AS winter has arrived in most parts of China, we provide a variety of destinations for an amazing winter journey. But snow is just a part of it!    

    Emei Mountain

    Located in West China’s Sichuan Province, Emei Mountain is the highest of the four sacred Buddhist mountains of China with a height of 3,099 meters.

    In November, travelers will see red leaves covering the whole mountain.

    Signature spectacles of the mountain include the sunrise and “Cloud Sea” seen from the Golden Summit of the mountain.

    Watching the spectacular sunrise in the winter is an unforgettable experience.

    The “Cloud Sea” in the winter makes travelers feel as though they are above the sky.

    In addition, the mountain has the largest cluster of hot springs in western China, dubbed the “aristocracy of hot springs” for their water quality, high temperature and rich mineral content.

    Transportation: Travelers can take a two-hour flight from Shenzhen to Chengdu and then a two-hour bus ride to Emei Mountain.

    Food: A glutinous rice cake with a pork filling is the must-try dish at the mountain.

    Jiuzhaigou Valley

    Located in West China’s Sichuan Province, Jiuzhaigou Valley in the winter is a fairyland of glittering and translucent ice waterfalls, snow-capped mountains and sapphire lakes.

    The valley has a bedrock of calcite deposits into which are etched a variety of brightly colored transparent pools — many of which are full-fledged emerald lakes — with multi-faceted stones strewn about the bottom that twinkle when they catch the sun.

    In winter, the brightly colored transparent lakes don’t ice up because of their rich mineral content. The lake water remains clear even when all the other surroundings, including multi-tiered waterfalls, trees and mountains, are iced over.

    As well as the beautiful landscape, travelers can also see the local customs of the Tibetan and Qiang ethnic groups, such as the lion dance, horse racing, and Zhuanshan (a local ritual).

    Transportation: Take a flight from Shenzhen to Chengdu. There are direct flights and buses from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou. The bus takes eight hours; flights 45 minutes. There are airport shuttle buses between the airport and the park.

    Fees: Entrance to the resort is 80 yuan per person between November and March. The tour bus within the resort costs 80 yuan per person.

    (Li Hao)

    Changbai Mountain

    Changbai Mountain is in Antu County in the Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture in Northeast China, bordering the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea in the south.

    A dormant volcano, Changbai Mountain is covered by snow in the winter, with forests that stretch to the horizon.

    The most beautiful feature of Changbai Mountain is undoubtedly Tianchi, or Heavenly Lake. At an altitude of 2,189 meters, the lake was formed in the crater of Changbai Mountain and is the source of the Songhua, Tumen and Yalu rivers.

    Visitors can ski or play in the snow at the natural ski resort on the west slope of the mountain.

    The mountain also has hot springs believed to be beneficial for health. Visitors can enjoy a hot bath while appreciating the snowfall.

    Transportation: Visitors can take a flight from Shenzhen to Shenyang. Then take a train to Erdaobaihe Town. The rail trip takes around 13 hours. After arriving, hire a van to Changbai Mountain. The 30-kilometer trip takes around 40 yuan for a single trip.

    Accommodation: There are hotels at the foot of and on the mountain, charging around 220 yuan per night. Hostels charging 10 to 40 yuan per bed are also available.

    Food: Cuisine typical of northeastern China featuring stewed and cold dishes, plus Korean food.