Crunch through snow-covered wonderlands, marvel at ice castles, and dive into thrilling sub-zero adventures. From Japan’s powder paradise to China’s ice empire, this winter will ignite your soul.

When winter locks the world in ice, two destinations transform into realms of pure magic: Japan’s Hokkaido and China’s Heilongjiang. Picture yourself walking through palaces carved from ice, fishing on frozen lakes, sailing through cracking ice floes, and warming up in steamy outdoor onsens under starry skies. This is not just a trip—it’s an epic story of frost and fire waiting to be written.

Japan’s Hokkaido: Snow Poetry and Cultural Warmth

Season: December – February

Sapporo Snow Festival: Where Ice Becomes Art

  • SEE: Colossal snow sculptures of anime heroes, world landmarks, and mythical creatures glowing under neon lights.

  • DO: Sip warm sake at ice-bar counters, slide down sculpted ice slides, and join night photography tours.

  • FEEL: The electric buzz of thousands sharing awe under winter skies.

Niseko: Powder Snow Paradise

  • SEE: Perfectly pitched slopes draped in the world’s lightest powder snow.

  • DO: Ski, snowboard, or try snowshoeing under guided full-moon tours.

  • FEEL: The thrill of carving fresh tracks, then soaking in a mountain onsen as snow falls around you.

Ice Fishing & Winter Seafood Feasts

  • SEE: Frozen lakes dotted with cozy tents and eager anglers.

  • DO: Join locals drilling holes in Lake Akan or Shikaribetsu for smelt fishing. Your catch? Grilled fresh on the spot!

  • FEEL: The quiet concentration of the hunt, followed by the joy of eating what you caught.

Otaru Snow Light Path Festival: Romance Alight

  • SEE: A dreamscape of thousands of handmade snow lanterns glowing along canals and historic streets.

  • DO: Enjoy fresh crab and sushi at canal-side stalls, ride vintage rickshaws, and make your own lantern.

  • FEEL: The warmth of human connection in a softly illuminated winter night.

China’s Heilongjiang: The Ice Empire

Season: December – February

Harbin Ice and Snow World: Architecture in Ice

  • SEE: Towers, temples, and bridges carved from ice, lit from within in dazzling colors.

  • DO: Zoom down ice slides, ride Ferris wheels made of ice, watch international ice-carving competitions.

  • FEEL: Like you’ve stepped into a frozen version of Disneyland.

Icebreaker Ship Adventure on the Heilongjiang River

  • SEE: Massive plates of ice cracking and shifting under the ship’s hull.

  • DO: Sail on an icebreaker vessel, feel the thunderous vibrations, and photograph surreal ice formations.

  • FEEL: The raw power of nature—and human engineering—in the heart of winter.

Winter Fishing on Chagan Lake

  • SEE: Hundreds of fishermen braving the cold in a tradition dating back to the Liao Dynasty.

  • DO: Learn to use traditional nets under ice, feast on freshly cooked fish over open fires.

  • FEEL: The spirit of ancient rituals alive in a modern wilderness adventure.

Yabuli Ski Resort & Frozen Waterfall Climbing

  • SEE: China’s best ski slopes and frozen cascades at Jingpo Lake.

  • DO: Ski, snowmobile, or try ice climbing with professional gear and guides.

  • FEEL: The adrenaline rush of conquering a wall of ice—and the pride at the top.

Not-To-Miss Experiences:

  • Soak in an Outdoor Onsen (Hokkaido): In steaming natural hot springs surrounded by silent snowy forests.

  • Sleep in an Ice Hotel (Heilongjiang): Bundle up in sub-zero rooms carved entirely from ice.

  • Eat Your Way Through Winter: From Hokkaido’s creamy soup curry and grilled lamb to Heilongjiang’s hearty stews and hotpot.

This winter, trade ordinary for extraordinary. Walk through kingdoms of ice, taste food cooked on frozen lakes, and feel the thrill of breaking through ice under your feet. Hokkaido and Heilongjiang aren’t just destinations—they’re winter dreams brought to life.

Your winter fairy tale starts now!