Complete Guide to Yabuli Ski Resort for an Affordable Ski Trip in China

Hi, I’m Alex Chen — the kind of traveler who roams around the world with a camera in one hand and a half-empty backpack on my shoulders. I love diving into those nearly forgotten corners on the map, and I’m constantly figuring out how to cut travel costs without cutting the experience. In my world, it’s all about “spending less and seeing more snow.” This time, I headed to the legendary Yabuli Ski Resort in Northeast China. Not only is it one of the country’s top ski destinations, but it’s also packed with unexpected scenery and great-value experiences. So let me walk you through everything you need for a smooth, budget-friendly ski trip to Yabuli — practical, easy, and perfect for anyone who loves independent travel.

Introduction to Yabuli Ski Resort

Yabuli Skiing Tourism Holiday Resort sits 193 km from Harbin, 88 km from Snow Town, and 120 km from Mudanjiang. The region features a temperate continental monsoon climate, with average annual temperatures between 2°C and 10°C. With a forest coverage of 96%, the resort is anchored by three major peaks of the Zhangguangcai Range in the Changbai Mountains: Dagoukuishan at 1,374.8 meters, Ergoukuishan at 1,258 meters, and Sangoukuishan at 1,000 meters.

Yabuli Ski Resort ranks among China’s premier winter destinations. It has hosted numerous international skiing events, and its impressive facilities show how much investment goes into slope quality and maintenance. The resort includes several ski areas, though the two largest ones are Yabuli Xintiwei Ski Resort and Yabuli Sunshine Ski Resort.

• Address: Jinpai Avenue, Shangzhi, Harbin (Apple Maps/Amap)
• Opening Hours: 08:00–17:00, last entry at 15:30
• Recommended Visit Duration: Half a day to one full day; staying one night is ideal
• Best Season: Winter, from late November to early March

Why You Should Visit Yabuli Ski Resort

World-Class Skiing Experience

• Diverse Slopes: Seventeen runs with different difficulty levels (the longest stretching 2,680 meters) and a maximum gradient of 45°, great for skiers across all skill levels.
• Competitive Legacy: Known as the cradle of competitive skiing in China, the resort has hosted the Asian Winter Games, the Winter Universiade, and several major events.
• Accommodation Options: Forest hot spring hotels, panda-themed lodges, and other unique stays blend hot baths with ski experiences.
• Winter Skiing Season: Open from late November to early March with consistently good snow quality.

Culture and Food

• Ice & Local Traditions: Attractions like Ice Valley and the Unfrozen River pair perfectly with Northeastern comfort food such as farmhouse dishes and sticky rice bean pastries.
• History & Heritage: Explore remnants of Qing-era imperial hunting grounds, traces of the China Eastern Railway, and the Russian-inspired origin of the name “Yabloni.”

Recommended Ski Areas in Yabuli Ski Resort

Yabuli Ski Resort is made up of several different ski areas, though I don’t recommend visiting the smaller ones. They might be cheaper and less crowded, but safety and facilities aren’t guaranteed. The two major ski resorts worth your time are Yabuli Xintiwei Ski Resort and Yabuli Sunshine Ski Resort. Below is an introduction and recommendation for each one.

Yabuli Xintiwei Ski Resort

If you’re skiing for the first time and want a taste of the slopes used by professional athletes, this place is a hidden gem. Operated under the General Administration of Sport of China, it hosts major competitions throughout the year, so the level of professionalism is obvious. Its beginner ticket already includes both the cable car and magic carpet, which is great for first-timers or anyone who wants to practice seriously.

It suits all skill levels, although the resort sometimes closes for large competitions, so you should double-check before your visit.

• Address: Yabuli Xintiwei Ski Resort, Shangzhi, Harbin (Apple Maps/Amap)
• Opening Hours: 08:00–17:00, last entry at 15:30, ticket sales end at 13:00
• Ticket Prices: Beginner slope 108 CNY/3 hours, intermediate slope 260 CNY/3 hours. The advanced slope is available only to professional athletes.
• Coach Prices: You can hire a coach in the main hall; one-on-one lessons cost 200 CNY/hour for skis and 260 CNY/hour for snowboards. If you’re skiing for the first time, I recommend getting a coach for one hour.
• Ski Ticket Purchase: Trip.com Discounts

Yabuli Sunshine Ski Resort

Sunshine Ski Resort is the largest and most popular ski area in Yabuli, and calling it “a paradise for ski lovers” isn’t an exaggeration. The facilities are top-tier, with nine advanced slopes offering serious challenges for experienced skiers. Intermediate and advanced riders will absolutely enjoy the terrain here.

It’s best for skilled skiers, as the experience on intermediate slopes and above is excellent. Since the beginner slopes attract many visitors — including large tour groups — Yabuli Sunshine Ski Resort is the most crowded ski area in all of Yabuli.

• Address: Yabuli Sunshine Ski Resort, Shangzhi, Harbin (Apple Maps/Amap)
• Opening Hours: 08:00–17:00, last entry at 14:00
• Skiing Fees: Beginner slope 108 CNY/3 hours; intermediate/advanced slopes 290 CNY/4 hours
• Coach Prices: One-on-one coaching available in the main hall; 200 CNY/hour for skis, 260 CNY/hour for snowboards. I recommend one hour of coaching for first-timers.
• Ski Ticket Purchase: Trip.com Discounts

Recommended Food Near Yabuli Ski Resort

There are a few restaurant options in Yabuli Ski Resort, along with a KFC, though most dining spots are closer to Sunshine Ski Resort. There aren’t many restaurants near Xintiwei Ski Resort, but you can grab grilled sausages or order delivery.

Recommended Hotels Near Yabuli Ski Resort

There are only three hotels that offer direct access to Yabuli Sunshine Ski Resort, meaning you can walk from the hotel straight into the ski area.

Yabu Loni Hotel Yabuli

• Location: Near Sunshine Ski Resort, the hotel’s ski hall connects directly to the slopes
• Price per night: 1,025 CNY
• Check Rates: Trip Deals
• Rating: Trip 8.8

A hotel operated directly by Yabuli Sunshine Ski Resort, located right next to the slopes with convenient ski-in, ski-out access.

A long-established hotel in Yabuli and the best value among the three. Even though it has been operating for years, the facilities and room maintenance remain in great condition.

YABULI SUN MOUNTAIN HOLIDAY HOTEL

• Location: Near Sunshine Ski Resort, the hotel’s ski hall connects directly to the slopes
• Price per night: 1,289 CNY
• Check Rates: Trip Deals
• Rating: Trip 8.8

A hotel operated directly by Yabuli Sunshine Ski Resort, with convenient ski-in, ski-out access. Snow-view rooms allow you to enjoy slope views right from your window.

As a newly built hotel, it offers modern and complete facilities, including smart home features and personal ski-gear lockers. Rooms are spacious with high-quality bedding and toiletries. There’s also a gym and a restaurant, delivering an excellent stay.

Club Med Yabuli

• Location: Near Sunshine Ski Resort, the hotel’s ski hall connects directly to the slopes
• Price per night: 3,713 CNY
• Check Rates: Trip Deals
• Rating: Trip 8.9

The most premium hotel in the Yabuli ski area. As a luxury brand, Club Med delivers a top-tier experience for anyone skiing here. Located beside the slopes, it provides easy ski-in, ski-out convenience.

The resort offers a wide range of activities, including ski lessons, entertainment, and family experiences, so there’s always something to do. While the rooms feel a bit dated, they’re well maintained, spacious, and comfortable overall.

How to Get from Harbin City to Yabuli Ski Resort

Yabuli Ski Resort is quite a distance from downtown Harbin. It takes about three hours by car but only one hour by high-speed train. The best option is taking the high-speed rail plus a bus. If you don’t plan to stay overnight, you can take the earliest train out and the latest train back — that gives you plenty of time for a same-day round trip.

High-Speed Rail + Bus

Take a high-speed train from Harbin (around 80 CNY) to Yabuli West Station. After exiting the station, you can take a bus or taxi (taxis are harder to find, but shared rides are common). Shuttle buses run from the station to different areas of Yabuli, including Xintiwei Ski Resort and Sunshine Ski Resort. The fare is 5 CNY, and the ride takes about 30 minutes.

• Always confirm your return train time in advance so you don’t get stuck in Yabuli.
• Train Route: Harbin West (Ha’erbinxi) → Yabuli West (Yabulixi)
• High-speed Train Tickets: Click to Book

How to Get from Harbin Taiping Airport to Yabuli Ski Resort

There is no direct transportation from Harbin Taiping Airport to Yabuli Ski Resort. The recommended route is to take a taxi or airport shuttle to downtown Harbin, then transfer to a high-speed train to reach Yabuli Ski Resort.

Airport Shuttle + High-Speed Rail + Bus

Take Airport Shuttle Line 2 from Harbin Taiping Airport to Harbin West Station, then take a high-speed train (around 80 CNY) to Yabuli West Station. After exiting the station, take a bus or taxi (taxis are limited, but shared rides are available). Shuttle buses go to different areas including Xintiwei Ski Resort and Sunshine Ski Resort. The fare is 5 CNY, and the ride takes around 30 minutes.

• Always double-check your return train schedule to avoid missing the last train back to Harbin.
• Train Route: Harbin West (Ha’erbinxi) → Yabuli West (Yabulixi)
• High-speed Train Tickets: Click to Book

FAQ