Top 5 Places To Visit During The Chinese Winter
With winter fast settling in, the drop in temperature and steely iron sky will no doubt ensure the annual winter blues will come knocking at the door once again. However, this year, warm your appetite for travel and combat the dull days by taking a trip with a chilling difference, and explore the wonders China has to offer during its awe-inspiring winter months. Having researched the best places to explore over your Christmas holidays, these 5 destinations will be sure to get your breath frosty with excitement and your finger tips tingling with anticipation. So dust of your ski jacket, and don your favorite hat and scarf, as we explore the top 5 place to visit during the Chinese winter.
What’s your plans this winter?
1. Harbin
The sights that greet you at the Harbin Ice Festival are like nowhere else in the world. Starting with the snow and ice palace in Sun Island; these 3 storey-high monster sculptures are carved in such detail as you would not believe possible. The beautiful surroundings combined with scenic waterfalls and lakes make for a brilliant spot for holiday snaps!
Animal lovers are spoilt for choice, starting with the pole aquarium which houses an electrifying array of polar marine life, ranging from the cutest penguins to the most impressive of narwhal and beluga shows. Even with all of that, the highlight has to be a safari adventure in the largest Siberian tiger reserve in the world, housing around 500 of the endangered species roaming the wild Siberian landscape. Alongside this there will be a chance to glimpse a rare liger species (no – they aren’t just magical fairytale creatures)!
Walking down the cobbled Harbin Central Street lined with varying architectural styles soaked in history will transport you back to 1800’s Tsarist Russia. Alongside this, standing proud at 53.3 meters (175 feet) tall, the St. Sofia Orthodox Church is the largest of its kind in the Far East.
2. Yabuli
Being the largest ski resort in China, Yabuli has hosted several of the largest winter competitions in Asia – including the 1996 Asian winter games. The resort has 3 on-slope hotels/chalets, however, those of you looking for a more authentic experience are highly recommended to stay at a local farmhouse.
The ski/snowboard facilities are second to none – the fact that Chinese national teams practice at the resort should be enough to tell you that it’s in a class of its own. Perhaps, for the greatest thrill of all, strap yourself into a sled and rocket down the longest Alpine slide in the world, stretching from the top of the mountain to the bottom. And, if winter sports aren’t really your thing, there’s always the opportunity to ride a relaxing traditional horse sled and explore the area.
Make sure to bring plenty of layers whilst at Yabuli, the temperature usually hovers around the minus 10 mark; however it has been known to drop to minus 45!
3. Mohe (Arctic Village)
Aptly named the ‘North Pole of China’, this little village has recently been awarded the title as the first National Landscape and Tourist Village of China. The classical looking houses make this village seem magical, something which is enhanced when coated in a thick blanket of snow.
Presenting the Northern Lights at certain times of the year, this village also has excellent ice fishing spots and a large hill to go sledding with the local children. As well as this, the village is situated alongside the Russian border; this poses a perfect opportunity to wrap up warm and go for a snowy hike to the Chinese arctic point.
Helping gain an insight into Mohe’s deep history, a short visit to its fire memorial museum will inform you how a month-long fire almost wiped out the entire county.
4. Dandong
Moving slightly further East, Dandong is located on the border of North Korea. Having such a close proximity with North Korea, means that this town is steeped in the history of the Korean conflict. Checking out the Chinese People’s Anti- US War Museum puts a fresh spin on a controversial topic seen from a different view. The war wreck of the broken Yalu river bridge is another reminder of the war; from here it is also possible to get a glimpse of North Korea, the most secretive state in the world!
Venturing slightly out of Dandong, you can get the opportunity to hike along the easternmost part of the Great Wall, walking directly along the border of North Korea. If your feet are a little sore after all that walking, a Chinese foot massage is just the key to help soothe those blisters!
With around 10 authentic North Korean restaurants (all run by North Koreans!), eating in Dandong is a real eye opener. Trying out the tantalising North Korean cuisine will make your taste buds tingle, topped off with evening entertainment of Karaoke – a favorite in China!
5. Beijing
China’s capital, explored under winters’ grip, creates a totally contrasting experience compared to its warmer counterpart. With a vast spread of attractions to keep you thoroughly entertained throughout the day, a visit to the Forbidden City is an absolute must. Exploring its maze of palace halls and temples, the Forbidden City when gripped in a biting frost and draped in a dim fog creates an eerie experience.
Getting lost around the streets of Beijing will throw up many interesting surprises the guide book doesn’t tell you. For example, Beijing is one of the best places to get your Christmas shopping done – at a local fake market. Barter a fake Rolex for your dad or a pair of Ugg boots for your mum? They’ll never be able to tell it’s a fake!
Famed for its performing arts, Beijing attracts some of the best acrobat artists in the world. Watching a performance at the famous Chaoyang Theatre will take your breath away. Using a complex array of props and an incredible amount of talent, the acrobats will ensure that a stay in Beijing is an unforgettable experience.
