Xuexiang - A Winter Holiday Paradise In China

By Nurhafizah Tan

MUDANJIANG (China), Jan 25 (Bernama) -- Experiencing a European winter, especially at iconic tourist destinations, is often a dream for travellers seeking the charm of four seasons.

However, not everyone can turn this dream into reality due to the high costs. Fortunately, there’s a more affordable, equally enchanting, and closer alternative that remains a hidden gem: Xuexiang, a picturesque village in Heilongjiang province, fondly referred to as ‘China's Snow Town.’

 Located about 280 kilometres (km) from Harbin, this enchanting village offers a truly unique winter experience.

Spanning around 500 hectares and surrounded by dense forests and snow-covered mountains, stepping into Xuexiang feels like entering a Western fairy tale straight out of childhood storybooks.

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Visitors are welcomed by the charming sight of hundreds of traditional wooden houses, their roofs blanketed with thick, pristine snow, resembling snow mushrooms. Many of these houses double as cozy inns and bustling commercial shops, adding to the village's magical allure.

Xuexiang offers more than just picturesque photo opportunities – visitors can indulge in a variety of winter attractions. These include riding a horse-drawn carriage through the Changbai Mountains, enjoying a Husky dog sled ride around the village, capturing memorable moments with Arctic foxes, and trying the fascinating hot water throwing activity, where water freezes mid-air in temperatures as low as -30 degrees Celsius.

 “I come from Vietnam, where there is no snow in my hometown. This is the first time I’m bringing my family to experience the beauty of snow, a moment we’ve all been eagerly looking forward to," shared Lao Anh while enjoying coffee with the writer to ward off the cold.

According to China Daily, Xuexiang often experiences heavy snowfall and remains snow-covered for up to seven months due to the influence of Siberian cold winds, warm currents from the Sea of Japan, and snowfall depths reaching up to two metres. This village receives more snow than almost any other place in the country of the Great Wall.

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Resembling the snowy scenes from The Chronicles of Narnia, Xuexiang becomes even more enchanting and lively at night when the glittering lights illuminate and warm the freezing atmosphere.

The writer, who visited on New Year’s Eve, was fortunate to witness reindeer sleighs reminiscent of Santa Claus in Hollywood films, along with cultural parades and musical performances by local entertainers.

To fully experience the scenery for more than a day, visitors don't have to stay in the much-acclaimed ‘China Winter Wonderland’, where accommodation costs can soar up to RM1,200. Instead, they can opt for a more budget-friendly alternative in the nearby village of Xuegu (Snow Valley), where rates start as low as RM50.

From Xuegu, there are two ways to reach Xuexiang: by bus via a 100-km road, taking about two hours and costing 80 yuan (RM50), or by hiking over Yangcao Mountain, which separates the two areas, covering a distance of 15 km.

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According to Xiao Wang, an inn operator, hikers don't need to scale the 1,235-metre-high mountain entirely on foot, as there are several modes of transportation available along the way.

She explained that the journey begins with a 20-minute horse-drawn carriage ride, followed by a 4-km hike. Next, visitors ride a snowmobile and finally descend a 5-km snow slide to reach Xuexiang.

Enthralled by the unique and fascinating journey described by the cheerful young woman, the writer and their travel companions sought her help in arranging and purchasing tickets for the trip, which cost nearly 400 yuan (RM245), excluding the entrance fee to Xuexiang, priced at 120 yuan (RM74).

 “Are you sure? I mean, it's fine if you want to have fun, but if your goal is simply to reach the destination, I suggest you take the bus," she said with a smile, seeking confirmation.

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Opting for the mountain hiking adventure turned out to be more challenging than expected, with obstacles like unclear directions and language barriers. However, these challenges only added to the flavour and charm of the journey.

Although we got lost and communicated like "chickens and ducks" with the locals and workers we met along the way, we eventually reached our destination at 3.30 pm. It may have taken longer than taking the bus, but the journey became an invaluable experience for the writer.

For those who prefer to avoid the hassle of planning their own itinerary, many tour packages are available at hotels in Harbin, offering a range of attractions throughout the region.

-- BERNAMA