Itinerary · 7 days · balanced
China ski resorts in 7 days
Wanlong near Beijing, then a flight north to Jilin province for Beidahu or Yabuli in Heilongjiang — the best ski in China.
China's ski industry expanded rapidly after the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, with significant investment in snow-making, lift infrastructure, and internationally certified instruction. The resorts worth visiting fall into two groups: those near Beijing (Wanlong, Genting Secret Garden, Nanshan) which offer convenience but limited vertical; and the northeast resorts (Beidahu near Jilin city, Yabuli in Heilongjiang, and Changbaishan's Wanda resort) which have proper mountain terrain, colder temperatures, and natural snowfall from November through March. This itinerary combines both zones.
Day by day
Day 1 · beijing
Arrive Beijing — gear hire and orientation
Arrive and check in. Beijing has several large ski equipment rental shops in the Chaoyang district. Wanlong Resort is 3.5 hours from Beijing by road — a private transfer or group shuttle is the standard option;. If arriving late, the following morning is a better departure point.
Day 2 · wanlong
Wanlong Resort — arrive and first runs
Wanlong Ski Resort (Chongli county, Zhangjiakou) was a competition venue for the 2022 Winter Olympics. The resort has 34 runs and 1,000 m vertical — respectable by Chinese standards. Afternoon skiing, evening at the resort village.
Day 3 · wanlong
Wanlong — full ski day
Full day on the mountain. The upper bowls have genuine off-piste terrain when conditions allow; the groomers on the north-facing slopes hold snow well into March. Ski school operates in English and Mandarin — booking ahead is advisable during peak season (Chinese New Year and winter school holidays).
Day 4 · changchun
Return to Beijing, fly north to Changchun or Jilin
Road transfer back to Beijing (3.5 hours), then flight north to Changchun or Jilin City. Beidahu Resort is 60 km from Jilin City by road. Check in at resort accommodation.
Day 5 · beidahu
Beidahu — technical terrain and rime-ice trees
Beidahu (North Big Lake) Resort has 43 runs and 900 m vertical. The mountain's northeast exposure preserves cold smoke powder — a dry, light snow that the northeast's continental climate produces at its best. Jilin City's famous rime-ice (wuling) phenomenon decorates the resort trees during cold snaps and is a distinct visual draw alongside the skiing.
Day 6 · changbaishan
Option A: Beidahu day 2 / Option B: Changbaishan
Two options: repeat at Beidahu for another full day of skiing, or take a 3-hour road connection south to Changbaishan Wanda International Resort — a purpose-built resort with 42 runs, higher snowfall guarantee, and proximity to the Changbai Mountain volcanic caldera lake (Tianchi).
Day 7 · changchun
Return flight south — depart
Morning flight from Changchun or Jilin City to Beijing, Shanghai, or direct international connections. Changchun airport has multiple international routes; return routing depends on onward plans.
Budget guide (CNY per day)
| Backpacker | ¥550 |
| Mid-range | ¥1400 |
| Comfortable | ¥3500 |
Lift passes range CNY 280–680/day at these resorts; resort accommodation adds CNY 400–2000/night. Budget excludes two domestic flights.
Cities covered
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