons and ski tickets, saving time and energy for tourists. Mini Club offers professional children’s skiing lessons and evening activities. There are also hot spring, gym, and bars.
  • Suitable for: families, novice skiers

Price: CNY 1,500 +

Sun Mountain Hotel

  • Feature: located at the foot of Daguokui Mountain. It is a unique hotel directly operated by the Yabuli Ski Resort. In the design of ā€œski-in and ski-outā€, it offers convenient and extraordinary experience for guests. Its overall design is in Nordic style and is built to follow the natural contours of the mountain. From the floor-to-ceiling windows, guests can watch the snow scenery in the room directly. Breakfast is included in the price.
  • Suitable for: Intermediate to advanced skiers, couples, friends
  • Price: CNY 800 +

VIP16 Villa

  • Feature: Area A of Qingyun Town, about 10 minutes driving to the snow filed. The villa has 5 rooms and all are equipped with heated brick beds, allowing a total of 8 – 10 persons to live. Besides, there are kitchen and chess and cards room. The landlord offers skiing ticket booking and transportation services.
  • Suitable for: families, group of multiple persons
  • Price: About CNY 2,000
Thrilling skiing experience in Yabuli Ski Resort
Thrilling skiing experience in Yabuli Ski Resort

Yabuli Ski Resort vs Changbaishan Ski Resort vs Beidahu Ski Resort

Ā 
Yabuli Ski Resort
Changbaishan Ski Resort
Beidahu Ski Resort
Location
Shangzhi City, Heilongjiang Province (3.5 hours drive from Harbin).
Baishan City, Jilin Province (30 minutes from Changbai Mountain Airport)
Jilin City, Jilin Province (1.5 hours from Changchun Airport).
Resort Size
46 ski trails, total length 88.8 km, with a vertical drop of 600 – 913 meters.
43 ski trails, with a vertical drop of just 97 meters.
23 ski trails, with a vertical drop of 879 meters.
Snow and Weather
Snow season lasts 150 days, with snow depth over 1 meter. Winter temperatures often drop below -20°C.
Soft snow, average winter temperature is -10°C to -15°C, making it comfortable for skiing.
Powder snow paradise, with fine and dry snow.
Best For
Intermediate to advanced skiers, professional athletes
Beginners, families, and kids
Advanced skiers and powder snow lovers
Special experience
Same tracks as national team, Snowmobiles, horse-drawn sleds
Heavenly Lake sightseeing, rafting, and Korean ethnic cuisine
Spectacular rime ice, cable car sightseeing, and snow hiking
Transportation
ā˜…ā˜…
ā˜…ā˜…ā˜…ā˜…ā˜…
ā˜…ā˜…ā˜…

Other Highlights in Yabuli Ski Resort

Unique Sightseeing Area in Summer and Autumn

The summer and autumn of Yabuli are also a good time for leisure and relaxation. You can take the cable car to peak to overlook the forests and cloud seas, experience paragliding, take the sightseeing train to travel through primitive forest, pay a visit to Panda House and take a hot spring bath. It is also a nice choice to hike or cycle along the plank road of Haohanpo reservoir, or enjoy a leisure time to camp, barbecue and picnic around the reservoir. There are also folk activities, exhibitions and performances in the Dragon Boat festival and Mid-autumn festival for visitors to take part in.

Night Tour

In the evening, Yabuli Ski Resort is more like a magnificent and dreamy ice and snow feast. Some trails will be opened in the evening for tourists to go skiing. In Sunshine resort, an ice sculpture light art corridor is displayed with various themed scenes. And there are music and acrobatics shows performed on the ice. On weekends and some festivals, an electronic music party will also be held. In the core business street, the night market welcomes you to taste the hot local snacks.

The most special experience is to observe the starry sky on the mountain top. The professional guide will lead you to avoid the light-polluted area and observe the constellation with an astronomical telescope. He will also tell you the stories about the constellations.

When is the best time to visit?

Even the summer and autumn of Yabuli are alsoĀ aĀ good time for leisure and relaxation, winter is the best time to experience the fun of skiing and the charm of the white snow.

Tips: Visitors had better avoid the official holiday in China, becauseĀ many Chinese citizensĀ choose to travel on official holidays to ease the pressure of their work. As a result, many Chinese tourist attractions are overcrowded and traffic jams are common. Therefore, visiting China at this time will bring tourists a less pleasant travel experience.

Official HolidaysĀ in China

Chinese New Year
Around January or February
Winter vacation
January-February
Labor Day
May1stĀ -3rd
Summer vacation(for students)
July-August31st
Around mid-September
National Day
October 1st-7th

How to get to the Yabuli International Ski Resort?

How to get to Yabuli from Mudanjiang

Visitors canĀ take normal trains or high-speed trains from Mudanjiang City to Yabuli Railway Station or Yabuli West Railway Station, which is about CNY 23 – 36 and takes 30 minutes – 2.5 hours. Then transfer to bus line at the station exit or take a taxi to ski resort directly. The whole duration is about 1 – 3.5 hours.

How to get to Yabuli from Harbin

  1. Take high speed trains from Harbin to Yabuli West Railway Station or Yabuli South Railway Station, and then take a bus at the station exit to the ski resort directly. The total duration is about 2 – 3 hours and the cost is about CNY 65 – 85.
  2. Take tourist direct bus at Harbin Central Street to the ski resort directly, which sets out at 06:00 and 08:30 and the journey takes about CNY 70 and 3 hours.
  3. There are several the shuttle buses from Harbin Passenger Station to Yabuli Town every day with a ticket price of CNY 40. After getting off, transfer to a taxi to the resort.

Related reading: Top Ski Resorts in Harbin

FAQs about Yabuli Ski Resort

What is the nearest airport to Yabuli Ski Resort?

Mudanjiang Hailang international Airport is the nearest with a distance of 150 kilometers. 2 hours driving is needed to reach the resort. But the flights are less in this airport. So Harbin Taiping International Airport has been the main choice for many tourists. Its distance to the scenic area is about 200 kilometers, and it takes about 3 hours by car.

Are there different ski areas or resorts within Yabuli?

Yabuli International Ski Resort is composed of three peaks and over 10 ski resorts. And it is mainly divided into 2 areas: one is the competitive skiing area, including New Sports Committee Ski Resort; another is the tourist skiing area, mainly including New Yabuli Ski Resort and Yawangsi Ski Resort.

Are there non-skiing activities available at Yabuli?

Yes. Snow sledding on dry land, snowmobiles, horse-drawn sleds are entertainment projects in winter. You can also take a hot spring bath, tour the Panda house and take the forest train. In summer and autumn, cycling, hiking and paragliding are popular activities.

Is Yabuli a good place for beginner skiers?

It has dedicated beginner ski resort: Yawangsi, Haohanling and Daqingshan resorts. And the most recommended is Yawangsi Ski Resort, where is equipped with protective screening and first-aid station. Meanwhile, it uses the magic carpet instead of cable car to reduce risks.

How to Plan a Harbin Tour with Yabuli

For both ski lovers and snow scenery enthusiasts, Yabuli Ski Resort is worthy visiting. Then how to plan a Harbin tour with Yabuli? Usually, the itinerary includes 1 – 2 days in Harbin and 2 days in Yabuli. Here is a simple travel route for your reference.

Day 1: Take train from Harbin to Yabuli – Yawangsi Ski Resorts – live in Yabuli Sunshine Resort

Day 2: New Sports Committee Ski Resort/New Yabuli Ski Resort – hot spring or other recreational activities – return to Harbin

Day 3: St. Sophia Cathedral – Central Street – Harbin Ice and Snow World

Plan Your Harbin Tour with China Xian Tour

During a Harbin tour, the major problems are the ticket reservation of the scenic spots and the long distance to Yabuli and Snow Town. Travelling with China Xian Tour, we can reserve the ticket for you in advance to make sure you can enter the attractions. And we will assign a driver to escort you, so that you do not need to wait for the car for a long time in the harsh days. The most important is that we can customize a Harbin tour based on your demand. No matter the requirements in hotels, food, or guide, we will try our best to meet them. Just contact us right now.

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