Provincial Attraction Guides

Western Hubei's deep gorge, with cliff-edge walkways, a famous lone pillar and a fraction of the crowds that China's headline landscapes attract.

Asia's largest waterfall system, and one of the few places where you can walk behind the falling water: how to plan a day at Huangguoshu and when to go.

Two lakes, one plateau road: Qinghai Lake's scale and birdlife, and Chaka's salt flats that mirror the sky — with altitude, weather and timing deciding how good the photographs are.

Walk Harbin's 1898 European-style Central Street, photograph Saint Sophia in the snow, eat a Madier ice pop, and skate the frozen Songhua River.

Xi'an in winter: the City Wall Lantern Festival, the cold-weather Song of Everlasting Sorrow at Huaqing Palace, thin crowds and lowest hotel prices.

Emei in winter: the 48m golden Samantabhadra statue over a sea of clouds, rime-glazed pines, RMB 110 low-season tickets and temple entries now free.

Jiuzhaigou in low season: blue ice on Long Lake, the frozen Nuorilang Waterfall, one-tenth the crowds and RMB 160 total tickets.

Huangshan's fifth season: rime-glazed pines, snow ridges, sea of clouds and sunrise, with winter tickets at RMB 150 and quiet trails.

Xinjiang's Altay is the 12,000-year-old birthplace of skiing: Jikepulin's 100+ runs, Keketuohai's 240-day season and the fairy-tale Tuva village of Hemu.

Winter Nadam in Hulunbuir: ice racing, camel rides, yurt camps and the ancient games of the Mongolian steppe in its snow-covered glory.

Sun Island Snow Expo in Harbin: the grandest snow sculpture art in China, best in daylight — the perfect daytime pairing for the Ice & Snow World.

Mohe and Arctic Village: China's northernmost settlement, aurora nights, -40 degree winter, the northernmost post office and ice experiences.

Changchun Ice & Snow New World: a 400-metre ice slide, light shows and 1.24 million New Year visitors — Harbin's calmer, cheaper winter rival.

Changbai Mountain winter: the frozen Heavenly Lake, powder skiing at Wanda, volcanic hot springs and rime rafting — a complete Jilin winter destination.