As the coldest days of winter arrive, rime-covered mountains across Hunan have created a dreamlike display of ice crystals, unfolding a vibrant, luminous landscape. Follow this guide to step into the following six winter fairylands.

Dawei Mountain National Forest Park, Changsha City

As the highest peak in eastern Hunan, Dawei Mountain dons a silver mantle of rime ice whenever cold fronts sweep southward. At an elevation of above 1,200 meters, its ridges and forests are transformed into a world of jade trees and crystal branches.

Highlight: enjoy rime scenery of the mountain within a diverse landscape

Hengshan Mountain, Hengyang City

Rime ice is a stunning natural phenomenon in southern China. Crystal-clear icicles envelop the red ribbons and dark-tiled roofs of ancient temples, creating a unique winter wonderland.

Highlights: enjoy rime scenery, pray for blessings, and admire the snowy scenery of ancient architectures atop the mountain 

Yaoshan Mountain, Shaoyang City

At the summit over 1,800 meters above sea level, white wind turbines turn slowly amidst the rime ice. Here, the colossal structures of modern industry meet nature's crystalline landscape, presenting a unique ecological panorama on Yaoshan.

Highlights: appreciate wind turbines covered by rime ice, enjoy high-altitude panoramic mountain vistas, and capture unique photographic themes

Mangshan Mountain National Forest Park, Chenzhou City

Embark on a journey to discover the hidden realm of ice crystals. The primeval forest atop the mountain is transformed into a world of ice formations. Peaks and trees shrouded in ice reveal nature's serene yet majestic power.

Highlights: explore icicle formations and enjoy snowy scenery in the forest park 

Yangming Mountain, Yongzhou City

Venture into a winter wonderland woven through the forests. After a cold snap, delicate rime frost clings to the trees on the mountain. From a viewing platform at approximately 1,300 meters above sea level, you can gaze down upon this serene and majestic winter panorama.

Highlight: enjoy rime-covered forests from an open-air mountaintop viewing platform

Yunbing Mountain, Yongzhou City

This mountain is located in the border area between Hunan and Guangdong provinces. At the 1,314-meter-high wind corridor where north and south currents meet, you may see a fairyland formed by rime ice, icicles, and a sea of clouds. White wind turbines along the ridgetops become a unique photo spot. 

Highlights: explore the border area of Hunan and Guangdong provinces, enjoy a sea of clouds and rime ice, and observe wind turbines atop the mountain

This article is from the Hunan Provincial Government www.enghunan.gov.cn. 

Translator: Xiao Juan

Chinese source: Official WeChat account of Hunan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism