Beijing: Longing Gorge Ice Festival w/Optional Activities

Beijing: Longqing Gorge Ice Festival w/Optional Activities — A Detailed Review

When visiting Beijing in winter, few experiences match the stunning visual impact of the Longqing Gorge Ice Festival. Priced at $188 per person, this 6-8 hour tour offers a chance to see over 400 ice sculptures illuminated at night, along with optional visits to iconic sites like the Badaling Great Wall, the Ming Tombs, or the Summer Palace. It’s a day packed with remarkable sights and cultural insights, all wrapped in a comfortable, private-group setting.

One of the things we love about this tour is the chance to see the spectacular ice sculptures—they are both artistically impressive and fun to explore, especially as they glow under lights after dark. The other highlight is the flexibility of options; whether you’re keen on walking along the Great Wall or exploring imperial tombs, the itinerary adapts to your interests.

A potential downside is that the ice festival is mostly indoors and only operates from mid-January to the end of February. If you’re visiting earlier or later, this experience won’t be available. Also, some sites like the Dragon escalator at Longqing Gorge might not be open, which could dampen expectations for certain features.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate a balance of cultural heritage and spectacular winter scenery. It’s especially ideal for those who want a comprehensive day of sightseeing with knowledgeable guides, tasty Chinese food, and a unique ice festival experience. If you’re traveling in winter and looking for a well-organized, authentic adventure that combines nature, history, and art, this tour is worth considering.

Key Points

• Stunning Ice Sculptures: Over 400 sculptures beautifully illuminated, creating a magical winter wonderland.
• Flexible Itinerary: Options to visit the Great Wall, Ming Tombs, or Summer Palace make it customizable.
• Expert Guides: Highly praised guides like Andy and Jack bring history to life with engaging stories.
• Comfortable Transportation: Private, air-conditioned vehicles make the day smooth and stress-free.
• Cultural Insights: Learn about Chinese history through visits to the Ming Tombs or the Summer Palace.
• Limited Winter Operation: Only available from mid-January to late February, so plan accordingly.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

This tour is designed to give you a well-rounded taste of Beijing’s winter attractions, with the flexibility to tailor your day based on your interests. Starting early from your hotel lobby in Beijing’s city center, you’ll meet your English-speaking guide and hop into a private, air-conditioned vehicle. The journey begins with your choice of visiting either the Badaling Great Wall, the Ming Tombs, or the Summer Palace.

Visiting the Great Wall at Badaling

Most travelers opt for Badaling, and for good reason. It’s one of the most accessible and well-preserved sections of this ancient fortification. The guide will share stories about its military importance, emphasizing the old Chinese saying, “if one man guards the pass, ten thousand cannot get through.” You’ll take the cable car to the highest point, Beibalou, standing at approximately 1,015 meters above sea level, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the wall snaking across the landscape.

While hiking along the wall, you’ll get a chance to appreciate the engineering feat that has stood for centuries. The experience is about more than just snapping photos; it’s about feeling connected to history as you walk along stones that have shielded Chinese borders for generations. Expect about two hours for this part of the tour, giving ample time for photos and a bit of brisk winter air.

Exploring the Ming Tombs and Dingling

If history is more your thing, the Ming Tombs and the underground palace of Dingling provide a fascinating glimpse into imperial burial practices. Dingling is the only Ming Tomb open to the public and was built for Emperor Zhu Yijun, who ruled during the longest period among the Ming emperors. Constructed starting when he was just 22, it took six years to complete, and it’s a marvel of underground architecture.

Your guide will narrate details about the Ming dynasty’s burial culture, giving context that makes each sculpture or artifact more meaningful. You’ll see the tomb of the emperor and his consorts, experiencing how China’s emperors prepared for eternity with elaborate temples and underground chambers.

Visiting the Summer Palace

For a more leisurely, artistic experience, the Summer Palace offers a peaceful contrast to the other sites. This vast royal garden is home to beautiful pavilions, bridges, and the famous Longevity Hill. As you walk through the grounds, your guide will recount stories of the Empress Dowager Cixi and her life here, including insights into Chinese garden design and imperial leisure.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Longqing Gorge Ice and Snow Festival

The highlight of the tour, especially at night, is the Longqing Gorge Ice Festival. Starting mid-January through February, this event draws artists from China and abroad to carve more than 400 ice sculptures. These sculptures often follow a theme each year, and when lit up after sunset, they turn into a dazzling display of luminous art.

You’ll be guided through this outdoor winter wonderland, marveling at sculptures of dragons, animals, and mythological creatures. The illuminated displays create a fairy-tale atmosphere, perfect for photos. One reviewer commented, “the sculptures are illuminated at night, creating a fantastic visual experience,” which perfectly captures just how magical the scene can feel.

Night Tour Option

If you prefer a shorter afternoon experience, the night tour option starts between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM, arriving at Longqing Gorge after about two hours of travel. You’ll spend around two hours exploring the sculptures and festival atmosphere before being transferred back to your hotel. This option is great if you want to maximize your daylight hours elsewhere or prefer to experience the festival after dark.

Practical Details and Tips

• Transport: Private transportation ensures a comfortable journey, especially in winter. Expect a relaxed, stress-free experience without the hassle of crowded buses.
• Guides: Knowledgable guides like Andy and Jack receive praise for their engaging storytelling and local insights.
• Timing: The tour duration includes travel time, so plan your day accordingly. Check availability for specific start times.
• Weather: Dress warmly—it’s winter, and temperatures can dip quite low. Layers, waterproof shoes, and gloves are recommended.
• Photography: Bring your camera; the sculptures and scenic views are highly photogenic.
• Food: Lunch at a local restaurant provides a taste of authentic Chinese cuisine, adding value to the day.
• Accessibility: The tour involves moderate walking and is not suitable for those with mobility issues or wheelchair users.

Is This Tour Right for You?

If you enjoy outdoor winter scenery, art, and history, this tour offers a well-balanced mix. The option to customize your day—whether climbing the Great Wall or exploring imperial tombs—means you can tailor it to your interests. It’s perfect for travelers who want to see iconic sites without feeling rushed, thanks to private guides and transportation.

Travelers who appreciate authentic experiences, like tasting traditional Chinese dishes and learning from knowledgeable guides, will find this tour rewarding. However, keep in mind the winter-only operation and the possible closure of some features, like the Dragon escalator, which might influence your expectations.

FAQs

Is this tour available outside of winter?
No, the Longqing Gorge Ice Festival only runs from mid-January to the end of February.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?
It includes pickup from your Beijing city center hotel, but check with your booking to confirm.

What’s the price of this tour?
The cost is $188 per person, which generally includes private transportation, guides, entrance fees, and cable car tickets at Badaling if you choose that option.

Are meals included?
Lunch at a local Chinese restaurant is included if you select the day tour options. The night tour does not include food.

How long does the tour last?
Typically 6 to 8 hours, depending on the options you choose and the starting times.

Can I see the ice sculptures at night?
Yes, the illuminated night displays are part of the festival, creating a magical atmosphere after sunset.

Is this tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?
While it involves some walking and exposure to cold, it can suit most active travelers. Those with mobility issues or very young children should consider their comfort.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a remarkable glimpse into Beijing’s winter charms, blending natural beauty, historic sites, and artistic displays. The private guides and transportation make it a comfortable and flexible way to see some of the city’s best-known attractions without the chaos of group tours. The highlight—the stunning ice sculptures—provides a visual feast, especially when lit up at night.

It’s particularly well-suited for travelers who enjoy cultural explorations paired with scenic outdoor experiences. Whether you choose the cultural depth of the Ming Tombs or the breathtaking views from the Great Wall, combined with the dazzling ice festival, this tour offers real value for those wanting an authentic and memorable Beijing winter adventure.

For anyone visiting during the right season, it’s a unique experience that’s worth the investment, especially if you seek a mix of history, art, and natural scenery in one day. Just be sure to dress warmly, bring your camera, and set your expectations for a day filled with beautiful sights and local stories.

You can check availability for your dates here: