China Snow Town and Laolike Lake: A Winter Guide
Golden Tropics Travel · Updated
Harbin's ice city is only half of a Northeast China winter. A few hours away in the mountain forests of Heilongjiang, China Snow Town and Laolike Lake offer the deep, soft snow and forest scenery that many Malaysian travellers dream of. Here is what to expect.
China Snow Town by day
China Snow Town (Xuexiang) is a forest village in the mountains of Heilongjiang where heavy, frequent snowfall settles on rooftops, fences and woodpiles in thick, rounded layers, like cushions or mushrooms. Snow usually covers the village from about November to March, and December to February is the most reliable time.
By day, walk the main street of wooden houses, try local snacks from the stalls and take photos at the village landmarks.
Evenings in Snow Town
Snow Town is at its prettiest after dark, when red lanterns and warm lights glow under the rooftop snow. Tours that stay overnight in or near the village let you see it at night and in the quiet early morning.
Many guesthouses in the area have traditional heated brick beds (kang), a cosy way to warm up after a cold evening.
Laolike Lake: sleighs and powder snow
Laolike Lake is a forest area of snowy woods and frozen water that many Snow Town tours visit. On clear, cold mornings the trees are coated in frost and the snow is light and powdery.
- Horse-drawn sleigh rides through the snowy forest
- The Laolike Powder Snow Tribe, with log cabins and red lanterns
- Snow play and photo spots among the frosted trees
Meeting the reindeer
Reindeer are kept at Laolike Lake, and you can see them up close in the forest. Follow the handlers' instructions when feeding or photographing them, and keep gloves on: the animals can be curious about bags and pockets.
Tips for the trip
- Snow Town and Laolike Lake are several hours from Harbin by coach, so a tour with transfers arranged is the easiest way to go.
- Temperatures often fall to minus 20°C to minus 30°C, and the forest can be colder at night. Dress in layers and cover your head, hands and feet.
- Wear snow boots with good grip; paths and steps can be icy.
- Bring sunglasses for the glare off the snow, and a power bank, as phone batteries drain fast in the cold.
- Tell us about any mobility concerns when you book, so we can advise on sleigh rides and walking.