The ethnic diversity, folk celebrations, and vast and varied landscapes set the Inner Mongolia and the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous regions apart from the rest of China as cold weather getaways. The Mongolian and Uygur cultures add a unique flavor to these winter tourism destinations.

Visitors can experience yurts and horseback riding across snowy grasslands or partake in the Naadam Fair to appreciate traditional Mongolian wrestling, archery, and horse racing. In Xinjiang, the Uygur culture takes evident forms in ethnic performances, traditional handicrafts, and regional cuisine like laghman (Uygurstyle noodles with flavorful sauces) and kebabs, which are especially appealing during the cold months.

Additionally, vast grasslands across Inner Mongolia can transform into a serene, white wonderland for visitors to experience activities like ice fishing, dog sledding, and snowmobiling.

Forests in Arxan

The Hinggan League in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region boasts an area of 60,000 square kilometers and is home to rich grasslands, forests, wetlands, hot springs, snow and ice. Winter blesses the region with exceptional tourism resources.

Arxan in the northwest of the league boasts breathtaking forest landscapes and a rich and unique forest culture. At the Lujiaowan (deer horn bay) Forest Ranch, countless surprises await in winter, where tourists can experience the exhilarating rush of horseback riding, the precision of archery, and driving a snowmobile across the vast, snow-covered fields.

Tourists can join a team collaboration on an ice dragon boat or try the thrill of combat in a snow-covered world in the real-life version of the video game Counter-Strike.

Adorable animals ranging from leisurely strolling sika deer and galloping horses to herds of cows, sheep, and camels add a touch of exotic charm, bringing warmth and joy to the winter landscape.

About a 40-minute drive away, the Bailangfeng scenic spot offers views of sparkling rime. It has a carefully designed viewing platform that offers visitors a panoramic view of the extensive forests. As the sun rises, the scene becomes a silver wave, with each tree covered in frost sparkling in the sun rays. As the gentle breeze blows, the branches sway slightly to produce a wind chime melody.

The Unfrozen River runs through Arxan National Forest Park in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region. [Photo by LIU ZHAOMING/FOR CHINA DAILY]

Folk experiences are accessible at Bailang town, 11 km from Bailangfeng. The town prepares a winter tradition known as "rolling ice", symbolizing the removal of bad luck and illnesses. Be sure to see the town's bark painting made of rough birchbark meticulously peeled and separated into up to 40 layers, each with a different tint.

The Arxan National Forest Park, about 90 km from the town, hosts one of Asia's largest volcanic geological sites — Shitang Forest — where volcanic stones of varying sizes and uneven surfaces are exposed in the snow like scattered round mushrooms. The volcanic crater lake — Tuofengling Tianchi, formed 300,000 years ago — is a highlight, while the Santan Gorge hosts glistening jade-green waters.

The Unfrozen River running through the park is a natural wonder as it never freezes even when temperatures drop to-30 C.

The forest park is home to a variety of wildlife. [Photo by LIU GUOXING/FOR CHINA DAILY]

If you go

Inner Mongolia: It's about a two-hour flight from Beijing to Ulaanhot, gateway to Hinggan League. Don't miss the roasted lamb seasoned with herbs and spices, and Mongolian milk tea that is an essential part of daily life. The hearty beverage is a staple for herders and is perfect for cold weather. Mongolian wool is highly regarded for its softness and warmth, and traditional wool coats are popular souvenirs.