2025 Ice and Snow Travel Hot Guide: Unlock 10 Secret Spots, Complete Guide to Staying Warm and Playing in the Snow

2025 Ice and Snow Travel Hot Guide: Unlock 10 Secret Spots, Complete Guide to Staying Warm and Playing in the Snow When the first snowflake falls, China’s ice and snow map enters fairy tale mode. From Harbin’s ice sculpture castles to Altay’s powder snow paradise, from Snow Town’s red lanterns to Rime Island’s jade trees and snowy flowers, this guide covers popular landmarks and hidden gems, taking you through winter’s exclusive romance with beauty, experience, and safety all in mind—perfect for beginners to dive right in! Top 5 Must-Visit Ice and Snow Destinations - Harbin: The title “Ice City Top Star” is well deserved. The hundred-meter ice sculptures at Ice and Snow World look dreamlike under the lights. Walking on cobblestones on Central Street and biting into a Madieer ice pop are ritual essentials. The ice slides on the Songhua River and dog sledding double the fun. End the day with a hearty Russian borscht and iron pot stew to warm you through. - Altay, Xinjiang: The ultimate goal for ski enthusiasts. The powder snow in Koktokay is soft as cotton, the smoke curls from the mushroom-shaped wooden houses in Hemu Village, and the Harden viewing platform overlooks the village morning mist, like stepping into a Nordic secret realm. Visiting a Tuva family under the starry sky adds a healing touch. - Rime Island, Jilin: The top of China’s four major rime spots. The best viewing time is 7-9 AM. At minus 20°C, the river’s mist freezes into jade trees and snowy flowers. Combined with skiing and hot springs at Songhua Lake, it’s the ultimate “ice and fire experience” for winter. - Snow Town, Mudanjiang: A fairy tale village with an average annual snowfall of 2 meters. Red lanterns light up snow-covered houses and snow mushrooms. At night, warm yellow lights wrap the white snow, creating a full atmosphere. Nearby, you can visit the ice waterfall and ice fishing spectacle at Jingpo Lake. - Arxan, Inner Mongolia: A hidden, less crowded retreat. The unfrozen river in Santan Gorge flows gently at minus 20°C, surrounded by rime like a magical forest. Snowmobile rides to the top of White Wolf Peak offer views of the sea of clouds and reindeer. The Gothic-style train station is postcard-perfect with every snap. Dressing Warm “Survival Formula” Follow the “three-layer dressing method”: base layer of quick-dry clothes (sweat-absorbing and non-sticky) + middle layer of fleece or thin down jacket (heat retention) + outer layer of waterproof, windproof ski jacket (cold resistance). For pants, choose quick-dry pants + thermal pants + down pants combination. Must-have items: waterproof, non-slip snow boots; double-layer gloves (thin for photos + thick for playing in snow); ear-covering hat + N95 mask (to protect face from cold wind); sunglasses (to prevent snow blindness and look great in photos); phone with heat patches + plenty of power banks, keep the phone on in low temperatures. Snow Play Safety & Photo Tips Beginners should choose skis over snowboards, wear full protective gear including helmet and knee pads, strictly follow slope levels, avoid unauthorized areas, and curl up with your back on the ground when falling to avoid wrist injuries. Confirm ice is solid before walking on it. Check weather forecasts for rime and morning mist viewing. Wear bright colors (red, blue contrasting with white snow) for photos, use side lighting to capture rime ice crystals, and shoot Snow Town’s night scenes or water splashing freezing (choose sunny days above -20°C) for viral content. Itinerary & Food Tips For popular destinations, book hotels 1-2 weeks in advance. Reservations for homestays in Harbin and Snow Town have surged over 80% year-on-year, with prices peaking around the Spring Festival. For short trips, consider Beijing Yanqing or Jilin City (1-2 days). For in-depth tours, Altay and Hulunbuir are recommended (3-5 days). Some scenic spots require chartered cars or group tours; check road conditions. Must-try foods: Harbin Russian cuisine, Yanji barbecue + army stew, Northeast iron pot stew, Altay hand-pulled meat—hot delicious food to chase away the cold. This winter, don’t miss the invitation of the snowflakes. With this guide in hand, head to the ice and snow. Whether it’s thrilling skiing, healing sightseeing, or cozy local food, you’ll create winter memories that will light up your social feed.