Heilongjiang Launches Ice-and-Snow Themed Tourism Loop Train, Offering a Six-Day Winter Adventure Through the Stunning Snow-Covered Landscapes of Northeast China

Published on December 29, 2025

In an exciting development for winter tourism in China, a new ice- and snow-themed tourism loop train has begun a six-day journey across Heilongjiang Province. This ambitious project, set to launch in late December 2025, will take travellers on an immersive journey through one of the world’s most enchanting winter destinations. The train, which is an important part of Heilongjiang’s strategy to expand its winter tourism offerings, provides a scenic route that highlights the region’s world-renowned snow landscapes and winter activities. With winter tourism as the province’s primary economic driver, this initiative creates new opportunities for cultural exchange while also highlighting the region’s natural beauty.

Setting the Scene: The Train’s Unique Theme

This specially designed tourism train, known as the Y999/998, departs from Harbin East Railway Station, taking passengers on a thrilling six-day adventure. The train’s design and the experiences it offers have been curated to match the region’s winter wonderland. Onboard, travellers can expect to enjoy performances, cultural activities, and themed decorations that reflect the province’s traditional winter festivals. The loop train route weaves through snow-covered forests, ice festivals, and other key tourist spots, with passengers able to observe picturesque snow villages and experience local traditions and hospitality along the way.

The Journey Through Heilongjiang’s Winter Beauty

The route of the ice-and-snow-themed train has been carefully planned to offer tourists a taste of Heilongjiang’s best winter attractions. The journey takes visitors through Harbin, one of China’s most famous winter destinations, known for its vibrant Ice and Snow Festival, Snow Sculpture Art Expo, and the mesmerizing Harbin Ice Festival. As the train travels further, it makes stops at iconic places such as Yabuli, China’s largest ski resort, and China Snow Town (Xuexiang), where the snow-covered cottages and pristine landscapes create an unforgettable atmosphere for travellers.

Cultural and Scenic Highlights Along the Route

One of the main draws of the train service is its ability to connect visitors to the cultural and natural treasures of Heilongjiang. At China Snow Town, guests can marvel at the serene beauty of snow-dusted trees and rooftops, which have become a photographer’s paradise. Known for its untouched snow cover, this area offers an authentic experience of life in China’s frozen northeast. Visitors often enjoy snow activities such as skiing, sledging, and snowboarding, while also participating in traditional folk performances, further enriching their winter experience.

In addition, the Y999/998 train has scheduled stops at the Harbin International Ice Sculpture Festival, where tourists can witness larger-than-life ice sculptures, some reaching impressive heights of 10 metres or more. These sculptures are made from ice blocks extracted from the nearby Songhua River, and their delicate beauty shines under coloured lights, offering a spectacle like no other. The cultural and entertainment experiences on board the train are designed to complement these outdoor adventures, allowing passengers to enjoy the local cuisine, art, and music throughout their journey.

A Growing Trend in Winter Tourism

Heilongjiang’s new ice-and-snow-themed loop train is not the first of its kind to emerge in the region. In fact, a growing trend of winter tourism trains has been gaining momentum over the past few years. Previous initiatives, such as the Y783 tourism train, have proven the region’s potential to attract winter sports enthusiasts, nature lovers, and cultural travellers alike. These trains cater to both local and international tourists, offering specially tailored itineraries that connect the winter beauty of Heilongjiang with China’s cultural and historical roots.

The Y999/998 train is an extension of this growing winter tourism strategy, with the aim of boosting both domestic and inbound tourism. By enhancing accessibility to some of the region’s most sought-after winter destinations, the train service plays a key role in elevating Heilongjiang’s position as a leading winter destination in China. The six-day journey has been meticulously crafted to balance relaxation with adventure, ensuring that each stop provides a new experience for visitors.

Building a Sustainable Future for Winter Tourism

While the primary focus of the train journey is to enhance tourism, there is also a significant emphasis on sustainability. The tourism industry in Heilongjiang is keen to showcase the region’s natural beauty while promoting environmentally conscious practices. The ice-and-snow-themed loop train operates with low environmental impact, ensuring that the natural landscapes remain untouched by mass tourism. The development of infrastructure such as this train service is part of a broader effort to make the province’s tourism offerings more sustainable, with a focus on preserving its iconic snow-covered landscapes.

The Economic Impact of Winter Tourism

Winter tourism in Heilongjiang has long been a vital part of the local economy. The introduction of services like the Y999/998 train aims to further boost the province’s tourism sector, creating jobs and supporting local businesses. With more tourists flocking to the region during the winter season, Heilongjiang has the opportunity to capitalise on this influx by developing additional services, accommodations, and experiences to cater to both foreign and domestic visitors.

The seasonal nature of the province’s winter tourism also encourages long-term planning for the region’s economy. By attracting visitors year after year, Heilongjiang is positioning itself as a top-tier winter destination in China. The ice-and-snow-themed tourism loop train is an exciting part of this future, offering a unique experience for those seeking an adventure in one of China’s most striking winter landscapes.

Looking Ahead: Future Expansion of Themed Tourism Trains

The introduction of the Y999/998 ice-and-snow tourism train marks just the beginning of Heilongjiang’s ambitions to enhance its winter tourism sector. Authorities in the region are already planning to expand these themed rail services further, offering more routes and more opportunities for tourists to experience the magic of winter in northeast China. By capitalising on the increasing demand for winter travel, Heilongjiang hopes to build a lasting legacy of snow tourism and attract even more visitors in the years to come.

Conclusion

Heilongjiang’s ice-and-snow-themed tourism loop train is more than just a mode of transportation; it’s an invitation to explore the region’s breathtaking winter landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and thrilling outdoor activities. As the train departs on its six-day journey, it ushers in a new era of winter tourism in China, allowing visitors to explore the beauty of the north while enjoying the comforts of a fully themed and immersive journey. This initiative represents a forward-thinking approach to tourism in the region, providing limitless opportunities for exploration and adventure.