Xuexiang Village, Heilongjiang Province（黑龍江省雪鄉(xiāng)村）

Harbin has always been the center of attention as far as winter tourism is concerned, with its ice and snow festival every January. However, 300 miles outside the city, in the Shuangfeng Forest in Mudanjiang City, lies a small village said to be the ultimate winter destination. Closed off by surrounding mountains, the village, aptly named Xuexiang, or "home of snow," has steadily built up its reputation among tourists over the last few years.

Famous for its snow-covered landscapes, there is snow on the ground for as many as seven months a year, with the depth of snow reaching two meters. It consists of around 20 wooden houses decorated with strings of golden corn and red chili peppers hung up to dry, creating a winter wonderland. It is a perfect place for skiing, sledging, making snowmen and snowball fights. The best times to visit are January, February, March, November and December.