Beijing: Longing Gorge Ice Festival w/Optional Activities

If you’re seeking a winter experience that combines natural beauty, cultural highlights, and a touch of festive magic, the Longqing Gorge Ice Festival offers a compelling option. This tour, offered by Discover Beijing Tours, promises a blend of awe-inspiring ice sculptures, iconic Chinese landmarks, and flexible itinerary choices tailored to your interests. While we haven’t personally taken this trip, reviews and details paint a vivid picture of what travelers can expect.

What we really appreciate about this tour is how it balances outdoor adventure with culture—whether you’re marveling at over 400 ice sculptures, walking along the historic Great Wall, or exploring the underground Dingling Tomb. Plus, the inclusion of optional activities means you can customize your experience to suit your curiosity. One thing to consider is that the tour operates only in winter, specifically from mid-January to February, so planning your visit accordingly is key.

This experience is ideal for travelers who want to see Beijing’s highlights without feeling rushed and who enjoy winter scenery and cultural stories. It’s perfect for those eager to see the famous ice sculptures or combine scenic outdoor sights with historical sites. If you love a mix of natural wonder and cultural depth, this tour could be just what you’re looking for.

Key Points

• Flexible itineraries including the Great Wall, Ming Tombs, or Summer Palace, catering to different interests
• Stunning ice sculptures with over 400 displayed at the Longqing Gorge Ice Festival, illuminated beautifully at night
• Private transportation and expert guides enhance comfort and local insights
• Affordable value considering the inclusion of entrance fees, cable cars, and local meals
• Seasonal operation means availability is limited to winter months from mid-January to February
• Moderate walking required; not suitable for travelers with mobility challenges

You can check availability for your dates here:

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

The Longqing Gorge Ice Festival is the star attraction, offering a visual feast of massive, detailed ice sculptures carved by both Chinese and international artists. The sculptures, often themed around seasons or cultural stories, are the kind of sight that stays long after you leave. When lit up at night, they create a magical, almost surreal atmosphere, making for fantastic photos and unforgettable memories.

A significant advantage of this tour is how it offers multiple ways to experience Beijing’s highlights. You can opt for a day visiting the Great Wall at Badaling, which is arguably the most famous and accessible section, or explore the Ming Tombs, with a focus on Dingling—the only underground palace open to the public. Alternatively, the Summer Palace provides a lush, historical setting for a more relaxed stroll. For those interested in seeing the festival at night, a special evening tour offers the chance to enjoy the glowing ice sculptures after dark—a truly enchanting experience.

Visiting Badaling: The Iconic Great Wall

Traveling to Badaling provides a chance to witness one of the most well-preserved and accessible sections of the Great Wall. The tour includes a cable car ride to the top, allowing you to take in sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and the craggy wall snaking across the landscape. With about two hours to hike, you can get a good sense of its grandeur without feeling overly rushed.

Reviewers highlight the significance of Badaling, with one noting that “if one man guards the pass, ten thousand cannot get through,” emphasizing its historic military importance. The cable car adds to the experience, making it easier for those with limited mobility and offering a bird’s-eye view that’s hard to beat.

Ming Tombs and Dingling: A Deep Dive into Imperial Burial Customs

For history buffs, the Ming Tombs offer a fascinating glimpse into China’s imperial past. Dingling, the tomb of Emperor Zhu Yijun, is particularly noteworthy because it’s the only underground palace open for public viewing. Construction started when he was just 22 and was completed in 1590, showcasing the elaborate burial traditions of the Ming Dynasty.

Visitors love hearing the detailed stories about the life of the emperor and the complex burial culture, which adds context to the impressive underground chambers. The tour’s focus on this site means you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for China’s dynastic history.

Summer Palace: A Royal Retreat

The Summer Palace is another option for those seeking a more relaxed pace. This sprawling imperial garden offers beautiful lakes, pavilions, and ancient architecture. Guided stories about figures like the “Dragon Lady” enrich the experience, making it more than just a scenic walk. It’s an excellent choice for visitors who enjoy artistic landscapes and historical stories behind the structures.

More Great Tours Nearby

Night Tour at Longqing Gorge

If you prefer a dusk-to-night experience, the evening tour allows you to enjoy the illuminated sculptures in a different ambiance. The journey takes about two hours from Beijing, with time at the festival for around two hours of exploring and picture-taking. Reviewers mention the brilliant lighting and the quiet, almost mystical feeling of the sculptures at night, making it a memorable alternative to the daytime visit.

The Practicalities: What You Need to Know

The tour is priced at $188 per person, which covers private transportation, professional guides, entrance fees, and cable cars at Badaling. A Chinese restaurant lunch is included on the day tours, offering a chance to enjoy local flavors after sightseeing. It’s worth noting that hotel pickup from Beijing’s city center is included, which eliminates the hassle of figuring out transportation logistics.

The tour lasts approximately 6 to 8 hours, depending on the chosen itinerary and how much walking you do. The group is private, adding a personalized touch, and the guides are English-speaking, ensuring clear communication.

Since winter is the only operating season, packing warm clothing, comfortable shoes, and a camera is essential. Keep in mind that temperatures can be quite low, especially at the ice festival after sunset, so dress in layers.

What’s Not Included

Food outside of lunch is not included, so you might want to carry some snacks or water, especially if you plan to hike on the Great Wall. Also, hotel transfers from Beijing are not part of the package, so plan your accommodations accordingly.

Accessibility and Suitability

The tour involves moderate walking and some outdoor exposure, so it’s not ideal for travelers with mobility impairments or those unable to handle cold weather comfortably. Pregnant women and individuals with back problems are advised to consider this before booking.

What Past Travelers Say

The reviews we’ve seen are glowing about the guides and overall experience. One traveler called it “an amazing tour,” praising the guide’s knowledge and engaging manner. They appreciated the tasty restaurant and the comfort of the vehicle, which made the long day enjoyable.

Another reviewer highlighted the dedication of the guide to making the experience special, even if the Ice Festival was “mainly indoors” and somewhat expensive for what was seen. They also noted that the Dragon escalator wasn’t open, possibly due to seasonal closures, which is something to keep in mind.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Right for You?

This tour offers a well-rounded package for those eager to experience winter’s beauty in Beijing without overextending themselves. It provides a great balance of cultural sites and stunning natural displays, all accessible via private transportation and guided insights. The flexibility to choose between day or night visits and different landmarks makes it ideal for travelers looking for a customized, manageable day.

If you’re visiting Beijing in winter and want to see spectacular ice sculptures, explore famous historic sites, and enjoy local cuisine, this tour delivers all that in one tidy package. It’s especially suited for history enthusiasts, photography lovers, and those who enjoy festive, scenic environments.

However, if you’re after extensive hiking, luxurious amenities, or severe mobility limitations, you might want to consider other options. Still, for a full-day exploration with cultural depth and winter wonder, this experience stands out as a value-packed choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour only available during winter?
Yes, the tour operates exclusively from mid-January to the end of February, aligning with the Longqing Gorge Ice and Snow Festival season.

Does the tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?
Yes, pickup is available from your Beijing city center hotel, making logistics easier and more comfortable.

What is included in the price?
The $188 fee covers private transportation, a professional guide, entrance fees to Dingling Tomb and Longqing Gorge, cable car tickets at Badaling, and lunch at a local restaurant on day tours.

Are there options for evening visits?
Yes, there’s a night tour option that allows you to enjoy the illuminated sculptures at Longqing Gorge after sunset.

How much walking is involved?
Expect moderate walking—enough to appreciate each site comfortably, but not suitable for those with significant mobility issues.

Can I customize this tour?
The tour offers a choice among several highlights, but the core structure is fixed. Private guides help tailor the experience to your interests within the available options.

This tour blends spectacular winter scenery with cultural highlights, making it a memorable way to experience Beijing’s charm during the colder months. With its flexible options, knowledgeable guides, and stunning visual displays, it’s a great pick for travelers eager to see a different side of China’s capital.

You can check availability for your dates here: