The China Snow Town (中国雪乡), officially known as Xuexiang National Forest Park, is located in Hailin City, Heilongjiang Province. Recognized as the “most beautiful snow town in China,” it boasts the thickest, highest-quality snow in the country. For the 2025–2026 winter season, the town is set to open in late November 2025 and will welcome visitors through early March 2026. This guide walks you through the town’s unique snow magic, must-see highlights, practical information on tickets, transportation, and everything you need to plan an unforgettable winter journey to China’s ultimate snow wonderland.

Why China Snow Town Is a Must-Visit in China

Nestled deep within the Yabuli and backed by the Zhangguangcai Mountain Range, China Snow Town is a small village that transforms into a winter fairy tale for nearly half the year. What sets it apart is the unparalleled quality of its snow. Due to its unique topography—the convergence of the Sea of Japan’s warm current and cold Siberian air—the snow here is exceptionally thick, sticky, and heavy.

Rather than offering artificial snow or man-made structures, Snow Town provides an authentic rustic winter experience. The village is famous for its traditional wooden houses (木刻楞) covered in snow that drapes over the roofs like thick, white mushrooms—some reaching up to 2 meters deep. Combined with red lanterns glowing against the white snow at night, and the pristine forests of the surrounding mountains, a winter trip here delivers an experience found nowhere else in the world.

What Is China Snow Town

History and Origin

Originally a humble forestry farm known as Shuangfeng Forestry Farm, the area was relatively unknown until the late 1990s. Professional photographers stumbled upon its surreal snowscapes and began spreading images of the “mushroom snow” and “snow curtains” globally. Recognizing its immense tourism potential, the local government developed the site into a national 4A-level tourist attraction. Today, it is a fully serviced winter resort town, preserving the charm of a traditional Northeast China (Dongbei) village.

Main Areas and Components

The Snow Town experience is spread across several signature areas:

Xuexiang Scenic Area (The Village) — The heart of the town, where visitors stroll through streets lined with snow-covered wooden houses, guesthouses, and shops.

Yaxue Road (Ya-Xue Highway) — The famous 99-kilometer mountain road connecting Yabuli to Snow Town, often called the most beautiful snow-driving route in China.

Sled Dog/Eco Transport Area — Where visitors can experience traditional forest travel methods, including horse-drawn sleighs.

China Snow Town Overview

Scale, Theme, and Highlights

Covering an area of over 500 hectares at an altitude of more than 900 meters, China Snow Town experiences a snowfall period of up to 7 months a year, with an average snow depth of 1.5 to 2 meters. For the 2025–2026 season, the town continues its central theme of “A Dreamland of Pure White,” blending authentic Dongbei folk culture with immersive winter art.

The centerpiece of the village is the iconic “Snow Mushroom” rooftops, formed naturally by the heavy, sticky snow stacking on the traditional wooden structures. At night, the entire village is illuminated by thousands of warm red lanterns, contrasting beautifully with the dark blue winter sky and the bright white snow.

Top Things to Do in China Snow Town

Stroll Through the Snowy Village (Xuexiang Street)

Walking down the main street of Snow Town is an experience in itself. You can witness locals making ice popsicles (frozen fruit on sticks, like Tanghulu), rent traditional flower-f-patterned cotton jackets (大花袄) for photos, and step into the warm wooden houses to sample roasted sweet potatoes and chestnuts.

Experience the Forest Snowmobiling & Sleighs

Deep into the Primitive Forest, thrill-seekers can ride snowmobiles through the pristine, untouched powder snow. For a more traditional and relaxed pace, take a horse-drawn sleigh through the birch forests, listening to the rhythmic sound of hooves on the crisp snow.

Hike Yangcaoshan Mountain

A short, family-friendly hike up Yangcaoshan Mountain offers panoramic views of the entire Snow Town. It is also the premier spot for watching the sunrise. The view of the morning mist rising over the snow-covered village is a visual highlight of any winter trip.

Watch the Spectacular Performances

Throughout the evening, the village square comes alive with interactive shows:

Northeast Yangge Dance (秧歌) — A traditional, vibrant folk dance where visitors are encouraged to join in.

Bonfire Party — A nightly event where tourists and locals gather around a massive bonfire to keep warm, sing, and dance in the snowy night.

Dream Stage Night Show — Features local folk songs and comedy sketches (Errenzhuan) unique to Dongbei culture.

Best Photography Spots

For photography enthusiasts, China Snow Town is an absolute paradise.

The Viewing Platform on Bangchui Mountain (棒槌山观景台) — A 30-minute hike up the wooden boardwalk offers the iconic postcard view of the entire village, particularly spectacular at sunset when the snow turns pink and gold.

Dream Home (梦幻家园) — A specific guesthouse with the most perfectly formed snow mushrooms in town. The backyard offers a tiered view of snow-covered roofs and glowing red lanterns (requires a small entrance fee).

The Wooden Boardwalk — A raised walkway winding through the village, perfect for capturing silhouettes of travelers walking under heavy snowfall.

Tickets

Standard Admission: CNY 120 per person (includes entry into the Xuexiang Scenic Area for 2 days).

Combined Eco-Park Ticket: CNY 150 (includes the village and the Primitive Forest area).

Dream Home (Photography Spot): CNY 40.

Snowmobile Ride: CNY 200–300 per person (approx. 20–30 mins).

Horse-Drawn Sleigh: CNY 100–150 per person.

Opening Hours & Activities

Village Opening Hours: 24 hours a day (Visitors can walk around the village freely at any time; ticket gates are open from 08:00 AM to 10:00 PM).

Night Illuminations: Red lanterns and street lights are turned on at 16:30 PM daily, creating the magical night view.

Bonfire Party: Usually begins at 19:30 PM in the main square.

Location & Transportation

China Snow Town is located in Hailin City, Heilongjiang Province. Because of its remote location deep in the mountains, careful planning is required.

How to Get to Snow Town:

1. From Harbin: Direct long-distance buses depart daily from the Harbin Nangang Bus Station or across from the Central Avenue (Zhongyang Street) around 06:00–09:00 AM.

2. Via Yabuli: High-speed trains run from Harbin to Yabuli South Railway Station. From Yabuli, you can take a scenic 2.5-hour drive along the famous Yaxue Road (also known as “Asia’s Most Beautiful Snow Road”) directly into the town.

Accommodation & Dining

Accommodation

The town features hundreds of family-run guesthouses (Nongjiale). Many offer traditional Northeast Kang beds (a heated brick bed) that keep the room incredibly warm despite the freezing temperatures outside. Booking well in advance for the December–February peak season is absolutely essential.

Dining

Dining in Snow Town is a hearty, rustic affair. Must-try local dishes include:

Iron Pot Stew (铁锅炖): Fish, chicken, or pork slow-cooked in a massive cast-iron pot over a wood fire.

Frozen Pears & Persimmons (冻梨/冻柿子): Naturally frozen fruits that are thawed in cold water—crisp, sweet, and incredibly refreshing after walking in the snow.

Northeast Pickled Cabbage (酸菜): Fermented napa cabbage, a staple of the region.

Warm Tips for Your Travel in Snow Town

Similar to Harbin, temperatures in Snow Town can drop to −20°C to −30°C, and the mountain wind can make it feel even colder:

Clothing Ideas: Wear multiple thermal layers, a high-quality down jacket, and windproof pants. Renting a traditional flower-patterned cotton jacket in the town is both practical and great for photos.

Footwear: Wear thick, non-slip snow boots. Adding ice cleats (gaiters/spikes) to your shoes is highly recommended for walking on the iced village streets.

Electronics Protection: The cold drains batteries rapidly. Keep your phone and camera batteries close to your body, and bring multiple power banks and hand warmers to prevent them from shutting down.

Frostbite Prevention: Do not expose bare skin to the air for extended periods. If you get too cold, head indoors to the guesthouses or restaurants to warm up.

Snow Blindness Prevention: Bring polarized sunglasses, as the glare from the expansive white snow can cause severe eye strain.

China Snow Town vs. Harbin Ice and Snow World

Both are the crown jewels of winter tourism in Heilongjiang, but they offer distinctly different experiences.

How to Plan a Snow Town Tour

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Snow Town is from late December to late February, when the snow is at its thickest and the mushroom shapes are fully formed.

Itinerary Planning:
Because of the long travel time from Harbin (5–6 hours), a trip to Snow Town requires at least 2 days and 1 night.

Day 1: Depart Harbin in the early morning, arrive in Snow Town around noon. Walk through the village, rent traditional jackets, and visit the Bangchui Mountain viewing platform for sunset. Enjoy the night illuminations and the bonfire party.

Day 2: Wake up early for the sunrise hike on Yangcaoshan Mountain, experience a horse-drawn sleigh ride, and depart for Harbin or Yabuli in the early afternoon.

Travel with Silk Road Travel
Planning a winter trip to China Snow Town—with its sub-zero temperatures, complex mountain transfers, and the need to pre-book local guesthouses—can feel overwhelming, especially for international visitors navigating the language and logistics. Silk Road Travel comes in to help. We offer a highly convenient private transfer and tour service that saves you time and frees you from worry: our experienced private drivers will escort you safely along the snowy mountain roads, and our knowledgeable local guides will lead you on an in-depth tour of Snow Town’s magical alleys and mountain trails.

Whether you’re a photography enthusiast chasing the perfect sunset shot, or a traveler combining Snow Town with Harbin Ice and Snow World and Yabuli Ski Resort into a 5–6 day ultimate Heilongjiang winter circuit, our private consultants will tailor a tour plan around your interests, schedule, and budget — including pre-booked tickets, cozy accommodations, and 24-hour support throughout your holiday. Upon receiving your inquiry, we guarantee a response within 24 hours.

Silk Road Travel
Email: info@silkroadtravel.com
Phone / WhatsApp: +86 15909912575

Begin crafting your personalized Snow Town winter journey today — reach out to our travel specialists and let us turn China’s “Snow Town” into your most unforgettable winter adventure.