Hot culture in a cold climate

Folk experiences are accessible at Bailang town, 11 km from Bailangfeng. The town prepares a winter tradition known as "rolling ice", symbolizing the removal of bad luck and illnesses. Be sure to see the town's bark painting made of rough birchbark meticulously peeled and separated into up to 40 layers, each with a different tint.

The Arxan National Forest Park, about 90 km from the town, hosts one of Asia's largest volcanic geological sites — Shitang Forest — where volcanic stones of varying sizes and uneven surfaces are exposed in the snow like scattered round mushrooms. The volcanic crater lake — Tuofengling Tianchi, formed 300,000 years ago — is a highlight, while the Santan Gorge hosts glistening jade-green waters.

The Unfrozen River running through the park is a natural wonder as it never freezes even when temperatures drop to-30 C.