7 Ways to Take Advantage of China in the Wintertime
You’re in China for the winter and are wondering to yourself, “What to do?” While many take the opportunity to head south for warmer weather, there are a plethora of fun cold weather options available. Are you ready? Let’s explore China’s winter wonderland!
STOP ONE: 北京长城 – ｜Běijīng Chángchéng | Beijing Great Wall
The Great Wall is one of the oldest man-made structures in the world: more than 2,000 years old! Seeing it up close is an absolute must, ESPECIALLY when it is coated with a majestic layer of snow. The closest section from Beijing is Jūyōngguān (居庸关). However, some travelers find this section less interesting in comparison to other sections. The next closest and most popular (and therefore most crowded) one is Bādálǐng (八达岭). But, if you’re willing to head a bit farther away from Beijing and the crowds, then check out Mùtiányù (慕田峪), the section of the wall surrounded by a beautiful mountainous backdrop. Even further away and also surrounded by mountains are Jīnshānlǐng (金山岭) and Sīmǎtái (司馬臺) which are both perfect for those who are up for a hiking adventure.
Spring and Autumn are the best seasons to see the Great Wall. Summer is very hot, and walking in the snow in Winter can be a bit dangerous. If you do choose to go in Summer or Winter, make sure you are dressed accordingly and are wearing proper footwear.
Getting there: Book a tour in advance at your hotel. Take note that the busiest times are weekends and holidays. You should take several hours to explore whichever section you choose.
怎么买去八达岭得票？| Zěnme mǎi qù bādálǐng de piào? | How do I buy a ticket to Badaling?
到八达岭长城多少钱？离得远吗？| Dào bādálǐng chángchéng duōshǎo qián? Lí dé yuǎn ma? | (Asking a taxi driver) How much is it to Badaling Great Wall? Is it far?
STOP TWO: 太阳岛 ｜Tàiyáng dǎo | Sun Island
Sun Island is filled with awe-inspiring snow sculptures during the annual Ice Festival that takes place from December 21, 2016 to February 28, 2016. Some visitors find the entrance fee a bit steep at 250 RMB, but I believe it is worth the price of admission — it is a lovely place to take a stroll and try the park’s delicious variety of Russian foods (slightly random, but the food is hearty, delicious and perfectly suited for cold weather). The park also has a convenient bus service. If you can withstand the cold, then I highly suggest you take a few hours to view the snow sculptures at Sun Island!
请给我拍一下。 | Qǐng gěi wǒ pài yíxià. | Please take my picture.
我在哪里可以坐公共汽车？ | Wǒ zài nǎlǐ kěyǐ zuò gōnggòng qìchē? | Where can I get the bus?
STOP THREE: 黄山｜Huángshān | Yellow Mountain
It has been stated that the most beautiful time to trek through Huangshan is during winter, and it’s actually the least crowded during this season. One recommendation is to take walk down Xihai Canyon (西海峡谷 Xīhǎi Xiágǔ) for its views of craggy rocks set amongst foggy skies. If you want to see the sunrise, you should research accommodations so you can spend one day hiking up the mountain; stay overnight and wake up early. If that doesn’t interest you, simply the cable car up and hike down. People who have visited Huángshān have described it as nothing less than majestic and otherworldly. Definitely add it to your “must see” list.
黄山爬山要多长时间？ | Huángshān páshān yào duō cháng shíjiān? | How long does it take to climb Huángshān?
什么时候是最好的爬山时间? | Shénme shíhòu shì zuì hǎo de páshān shíjiān? | When is the best time to climb (the mountain)?
爬山要注意哪些事项? | Páshān yào zhùyì nǎxiē shìxiàng? | What should I watch out for when climbing?
你能推荐一个便宜的地方住吗？ | nǐ néng tuījiàn yí gè piányì de dìfang zhù ma? | Can you recommend a cheap place to stay?
STOP FOUR: 北京南山滑雪场 | Běijīng Nánshān huáxuě chǎng | Beijing Nanshan Ski Village
Nanshan Ski Village is about an hour and a half drive from Beijing. The cost is around 300 RMB per person, which includes the entrance fee, equipment rental and a 3 hour pass — If you would like a discount, you should reserve entrance tickets in advance.
Because this is the closest ski resort from Beijing, it can get very crowded. As a result, you may want to avoid weekends and holidays. Note that guests have made a couple complaints about this resort, including old equipment, ski coaches that ask for tips even though they are not required to receive them, dirty toilets, poor medical treatment, and fake snow. However, if you are prepared for that, and just need a quick
STOP FIVE: 怀北国际滑雪场 | Huáiběi guójì huáxuě chǎng | Huaibei International Ski Resort
Contrary to the name, this resort is not quite international: there seems to be a severe shortage of English speaking staff. In order to avoid long lines when you arrive at this resort, call to make your reservation and get lower ticket prices 1-2 days in advance. There may be only one shuttle bus to the resort and it takes 1.5 to 2 hours from Beijing city center.
The ski equipment is decent, but if you have your own, you should bring it. If you choose to rent equipment, it should cost around 135 RMB for the day, but requires a 300 RMB deposit. After you are done on the slopes grab some traditional Chinese BBQ for a uniquely Chinese spin on aprés ski. One thing you should be wary of at Huaibei are coaches (who may or may not work at the resort!) shaking you down for tips.
你有没有新滑雪装备？ | Nǐ yǒu méiyǒu xīn huáxuě zhuāngbèi? |
Do you have any new ski equipment?
这包括小费吗？ | Zhè bāokuò xiǎofèi ma? | Does this include tips?
STOP SIX: 哈尔滨国际冰雪节 | Hā’ěrbīn guójì bīngxuě jié | Harbin International Ice & Snow Sculpture Festival
Be prepared and well bundled up for extremely low temperatures (it can dip to -35 Fahrenheit in February)! Tickets for the Harbin Festival go for 500 RMB but you may find a lower price if you purchase them in advance. This is also a good idea because lines can get pretty long to buy tickets at the park — and few things are more miserable then waiting in the snow.
The ice sculptures are illuminated at night, so you may want to go there after dark.
Some of the park’s attractions from previous years included an icicle-type slide, and a large ice-skating rink. It is recommended that you take public transportation because it is safer than taking a taxi. You need to speak Chinese to ask for directions and/or read bus timetables so make sure you come armed with a list of useful phrases, or have a personal tour guide to help you get in and around Harbin.
附近有咖啡厅吗？| Fùjìn yǒu kāfēi tīng ma? | Is there a cafe nearby?
我在哪里可以买一件外套？| Wǒ zài nǎlǐ kěyǐ mǎi yī jiàn wàitào? | Where can I buy a coat?
STOP SEVEN: Shop ’til you drop
Outdoor winter activities are just not your thing? Luckily enough, Beijing hosts a bevy of popular shopping areas. One of the most fun aspects of shopping in these areas are the propensity for bargains. Be prepared and don’t be afraid to heckle the seller for a lower in price — it doesn’t even need to be in Chinese, they’ll most likely understand what you’re saying. With that, this lesson on ChinesePod does provide some useful tips on haggling down a price in Chinese.
The following places are your one-stop-shop for shoes, suitcases, handbags, designer’s clothes, tailors, jewelry and more.
红桥市场 ｜Hóngqiáo shìchǎng | Pearl Market (Hongqiao Market)
Located at 东城区天坛东路46号｜Dōngchéng Qū Tiāntán dōnglù 46 hào
秀水街商场 ｜Xiùshuǐ jiē shāngchǎng | Silk Market
Located at 朝阳区建国门外大街秀水东街8号｜Chāoyáng Qū Jiànguó mén wài dàjiē xiùshuǐ dōngjiē 8 hào
雅秀市场 ｜Yǎxiù shìchǎng | Yashow Clothing Market
Located at 朝阳区工人体育场北路58号｜Chāoyáng Qū Gōngrén tǐyùchǎng běilù 58 hào
So there you have it. Disrupt your daily Hot Pot and binge-watching of Chinese TV Dramas during the winter with one of the options on this list. There are many tour companies in China (usually found in hotel lobbies) that will help you get out of the city and see historical landmarks in addition to beautiful landscapes, mountains and rivers–accented by the winter landscape. Be adventurous and make the most of your winter in China.
Don’t head out without the language skills you need to get you where you want to go! Take advantage of ChinesePod’s exclusive blog offer by clicking the button below to start your journey today!
Vocabulary Recap
Places
北京长城 ｜Běijīng Chángchéng ｜Beijing Great Wall
居庸关 ｜Jūyōngguān
八达岭 ｜Bādálǐng
慕田峪 ｜Mùtiányù
金山岭 ｜Jīnshānlǐng
司馬臺 ｜Sīmǎtái
太阳岛 ｜Tàiyáng dǎo ｜ Sun Island
黄山｜Huángshān ｜ Yellow Mountain
西海峡谷 | Xīhǎi Xiágǔ | Xihai Canyon (Part of 黄山｜Huángshān ｜Yellow Mountain)
北京南山滑雪场 | Běijīng Nánshān huáxuě chǎng | Beijing Nanshan Ski Village
怀北国际滑雪场 | Huáiběi guójì huáxuě chǎng | Huaibei International Ski Resort
哈尔滨国际冰雪节 ｜Hā’ěrbīn guójì bīngxuě jié ｜Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival
Useful Phrases
怎么买去八达岭得票？| Zěnme mǎi qù bādálǐng de piào? | How do I buy a ticket to Badaling?
到八达岭长城多少钱？离得远吗？| Dào bādálǐng chángchéng duōshǎo qián? Lí dé yuǎn ma? | (Asking a taxi driver) How much is it to Badaling Great Wall? Is it far?
请给我拍一下。 | Qǐng gěi wǒ pài yíxià. | Please take my picture.
我在哪里可以坐公共汽车？ | Wǒ zài nǎlǐ kěyǐ zuò gōnggòng qìchē? | Where can I get the bus?
黄山爬山要多长时间？| Huángshān páshān yào duō cháng shíjiān? | How long does it take to climb Huángshān?
什么时候是最好的爬山时间? | Shénme shíhòu shì zuì hǎo de páshān shíjiān? | When is the best time to climb (the mountain)?
爬山要注意哪些事项? | Páshān yào zhùyì nǎxiē shìxiàng? | What should I watch out for when climbing?
你能推荐一个便宜的地方住吗？ | nǐ néng tuījiàn yí gè piányì de dìfang zhù ma? | Can you recommend a cheap place to stay?
你有没有新滑雪装备？| Nǐ yǒu méiyǒu xīn huáxuě zhuāngbèi? | Do you have any new ski equipment?
这包括小费吗？| Zhè bāokuò xiǎofèi ma? | Does this include tips?
附近有咖啡厅吗？ | Fùjìn yǒu kāfēi tīng ma? | Is there a cafe nearby?
我在哪里可以买一件外套？ | Wǒ zài nǎlǐ kěyǐ mǎi yī jiàn wàitào? | Where can I buy a coat?
Even More Useful Phrases
你能帮帮忙吗？ | Nǐ néng bāng bāngmáng ma? | Can you help me?
你会说i英语吗？ | Nǐ huì shuō yīngyǔ ma? | Do you speak English?
我可以上网吗？ | Wǒ kěyǐ shàngwǎng ma? | Can I get on the internet?
厕所在哪儿？ | Cèsuǒ zài nǎ’er? | Where is the bathroom?
请问在哪儿可以找到出租车？ | Qǐngwèn zài nǎ’er kěyǐ zhǎodào chūzū chē? | Where can I find the taxis?
这是多少钱？ | Zhè shì duōshǎo qián? | How much does this cost?
商店几点开门/关门？ | Shāngdiàn jǐ diǎn kāimén/guānmén? | At what time does the store open/close?
我想要这个。 | Wǒ xiǎng yào zhège. | I would like this.
Natasha Davis
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