A sparkling wonderland of joy

For those who want to relive a fairy tale, Xuexiang, located less than a two-hour drive away, exudes an enchanting dreamlike atmosphere. Known for its thick, pristine snow which gives roofs and fences mushroom-like wintry caps, the site is suited to photography and leisurely exploration. The scenic spot in the depths of the Changbai Mountain is offering bonfire parties at which visitors can sample local treats and enjoy folk customs. Snow-related activities like sledding, skiing, snowmobiling, and horse-drawn sleigh rides are also on offer.

In addition to superb powder snow, Jilin province to the south of Heilongjiang has top-tier hotels, hot springs, and abundant entertainment. It's an ideal place to chill — literally. Many of its well-equipped resorts, such as the Changbai Mountain Wanda International Resort in Fusong county, Baishan, have arranged shooting club experiences. Local authorities have also made a feature of the rime ice that drapes trees in the area, and developed themed sightseeing tours to islands, mountains and along rivers.

Changbai Mountain in the southeast of the province is at the front and center of premium winter offerings, thanks to a volcanic terrain and diversity of activities, ranging from forest hiking, camping, fishing, cross-country motorcycling, snow cabin hotpot and winter travel photography. Climbing the northern slope to enjoy the snowy scenery of Tianchi Lake is a top choice for photography and adventure enthusiasts. There are volcanic hot springs, where visitors can enjoy a therapeutic soak.

About 600 kilometers from Changbai Mountain, Chagan Lake in Songyuan city is offering a winter fishing and hunting experience, where visitors can enjoy folk charm. Ice and snow runs and snow volleyball are also available.

To get a good measure of the beauty of rime, it's definitely worth visiting Wusong Island in the Songhua River to the north of Jilin city. The island is renowned for its spectacular rime-covered landscapes. This year, the island has added a cultural twist in the form of galas combining folk customs with modern artistic performances to enable visitors to enjoy the natural wonder in a lively rural cultural atmosphere.