Heilongjiang is China's northernmost and easternmost province, a vast land of black soil plains, primeval forests, volcanic lakes, and Siberian-cold winters along the Amur (Heilong) River border with Russia. Its capital Harbin blends Russian-era architecture with the world's largest ice and snow festival, while Mohe, the Arctic Village, offers China's best chances of seeing the aurora and the midnight sun. Wetlands, ski resorts, crane habitats, and Hezhen and Manchu heritage complete a region that swings from -30C winters to warm, short summers.
Top spas
Curated picks for treatments and day spas.
Maple Leaf Village Hot Spring Resort
Large hot spring resort built by a Canadian design team, with about 38 indoor hot spring pools and a health-care centre of over 6,000 square meters; open around the clock.
Signature treatment: Indoor and outdoor hot spring pools, spa health centre
Yabuli Hot Spring International Resort Centre
Hot spring resort near the Yabuli ski area, with hydrotherapy and restaurants; a common winter stop after skiing.
Signature treatment: Hot spring hydrotherapy near ski slopes
Yabuli Forest Hot Spring Hotel
Hot spring hotel in the Yabuli ski district, popular for soaking after skiing.
Signature treatment: Forest-setting hot spring pools
Dolphin Castle Hot Spring Water Park
Indoor hot spring and water park facility in the Harbin area, suited to families.
Signature treatment: Indoor hot spring water park
Chunshang Hot Spring Sauna and Bathing
Local sauna and bathing centre, in the style of Korean-influenced Chinese bathhouses, with hot pools, sauna and massage.
Signature treatment: Bathhouse with sauna and massage
Wudalianchi Drinking Spring (Yinyong Quan)
Volcanic-region mineral spring in the Wudalianchi scenic area, where carbonated cold mineral water is drunk directly from the source, and locals bathe in mineral mud.
Signature treatment: Carbonated volcanic mineral water
Wudalianchi Nanquan (South Spring) Area
Mineral-rich spring area in the Wudalianchi volcanic park; hot spring hotels nearby offer soaking pools in winter.
Signature treatment: Volcanic mineral soaking
Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine First Affiliated Hospital (Acupuncture and Massage)
Teaching hospital of Heilongjiang's traditional Chinese medicine university offering acupuncture, cupping and tuina massage; foreign visitors should bring a passport and use a translation app.
Signature treatment: Acupuncture, cupping and tuina massage
Wellness travel tips
Get the most from your wellness experience.
Book treatments in advance — popular slots fill up quickly during peak season.
Hydrate well before and after treatments, especially massages and saunas.
Communicate any allergies or skin sensitivities before treatments begin.