【Northeast China – Yichun: The “Most Authentic” Forest and Snowfield】 Although located in Northeast China, Yichun is not particularly prominent on the list of traditional ice and snow destinations. Titles like “China’s Forest Capital,” “Hometown of Korean Pine,” “Green Yichun,” and “Dinosaur Homeland” are not related to snow and ice at all. In fact, Yichun’s winter “whiteness” is no less impressive than its widely known “greenery.”
After December each year, snow begins to fall intermittently in Yichun. Due to the climate, the area experiences heavy snowfall, high-quality snow, and a long snow season. Coupled with its high forest coverage, post-snow Yichun takes on an pristine, almost ethereal beauty akin to “a lotus emerging from the snow.”
Yichun currently has seven ski resorts, including Tieling Riyuexia, Meihua Mountain, Jinshan, and Taoshan. At these resorts, you can find nearly every kind of fun ice and snow activity imaginable: alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, snow slides, snow mountain biking, dog sledding, snowmobile rides, and even more skill-demanding activities like ice skating, winter swimming, and ice hockey are widespread. The most unique way to enjoy the snow in Yichun is to trek through the forest sea and across the snowfields — breathing in the fresh air of this vast oxygen bar while navigating through the snowy woods, immersing yourself in the silver forest city.
Tip: The dozens of kilometers of rime views along the Hongxing Kulbin and Daqing Mountain in Dailing, as well as the traditional hunting customs of the ancient Oroqen people, are added bonuses to a winter trip to Yichun. For those wanting more immersion, you can stay with local forest families, sleep on a heated brick bed (kang), enjoy northeastern stews, and learn snowplay secrets from your hosts. Be sure to check the local weather before your trip and avoid visiting during severe conditions.
Travel Routes: Fly or take a high-speed train from Beijing to Harbin, then transfer to a flight to Yichun Airport, about a 40-minute flight. Alternatively, take the K7017 or K7175 train from Harbin, with a journey of about 7 hours to reach Yichun.