As winter sets in, Heilongjiang, China's northernmost province known for its abundant ice-and-snow resources, is gearing up to captivate visitors with a dazzling lineup of new experiences, from spectacular snow wonderlands to exciting outdoor activities.
Harbin Ice-Snow World, the world's largest ice and snow-themed amusement park recognized by Guinness World Records on the last day of 2023, is always a must-visit winter destination. This year, the much-anticipated resort is back and bigger than ever.
At the park's ice storage facility, nearly 200,000 cubic meters of ice from the Songhua River are neatly stacked, creating an awe-inspiring scene. Before the ice is used for building the stunning ice sculptures and structures, specialists, known as "ice inspectors," must carefully measure the thickness, length, and purity of each block.
"We first need to check the ice's transparency. In principle it must be free of stains and impurities. Only then can we present a beautiful and magnificent Ice-Snow World to visitors," said Qin Xiaoyu, manager of the Harbin Ice-Snow World's comprehensive management department.
This year, the Ice-Snow World will expand from 810,000 square meters to an impressive one million square meters. The number of super ice slides, the most popular entertainment project in the park, will increase to 24, along with the addition of smaller slides and snow tubing runs.
The park will also feature a snowflake ice maze and, for the first time, an Ice and Snow Light Show. The main ice-and-snow stage for outdoor performances will be larger than that in last year, with greater width and depth.
It is scheduled to open in mid-December.
As this year's ice and snow season coincides with the 9th Asian Winter Games, the design and construction of the Harbin Ice-Snow World will incorporate elements from the Games, showcasing iconic landscapes representing the 45 countries and regions of the Olympic Council of Asia.
The province is also offering special winter rail journeys for those eager to explore the country's most northern landscapes. In late November, the first ice-and-snow-themed tour train departed from Harbin, taking over 160 tourists from southern China on a journey northward to Mohe, the country's Arctic Village.
Passengers will travel through enchanting snowy and frosty scenery, tasting local delicacies and immersing themselves in the region's traditional customs.
"We've decorated the train carriage thoroughly with themed window paper-cuts, bed covers, and tablecloths. [Tourists] can not only enjoy the ice and snow sights, but also experience the unique cultural heritage of the Oroqen ethnic people in Heilongjiang, feeling the shock brought by ice and snow," said Zheng Haihong, a staff member from the travel agency.
With its chilly temperatures, northernmost location, and early snowfalls, Mohe is the first to begin its winter season and attracts many tourists keen to see snow-shrouded scenery.
"Riding the snow train and appreciating the snow-covered landscape is incredibly exhilarating! We've finally arrived in Mohe, a place I've been eagerly looking forward to and dreaming of visiting the most," a Shanghai tourist shared her excitement.
By the end of the year, Heilongjiang will launch 28 ice-and-snow tourism trains, along with ten themed travel routes, ensuring that visitors from around the world can fully soak up the snowy splendors it has to offer.
Heilongjiang ready to enchant winter tourists with expanded ice-snow park, scenic train rides
