It's not that Harbin is unaffordable, but Longqing Gorge is more cost-effective.

Address: Longqing Gorge, Gucheng Village, Jiuxian Town, Yanqing District, Beijing, 39th Ice Lantern and Snow Carnival
Tickets: CNY 140 (half-price ticket CNY 70)
Longqing Gorge Ice Lantern Festival is the most famous ice lantern festival in Beijing, and this year it's called the Ice and Snow Wonderland. It is said that professional ice sculptors from Harbin were invited to carve the ice sculptures this year. I thought, then I don't have to go all the way to Harbin in the winter to see the ice sculptures, I can just see them at Longqing Gorge!
When I entered the ice lantern exhibition, I shivered from the cold, as if I had entered a freezer. There were all kinds of ice sculptures, colorful, including Nuwa and Fuwa, Vermilion Bird, maze, Nantianmen, etc. The ice palace and ice Longqing Gorge were all carved out, looking more and more like the Dragon Palace. There were two big fish frozen in two big ice blocks! An ice sculpture called "Ice Wukong" had its hands folded in front of its chest, holding a golden cudgel, with its eyes closed in deep thought, looking very lifelike, really nice! The ice waterfall was super spectacular and very beautiful.
There are New Year markets at the entrance and exit of the ice lantern exhibition, selling lots of food and drinks. Friends who are frozen can eat something warm. Friends who want to see the ice lantern exhibition can enjoy it here, just keep warm.

Post by LILIAN SAVAGE | Feb 3, 2025