Northeast China

Northeast China covers Liaoning, Jilin and Heilongjiang, with the Harbin Ice and Snow World, Snow Town and rime ice in winter, and Heaven Lake on Changbai Mountain, the Greater Khingan forests and the coastal city of Dalian in summer.

Northeast China, following China's seven-region geographic division, includes the three provinces of Liaoning, Jilin and Heilongjiang. Note that this scheme places Inner Mongolia entirely in North China, so eastern Inner Mongolia destinations such as Hulunbuir and Arxan, which visitors often treat as part of a "Northeast route," are not in this region; when planning a winter trip to the Northeast, you can combine the two regions. The main attractions center on ice, snow and forests: Harbin's Ice and Snow World and Central Street are the signature winter sights, along with China Snow Town and the Yabuli ski resort near Mudanjiang, rime ice and the Beidahu ski resort in Jilin City, and Changbai Mountain's Heaven Lake, ski resorts and hot springs. Mohe's Arctic Village at the far north is known for extreme cold and the hope of seeing the aurora. In summer, the best options are climbing Changbai Mountain to see Heaven Lake, Jingpo Lake near Mudanjiang, the Yichun forests, the volcanic landscapes of Wudalianchi and a self-drive along the border by the Heilong and Ussuri Rivers. Liaoning has the coastal city of Dalian, the Shenyang Imperial Palace and early Qing imperial tombs, Dandong on the Yalu River and the Panjin Red Beach, and the Goguryeo remains at Ji'an (in Jilin). Classic itineraries: a winter "Harbin–Snow Town–Changbai Mountain" ice and snow route of about six to eight days; a summer "Yanji–Changbai Mountain–Ji'an–Dandong" loop of about seven days; a Liaoning "Shenyang–Dalian" seaside and history route in four to five days. Getting there: Harbin, Shenyang, Dalian and Changchun are the main air hubs, with regional airports at Changbai Mountain, Mohe, Yanji and elsewhere; the Harbin–Dalian high-speed railway runs through all three provinces. On winter trips, beware of extreme cold and icy roads, and self-drivers must have experience on ice and snow; accommodation at popular places such as Snow Town is tight around the Spring Festival, so book in advance.

Destinations

Itineraries