Introduction
Last year during Tet, I decided to pack my backpack and head to China in winter. It might sound odd since everyone thinks this season is bone-chillingly cold, but there's actually a magical world of ice and snow up north and pleasant weather down south. Harbin, with its famous ice and snow festival, was a must-see, but the journey also took me to unexpectedly warm places.
Quick Facts
- Best time: December to February, especially around Chinese New Year (the ice festival usually runs from December to late February).
- Suggested days: 7-10 days to combine north and south.
- Estimated budget: About 15-20 million VND per person (including flights, hotels, meals, and entrance fees).
- Getting around: High-speed trains are very convenient; I took one from Beijing to Harbin in 5 hours (~700 CNY). Within cities, use the metro or taxis (cheap, about 20-50 CNY for short distances).
- Connectivity: I bought an eSIM from SimNha before the trip, 10 days 10GB for 250k VND, easy to install, stable signal throughout the journey.
Harbin: The Ice and Snow Kingdom
Harbin Ice and Snow World
This was the main reason I flew to Harbin. The park is vast, with castles, slides, and sculptures all made of ice and snow. By day they are crystal clear like glass, at night they sparkle under LED lights. I visited on the evening of December 30th; it was crowded but felt like a fairy tale. Entrance fee: 330 CNY (about 1.1 million VND).
💡 Tip: Dress like you're going to the Arctic! Thick down jacket, thermal underwear, scarf, gloves, beanie. I bought hand warmers to stick in my shoes and pockets, 10 CNY for 10 packs – a lifesaver.
Zhongyang Street
A pedestrian street over 1 km long, lined with old European architecture. In winter, it's covered in white snow, very romantic. I tried Russian-style baked bread (10 CNY) and grilled meat skewers (15 CNY). Don't miss St. Sophia Cathedral for photos (under renovation, but still good for pictures).
⚠️ Note: Temperatures drop to -25°C, phones die quickly. I brought a power bank and kept my phone in an inner jacket pocket to keep it warm.
Yabuli Ski Resort
3 hours from the city, Yabuli is China's largest ski resort. I'm not a pro, but I rented gear and took a few hours of lessons. Rental + half-day lift ticket costs about 400 CNY. The mountain scenery is majestic, snow is thick, suitable for beginners too.
From Beijing to Warm Spots
Beijing: Winter Capital
I stopped for 2 days in Beijing before flying south. The Forbidden City in winter is less crowded, with lower ticket prices (40 CNY instead of 60). Walking on the Great Wall at Mutianyu, lightly dusted with snow, not crowded. Beijing hotpot is the best, 80-120 CNY per person.
Kunming: Eternal Spring
Flew from Beijing to Kunming in 3.5 hours, ticket price 800 CNY. Temperature 15-20°C, pleasant. I visited the old town, Dounan Flower Market (fresh flowers super cheap, a bunch of roses for 10 CNY), and Dianchi Lake. The air is fresh, perfect for relaxing after cold days.
💡 Tip: Don't miss Kunming's crossing bridge noodles – a steaming bowl of noodles with raw beef, 30-50 CNY. I ate at "Qiáo Xiāng Yuán" near the flower market, authentic and delicious.
Other Warm Destinations: Guiyang and Guilin
Guiyang: Street Food Heaven
Guiyang is famous for spicy and sour food. I tried fish in sour soup, 80 CNY, served with raw vegetables. The old town of Qingyan is charming, entrance 10 CNY. Weather 10-15°C, a bit chilly but not like Harbin.
Guilin: Scenic Waters
A cruise on the Li River – winter fog creates a mystical scene. Boat ticket from Guilin to Yangshuo is about 400 CNY, lasting 4 hours. Yangshuo has a lively West Street; I rented a bike to explore (20 CNY/day).
⚠️ Note: Guilin in winter is humid, bring a raincoat or umbrella. The Li River might have low water levels, check before booking.
Conclusion
My winter trip to China was a perfect blend of ice and warmth. Harbin gave me an unforgettable experience, while the southern cities offered relaxation. If you also want a cross-region trip, don't forget to prepare an eSIM to stay connected – I used SimNha, quick setup, affordable, no signal loss when I needed directions or check-ins.
