Northern highlights

Red-crowned cranes at Zhalong National Nature Reserve in Qiqihar.  [Photo provided to China Daily]

A large-scale "winter world" in Hulan River's wetlands will open to the public.

Visitors can ski over 200,000 square meters, explore a 25-meter-high artificial iceberg and zoom down an 800-meter ice chute. It'll also host virtual-reality experiences and automobile shows.

Visitors can explore Daqing on hovercraft that glide across the snow. And they can play ice golf or dip into steamy hot springs.

Qiqihar will get athletic with hockey, and speed and figure skating competitions. The city will also stage cultural performances on snowy fields.

Wudalianchi will open a 30,000-square-meter hot spring area. Visitors can play golf in the snow, and hike woodlands and volcanoes.

They can also do ice fishing and ride snowmobiles.

Indeed, Heilongjiang has upped its ante as a jackpot for wintertime travelers looking for thrills and chills. It increasingly seems a great place to cash in on the cold.

Contact the writer at yangfeiyue@chinadaily.com.cn

NEW ROUTES

Harbin-Yabuli-Xuexiang-Fenghuang Mountains

View art carved from snow and ice, and ski. The scenery is best observed from mountaintops.

Harbin-Daqing-Qiqihar-Wudalianchi

Winter leisure. Hot spring resorts. Wetlands. Volcanoes.

Harbin-Hufengling-Hengdaohezi-Mudan-jiang-Jingpo Lake

Shamanism. Fishing. Scenery.

Harbin-Tieli-Yichun-Kurbin

Snow-draped forests and rime-encrusted sceneries in the Lesser Khingan Mountains.

Harbin-Mohe-Beiji Village

Merry Christmas! All winter. Plus "polar-night" experiences.