Northeast China Graduation Trip: Classic Guide from Xuegu to Snow Town

For me, traveling is a habit; before I considered my own vacation, now it's everyone's vacation. Graduation trip to Northeast China, carving family and love on the pure white snow. This time in Northeast China, the first stop with friends, I chose my hometown—couldn't be better.

The itinerary was revised four or five times, aiming for authentic experiences, avoiding crowds, and maintaining cost-effectiveness. This travelogue also serves as a guide for friends coming to the north.

Day 4: New Year crossing Yangcao Mountain (horse-drawn sleigh + snowmobile + hiking) - Snow Town - Cold Ground Hot Springs - Stay at Snow Town Wanjia - Hotpot/Pot Meat Casserole

Day 5: Snow Town - Harbin - Shanhetun Iron Pot Stew - Ice and Snow World - Midnight BBQ - Stay at Zhonghua Baroque

Day 6: Wake up naturally - Stroll around Baroque Street - Gogol Bookstore / Second visit to Central Street / Second visit to Daoli Market - Return to Guangzhou

Tips are interspersed throughout to remind friends.

The day before departure, Harbin had continuous snowfall. We thought it was our friends' luck to see the beautiful ice city in snow, but reality hit: heavy snowfall delayed flights due to uncleared runways, causing constant postponements.

The first day of real fun was truly freezing. Our friends' gear was a bit thin for the weather, so we added more: Lei Feng hats, ski gloves, scarves, etc.

Clothing recommendations:

Top: Down jacket + sweater/fleece + T-shirt; ski suits can be rented at the ski resort.

Bottom: Thermal leggings + fleece pants.

Shoes: Snow boots with thick fur, must be non-slip.

Scarf; hat (or earmuffs if you don't like hats).

Mask: still needed due to COVID; those with glasses should note that wearing a mask and glasses together fogs up, like eating hotpot.

Gloves: ski gloves; regular wool gloves are too thin.

▲ Russian-style Street — Central Street

Perhaps like Huaihai Road in Shanghai or Qianmen in Beijing. A must-visit street, but feels less crowded than Yuyuan or Nanluoguxiang—maybe because of the cold.

▲ By day, admire architecture and colors; by night, see silhouettes and lights.

Buildings dating back to 1900 are designated immovable cultural relics.

▲ Russian-style Lunch — champagne, red wine, bread, beef stew, pickles, borscht

The Russian food made by locals is not fine dining; just enjoy the taste and atmosphere.

After lunch, walk halfway along Central Street to St. Sophia's Cathedral (about 15 minutes). Originally planned to take a car, but considering late-arriving friends hadn't seen Central Street, we walked instead, picking up Made'er ice pops along the way.

▲ Authentic and highly recommended by locals—Daoli Market

I highly recommend this place: fried pork loin, hawthorn cake, red sausage, pig trotters, dried sweet potatoes. Buying food here is safe; no worries about quality. If you need souvenirs for friends, shop freely.

It's right opposite St. Sophia's.

▲ After buying enough snacks at Daoli Market, we set off.

The drive from Ice City to Xuegu takes about 6 hours. Heavy snow two days prior made roads slippery, so we drove cautiously. The innkeeper booked the car—100 yuan per person, departing from near Central Street, very convenient.

▲ Prepare playlists, movies, or dramas for the ride.

▲ Waiting for us: a village with festive atmosphere, red lanterns, and authentic Northeast farmhouse cuisine.

▲ Skiing + Snow Spinner + Ice Scooter + Snow Tubing—unrestricted fun

The biggest advantage of this lesser-known village: no queues, no crowds, no time limits.

▲ Bonfires and lanterns light the paths; fireworks aren't as grand as Victoria Harbour.

After a day of play, everyone slept early; a few night owls shared their joy in group chats and moments. Though not according to plan, spontaneous fun suits those who prefer relaxed travel.

After the playground, a grand bonfire party awaited us. Free! Also, log lifters reenacted old logging calls.

Follow the music, spinning with the power of love.

Tired, we returned to the inn for frozen pears, chatted with Auntie Cui, and felt the warmth of the locals.

Tips for Xuegu:

1. Across a mountain from Snow Town. Xuegu has different forest farms: nearest is Dongsheng Forest Farm at the foot, slightly farther is Changqing Forest Farm. We chose Dongsheng.

2. Some small shops in the forest farm sell essentials like snacks, drinks, non-slip ice claws, sleds—affordable. So buy snacks locally to avoid heavy luggage.

3. Many inns available online; some restaurants, but most inns offer meals. You can order with the innkeeper. We stayed at Xiangsi Inn; Auntie Cui's cooking was delicious, and the nearby convenience store was handy.

▲ Carry supplies, hike through the forest and snowfields.

▲ Ride a horse-drawn sleigh, then a snowmobile with close friends to welcome the end of school days.

Tips for crossing Yangcao Mountain:

1. Crossing ticket: 40 yuan/person, purchased on-site.

2. Luggage not needed; daily baggage trucks go from Xuegu to Snow Town: suitcase 50 yuan/piece, package 30 yuan/piece. Arrange with inn, but book a day in advance.

3. If uneasy with few people, hire a local guide (not expensive). Ask the innkeeper to arrange. The whole route has clear signs and footprints; a guide isn't necessary.

4. Carry a light backpack with thermos, hand warmers, chocolate or energy bars. If shoes are slippery, buy ice claws at the supermarket or where you get off the sleigh (supermarket is cheaper).

5. Ascent is 10 km total: first 5 km can be done by horse-drawn sleigh; second part by snowmobile (full 5 km or half 2.5 km). Suggest half to keep some hiking fun.

6. At the summit, there's a rest stop (also Snow Town ticket office) with restrooms, hot water, simple meals; fair prices—instant noodles 10 yuan. Buy Snow Town entrance ticket here to descend: 115 yuan, shuttle bus 5 yuan (optional, short ride).

7. Descent is 5 km, fairly flat—walk or ride. For walking, buy a sled to slide down slopes.

Mountain views are stunning.

Tips for picking up luggage in Snow Town:

1. After hiking, enter Snow Town near the big stele and bonfire square; luggage collection is at the other side, Shanhetun mountain gate.

2. The main street, Xueyun Street, is pedestrian; walking to luggage collection takes 15–20 minutes. Take the shuttle bus (5 yuan) for a short cut.

3. Luggage storage fee: 10 yuan per piece.

4. If luggage is heavy, hire a sled to drag it to the hotel.

Arriving in Snow Town around 3 PM, smoke curls, sunset nears—enjoying day and night views together.

▲ Beautiful night view of Snow Town—a true online-famous ice and snow fairy tale world.

Tips for Snow Town:

1. No more overcharging; all items and meals have clear prices.

2. Book accommodation early—much earlier, especially for Spring Festival and New Year.

3. One night is enough. Choose from homestays (mostly heated kangs), hotels (expensive hot spring hotels), RVs. For cheaper options, stay at Erlanghe.

Snow Town is stunning—like a vivid fairy tale. Friends took photos and posted them.

▲ The return trip from Snow Town to Harbin is long, just like before.

But this time, it's morning, with light all the way.

Scenery along the road.

▲ Ice and Snow World: huge ice architecture—even locals find it beautiful.

It was also a Spring Festival Gala venue in recent years. Adult ticket: 290 yuan; discounts for Guangdong or Changchun ID holders at 200 yuan per person.

DAY 6: Wake up naturally to Baroque, nostalgic Gogol Street.

▲ Old but renovated Baroque district, perfect for black-and-white memories.

Zhonghua Baroque Street.

▲ A morning with light is ideal for saying goodbye to Harbin.

Also second visits to Central Street and Daoli Market for souvenirs—no photos here.

Tips for dining throughout:

1. Recommended dishes (even for locals):

- Iron pot stew: any place is good; goose stew is excellent.

- Laochang Spring Pancakes: a must-eat for me.

- Northeast farmhouse dishes: similar flavors—homely cold dishes, tiger salad, Guo Bao Rou, Demoli fish stew, chicken stew with mushrooms, Northeast stew.

- Lao Ma's Shaomai and BBQ: many old eateries in Daowai (Baroque Street); choose based on reviews.

2. Local drinks: Qiulin Kvass, Zhenzhen (lychee soda), Kaiwei Hawthorn Juice, Big White Pear, Jianlibao, Red Apple.

3. Serving sizes are large; order 0.8–1 dish per person.

4. Per person cost: 50 yuan is enough for good food (excluding alcohol).

Book shared or private cars in advance. Contact the innkeeper—very convenient.

Travel during peak season—book early. Harbin hotel prices in winter increase about every half month.

Booking in early November can save at least 50% compared to last minute.

Throughout the trip, try hotels, specialty inns, and heated kangs for the best experience.

See you next time, sunny but cold Harbin.

Goodbye, student days.

Other questions? Leave comments, will update gradually.

Travelogue Contents: 1. Itinerary 2. DAY 1: Harbin Snow Concerto 3. DAY 2: First Encounter with Extreme Cold: From Ice City to Xuegu 4. DAY 3: Unrestricted Snow Play, Quiet New Year's Eve 5. DAY 4: Crossing Snow Town's Yangcao Mountain 6. DAY 5: All White, Heading to Bustling Ice and Snow World

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