Taoshan International Hunting Ground

Yabuli Ski Resort

In terms of the number of runs, their length and their vertical drop, Yabuli Ski Resort far surpasses other ski resorts in China. It is China's finest ski resort and ranks among the very best in Asia. The highest point of Yabuli Ski Resort is 1,374.8 metres above sea level. Temperatures range from an extreme low of -44°C to a high of 34°C. The entire resort sits amid mountains, with dense forest, deep snow and spectacular scenery. The resort's facilities are excellent: it has 11 beginner, intermediate and advanced runs. Its alpine run is one of the longest in Asia, and there is also a floodlit ski slope. The average gradient of the runs is 22.6°. The resort also has alpine ski jumping grounds, cross-country skiing grounds and freestyle skiing areas. Beyond winter skiing, Yabuli is also very suitable for leisure and holidays in summer and autumn.

Sun Island Scenic Area

The scenic area comprises Sun Island together with nearby islands and sandbars, and was once a hugely popular destination in Harbin. Its unpretentious, rugged northern landscape makes it the first choice of Harbin residents for outings and picnics. The annual Snow Expo is the scenic area's biggest highlight, with wonderfully lifelike snow sculptures that captivate visitors.

Free · 1 day

Harbin Ice and Snow World

The crowning achievement of Harbin's many ice and snow attractions, this is where many of the large ice lanterns and ice sculptures are created. Every Spring Festival holiday, the Ice and Snow World makes its dazzling debut, and it never fails to surprise visitors.

¥328 · 4–5 hours

Wudalianchi Scenic Area

Wudalianchi is famed at home and abroad for its exceptionally well-preserved volcanic landscape, rare anywhere in the world, and for its mineral water. The scenic area is not well suited to winter visits: the stark black-and-white desolation offers none of the colour of spring and summer. May to September is the best time to visit. Standing at the crater of Laoheishan, the lava terrain makes you feel the wild, primordial landscape of millions of years ago. Best of all, looking down at the lake from the crater summit, the water shows shades of yellow, orange, green and blue, a colourful display produced by the different mineral content of the lava. Wonder awaits at every turn, and the lava caves are equally enchanting. On the north side of Xijiaodebu Mountain, the Crystal Palace cave will leave every visitor awestruck. When you have had your fill of scenery, you can soak in the hot springs.

Combined ticket ¥240 (covers Heilong Mountain, Longmen Stone Fortress, South Mineral Spring, North Mineral Spring, Wenbo, Ice Cave, Underground Ice River and other sights) · 1–2 days

Wuchang Snow Valley

A tranquil, unspoilt destination and a superb spot for photography, where visitors can hike from Snow Valley over Yangcao Mountain to Snow Village (Xuexiang). Snow Valley has the untouched charm of deep, ancient forest, free from any pollution sources. In spring, climb mountains and take photographs; in summer, cool off and relax; in autumn, enjoy mountaineering and adventure; in winter, experience a 10-kilometre snow-drift run.

¥40; rafting ¥70 · 1–2 days

Zhalong National Nature Reserve

A national nature reserve for cranes. There are 15 species of crane in the world, 9 of them in China, and Zhalong Nature Reserve alone has 6 of them, the most numerous being the red-crowned crane. Besides being the homeland of cranes, it is no exaggeration to call it a kingdom of wild rare birds.

¥65 (May–October); ¥45 (November–May)