Shuangfeng Forest: China’s Fairy-Tale Snow Town

Shuangfeng Forest

Shuangfeng Forest, which is also referred to as Shuangfeng Forest Farm ( 双峰林场 ), is located approximately 280 kilometers south east of Harbin in the Heilongjiang Province. It is also referred to as China Snow Town, or Xuexiang (雪乡) by most people. The village deserved to have that nickname. Here Snow extends to two meters in depth and the season is between October and April- about seven months of white.

It is not easily accessible to Shuangfeng Forest. The road to Harbin takes a distance of five or six hours, and goes through frozen woods and mountain passes. But that aloofness is constituent of the charm. This guide will address what to expect, how to get to the place, where to stay and some of the things I wish I was informed about before my initial visit.

Quick Facts about Shuangfeng Forest Farm

Top Things to Do in Shuangfeng Forest

Sunrise on Yangcao Mountain

Xueyun Street

The Snow-tubing Hills

The Potato Chips

Must-Do Experiences You Cannot Miss

Begin with the sunrise in Yangcao Mountain (羊草山). This is to get up at about 4 A.M.--a hurtful thing to do. But the summit is at 1,250 meters, and when the first light falls on the snow-covered valley below you will not think of the cold. The majority of visitors will rent a snowmobile up (¥180-200 per person). The car ride itself is like a journey, with the ride cutting through frozen forest with complete darkness.

Evenings are a part of the Xueyun Street (雪韵大街), which is the central walk of the Snow Town. This is because as the sun sets at about 4 p. m. hundreds of red lanterns come in to play. The entire village is changed. House of wood is shining on the snow. Rostered lamb and corn are sold by street vendors. It is the type of scene that will make you halt to have a glance around.

To get the most comprehensive picture, visit Dream Home (梦幻家园). An aerial view of the whole Shuangfeng Forest village, with snow mushrooms on rooftops, smoke coming out of chimneys, mountains in the background, is given there. During sunset, hundreds of photographers flock this location and hence come early. The price of admission is approximately ¥198 and this is not cheap, although the photo opportunities are difficult to surpass.

And don't skip the food. The potato chips ( 现炸土豆片 ) freshly cooked in the family kitchens cannot in any way resemble packaged snacks in terms of taste: thin and crispy, a bit salty. The frozen pears (冻梨) are not attractive with their brownness and hardness, but when they are soaked in cold water after some few minutes, they become sweet and cool. Both cost just a few yuan.

Winter Activities Worth Your Money (And Which to Skip)

There is not all the activity at Shuangfeng Forest that is worth your time or money. A brief breakdown on what I have tried is presented here.

Worth it: The snow-tubing hills (雪圈滑道) cost approximately 50 yen to ride the snow tubes indefinitely. You take a tube of inflatable, climb to a little hill and slide. Easy, yet, really enjoyable, particularly when it is accompanied by friends. Lines move fast. The dog sledding will also provide, at least, on short routes. The circumnavigation of the village costs ¥80-100 in a hurry. The huskies look fit and lively, but you can cover more miles, depending on the driver.

Crowd it: Horse drawn sleigh rides are romantic and can disappoint. The intercity roads are ¥200-300 and basically... go round. A number of TripAdvisor excellents note that they felt overcharged. You had better save your money unless you are a great horse lover.

Free alternatives: No one will collect fees to make a snowman. Or throw snowballs. Or dive into a fresh snowbank. I attempted that latter--leaped into a two-meter hole in the entrance to the village. It took more time than it was supposed to get back up. The snow swallows you. Crawling out like that in powder all over, I seemed like a fool, but some children all around did find it funny. Frankly speaking, such unplanned things are what remain in your memory more than any attraction you pay. Want even more winter fun after Shuangfeng Forest? Don't miss our guide to the Harbin Ice Festival 2025—where ice sculptures and snow activities reach a whole new level.

How to Plan Your Shuangfeng Forest Itinerary

2-Day 1-Night Classic Route (Most Popular)

Majority of the visitors stay two days and one night at Shuangfeng Forest. That is sufficient to explore the highlights without wearing oneself out in the cold.

Day 1 – Afternoon:  Arrival at around 2-3 pm. after the five hour drive at Harbin. Check in to your guesthouse, dress up and walk down Xueyun Street before the daylight runs out. The lanterns come on at about 4. 30 p.m.--hanging about. Take lamb skewers with a street peddler and dine with your family inn at about 6 p.m.

Day 1 – Night: Sleep on a kang (火炕), the old-fashioned hot brick bed. It's warmer than it sounds. In fact some of the rooms are too hot. Crack a window if needed.

Day 2 – Morning: Rise at 4 a.m. and go to the sunrise at the Yangcao Mountain. Snowmobile rides cost ¥180-200. Then after the sunrise go to Dream Home (梦幻家园) to take panoramic pictures. The majority of buses back to Harbin leave at noon to 2 p.m.

Extended 3-Day Trip with Snow Valley Hiking

For something more adventurous, try the Snow Valley to Snow Town hiking route. It's 15 kilometers through pristine forest—no roads, no vehicles, just snow and birch trees.

Snow Valley (Dongsheng Forest Farm, 东升林场) sits on the opposite side of Yangcao Mountain. The trek takes five to six hours, climbing to a ridge before descending into Shuangfeng Forest. Hire a local guide for ¥100-150 if it's your first time. The trail gets confusing after fresh snowfall.

Suggested schedule:

• Day 1: Arrive in Snow Valley, overnight at a local guesthouse (¥200-300)
• Day 2: Hike to Shuangfeng Forest, explore the village
• Day 3: Sunrise at Yangcao Mountain, return to Harbin

Snow Valley sees fewer tourists and lower prices. One TripAdvisor reviewer noted: "In general, price here is more affordable than the Snow Village. So buy all your stuff here." Planning to head back to Harbin afterward? Check out our complete guide to Harbin Ice and Snow World—the perfect addition to your Shuangfeng Forest trip.

Shuangfeng Forest and the Origins of China’s Snow Town

Snow Town

The Science Behind the Thickest Snow in China

Snow in Shuangfeng Forest does not act like any other part of china. It is greasy, dense, and multiplies into weird forms which the photographers adore.

Here's why. The village is located at an altitude of 1,100 meters on the Zhangguangcai Ridge, the actual point of colliding of two air masses. Wet, humid winds sweep in the Sea of Japan. Cold and dry wind blows down Lake Baikal in Siberia. When the two meet in Shuangfeng Forest Farm, the outcome is a near-continuous snowfall, seven months of it, the period between October and April.

The snow is piled up to two meters deep. Due to the humidity and a certain kind of temperature it adheres to everything. Rooftops grow what the locals refer to as snow mushrooms (雪蘑菇) domes consisting of round, puffy balls that resemble edible items. Eaves form snow curtains (雪帘) which are hanging like frozen cloths. I have encountered artificial photos. They're not.

From Logging Village to Instagram-Famous Destination

Shuangfeng Forest Farm had been no more than a distant logging post over decades. The peasants cut lumber and endured bitter winters. Nobody came here for fun.

That changed around 1999. An array of photographers broke into the village and began to post photos. The photographs became viral, or at least as viral as it was possible before social media. Then this small village of Xuexiang was on the map.

The real explosion came in 2013. One of the most popular Chinese reality programs is known as the Where Are we going dad. (爸爸去哪儿) filmed an episode here. Millions of viewers were exposed to Snow Town. In several months, the number of tourists increased. Nowadays Shuangfeng Forest is one of the best winter resorts in China. Soon, the wooden cottages and red lanterns can be seen on millions of travel feeds. It is known that some locals say that there are more photographers in the village than there are people, especially during high season.

How to Get to Shuangfeng Forest from Harbin

Firework in Shuangfeng Forest

Option 1: Organized Tours (Easiest for Foreign Visitors)

In case you do not speak Chinese, most of the hassle is eliminated by a group tour. The packages are normally round-trip transportation in Harbin, admission fees, a single night stay, and a guiding Mandarin Chinese speaking guide. There are some pricier alternatives with English guides, but these are not available everywhere.

The prices vary between ¥400-800 per person basing on the hotel and inclusions. Book via Ctrip or local agencies. One caution: do not be suspicious of prices that are lower than ¥300. These may include a compulsory shopping or bait-and-switch accommodation. This is the very problem which is mentioned in several TripAdvisor reviews. Spend a little more to be in peace of mind.

Option 2: Chartered Vehicle (Best for Flexibility)

By taking a personal car, you have a choice of schedule. Fancy stopping on the snowy mountain-road and taking pictures? No problem. Want an hour more in Yangcao Mountain? Done.

An example is a charter round trip between Harbin and Shuangfeng Forest 1600-2000 per car and not per person, so it is cheap when shared with friends. The motivation consumes between five and six hours. Majority of the drivers take you back the following day after staying over night.

Book in your Harbin hotel or hostel such as Kazy international youth hostel. Get your schedule straight in advance. WeChat is the most suitable to organize. Check on pick up time, place of drop, and whether the driver will take his own meals and accommodation.

Option 3: Public Bus (Budget-Friendly but Challenging)

Direct buses run from Harbin to Snow Town daily during winter. Tickets cost approximately ¥120 one-way—the cheapest option by far. Buses depart from Harbin Highway Passenger Station (哈尔滨公路客运站) in the morning.

The catch? Almost nobody speaks English. Signs are in Chinese only. And if you miss the return bus, you're stuck arranging alternatives on your own.

Some useful phrases to save on your phone:

• 雪乡 (Xuěxiāng) – Snow Town
• 几点发车？(Jǐ diǎn fāchē?) – What time does the bus leave?
• 买票 (Mǎi piào) – Buy ticket

This route works best for Mandarin speakers or confident solo travelers. Otherwise, the stress probably isn't worth the savings.

Practical Tips for Visiting Shuangfeng Forest

Roe Deer

Surviving -30°C: Essential Packing List

The cold climate of Shuangfeng Forest is no laughing matter! Temperatures drop to -25 degrees Celsius regularly, and the biting winds make matters worse. How you will enjoy your stay or spend most of it in heated areas will depend primarily upon how you pack.

Footwear matters most. Bring waterproof snow boots that offer good ankle support. The snow usually is deep (as deep as to the knees) and regular athletic sneakers will not work, and I have witnessed tourists wearing canvas shoes sobbing for not having prepared better.

Layer your clothing: thermal base layer (moisture-wicking), fleece or down mid-layer, and a windproof outer shell. Don't skip the face mask or balaclava. Exposed skin hurts at -30°C. Toss a few hand warmers (暖宝宝) into your pockets and boots.

Protect your electronics. Camera batteries will die quickly and easily in extreme cold temperatures. Keep your spare batteries in your inner jacket pocket (close to your body to retain heat) or insulated battery pockets, and your phone will also die quickly. A good backup battery will keep your phone warm also.

Where to Stay: Kang Bed Experience vs. Modern Hotels

Accommodation at Shuangfeng Forest falls into two categories: traditional family inns with heated brick beds, or modern hotels with standard amenities.

The kang (火炕) experience is worth trying at least once. These heated platforms stay warm all night—almost too warm, sometimes. Family-run guesthouses charge ¥400-800 per night and usually include home-cooked meals. The rooms are basic, but the atmosphere feels authentic. Note: most family inns accept foreign guests, but confirm when booking.

Hotels like Xueyun Hot Spring Resort offer more comfort: private bathrooms, temperature control, consistent service. Expect to pay ¥1,000-1,500 per night or higher during peak season. Convenient, yes—but you'll miss part of what makes Snow Town unique.

My suggestion? One night on a kang, then upgrade if you need recovery.

FAQ About Shuangfeng Forest

Q: Is China Snow Town worth the trip?

It depends on your expectations. If you want untouched wilderness, you'll find Snow Town too commercialized. But if you're chasing that fairy-tale winter village aesthetic—red lanterns, snow-covered rooftops, frozen everything—Shuangfeng Forest delivers like nowhere else in China. The experience is unique. Just know it's crowded during peak season, and prices run high. Come prepared for both, and you won't be disappointed.

Q: How cold does Shuangfeng Forest get in winter?

Temperatures at Shuangfeng Forest typically range from -15°C to -30°C between December and February. January is the coldest month, especially around dawn—expect -28°C or lower if you're catching sunrise at Yangcao Mountain. Wind chill makes it feel even harsher. Dress in layers, cover exposed skin, and limit outdoor time to two-hour stretches before warming up indoors.

Q: Can I visit Shuangfeng Forest without speaking Chinese?

Honestly, it's challenging. Almost nobody in Snow Town speaks English—not hotel staff, not vendors, not drivers. Signs are in Chinese only. Your best tools: a translation app like Google Translate or Pleco, screenshots of key phrases, and patience. Joining an organized tour with a guide removes most friction. Solo travelers can manage, but expect some awkward pointing and gesturing.

Q: How many days do I need in Shuangfeng Forest?

Two days and one night works for most visitors. The village itself is small—Xueyun Street runs about 500 meters. You can see the main attractions, catch sunrise, and take plenty of photos within 24 hours. A third day makes sense only if you're hiking from Snow Valley or want extra time for activities. Otherwise, you'll run out of things to do.

Q: Did Ice World in China ever open?

Yes—Harbin Ice and Snow World opens every winter, typically from late December through late February. The 26th edition opened December 21, 2024. It's a separate attraction from Shuangfeng Forest, located in Harbin city about 280 kilometers away. Many travelers combine both: a couple days in Harbin for ice sculptures, then head to Snow Town for the village experience. They complement each other well.

Q: Which month is best to visit Harbin and Shuangfeng Forest?

Mid-January hits the sweet spot. Snow coverage peaks, the Harbin Ice Festival is in full swing, and the scenery looks its best. Late December works too, though some attractions may still be setting up. Avoid Chinese New Year week (late January or early February) unless you enjoy massive crowds and inflated prices. Late February gets warmer, and snow starts melting—some years the Ice World closes early.

Q: What should I eat in Shuangfeng Forest?

Local family inns serve hearty northeastern dishes. Try tieguodun (铁锅炖)—a stew of chicken, pork, or fish cooked in a big iron pot. The fresh-fried potato chips (现炸土豆片) are surprisingly addictive, thin and crispy straight from the wok. For street snacks, grab frozen persimmons (冻柿子) or candied hawthorn sticks. Expect to pay ¥50-80 per person for a filling meal at a family restaurant.

Q: Can I combine Shuangfeng Forest with other attractions?

Absolutely. A popular five-day route covers Harbin, Yabuli Ski Resort, and Shuangfeng Forest. Start with two days in Harbin for Ice and Snow World and Central Street. Head to Yabuli for a day of skiing (¥180-300 for lift tickets). Then continue to Snow Town for one or two nights. Some travelers add Snow Valley for the hiking route. This loop captures the best of Heilongjiang's winter.

Q: Is Shuangfeng Forest suitable for children or elderly travelers?

Kids generally love it—snowball fights, sledding, frozen treats. Just bundle them properly; frostbite happens fast at -25°C. For elderly visitors, the cold poses more risk. The terrain is uneven and icy in places. Anyone with heart conditions or respiratory issues should consult a doctor first. If mobility is limited, stick to Xueyun Street and skip the mountain hikes. The village is manageable, but pace yourself.