Manchu Winter Journey: 4 Days of Snow, Cuisine & Living Heritage
$1604
This winter journey combines Manchu culture with snowy landscapes, Tianchi Lake, hearty iron pot stew, and the unique bathing traditions of Northeast China. The Manchu are China’s second-largest ethnic minority group and have played a vital role in the country’s political, economic, and cultural development throughout history. Over four days and three nights, we will gain meaningful insight into the roots of Manchu culture, participate in traditional sports and customs, and experience the warmth and everyday life of the Manchu people.
Itinerary Summary
Visit Changbai Mountain, the sacred mountain of the Manchu people; explore Neyin Ancient City, the ancestral home of the Jurchen people; visit Jinjiang Wooden House Village, built by the Manchu ancestors without using a single nail.
Learn traditional Manchu archery with a horn bow; try on Manchu clothing; learn Manchu greeting etiquette; enjoy a Manchu family banquet; experience winter fishing on the Songhua River.
Daily Itinerary
Welcome to Baishan City in Jilin Province. Upon arrival, you’ll be met by your driver and guide and transferred to Songjianghe Town at the foot of Changbai Mountain, where you’ll check into a cozy boutique hotel. Today’s schedule is light, featuring a single cultural highlight: Neyin Ancient City. This ancient settlement is the ancestral homeland of the Jurchen, the forebears of today’s Manchu people. Changbai Mountain is regarded as the birthplace of the Manchu, and the Toudao Songhua River basin—known in Manchu as the “Neyin River”—is one of the key origins of Manchu civilization. Traditional shamanic rituals are still occasionally performed here today.
Chartered vehicle
4-star hotel
Dinner
Neyin Ancient City
- 1. Your guide will provide an English handbook on Manchu culture to deepen your understanding of the sites you’ll visit.
- 2. You can experience the classic Northeast Chinese bathing culture at the hotel.
Today, we embark on a journey to the iconic Changbai Mountain. Accompanied by our guide, we’ll ascend the 1,442 steps leading to the breathtaking and mystical Tianchi (Heavenly Lake). Along the way, the guide will share insights into the mountain’s profound significance in Shamanistic tradition. Afterwards, we’ll visit Jinjiang Wooden Village. Here, all structures are built using the traditional “Mukeden” technique, in which wooden beams are interlocked without a single iron nail. This village is the last preserved complex of traditional Manchu wooden architecture in Northeast China.
Chartered vehicle
4-star hotel
No meals included on this day.
1. West Slope of Changbai Mountain
2. Jinjiang Wooden House Village
- If weather conditions make Tianchi Lake inaccessible, alternative attractions such as the Alpine Garden will be arranged.
Today we will travel to Jilin City, the center for experiencing the Eight Banners culture and the spirit of horsemanship and archery. Under the guidance of professional instructors, we will learn to shoot a traditional Manchu horn bow, learn about Manchu wrestling (“Buku”), and practice wearing Manchu clothing and traditional greeting greetings. We will also visit the historical Manchu town of Wulajie, learning about its historical significance as a source of tribute for the Qing Dynasty.
Chartered vehicle
Boutique guesthouse
Breakfast / Dinner
1. Learn to shoot with a Manchu horn bow
2. Manchu wrestling (Buku) demonstration
3. Try on Manchu clothing and learn the Manchu greeting etiquette
4. Wulajie Manchu Town
5. Enjoy a Manchu family banquet
- This morning we will leave Changbai Mountain and travel to Jilin City (approximately 270km between the two cities, estimated travel time 4 hours).
Today is the last day of the trip. We will visit the Jilin City Manchu Museum to gain a comprehensive understanding of the history of the Manchu people through a large collection of artifacts. Then, accompanied by experienced local fishermen, we will participate in traditional Songhua River winter fishing, experiencing the entire process of ice breaking, net setting, and hauling in the nets, and feeling the joy of the harvest.
Chartered vehicle
4-star hotel
Breakfast
1. Manchu Museum
2. Songhua River Winter Fishing
- 1. After today’s activities, the driver and guide will transfer you to Changchun Longjia International Airport (approximately 80 km; estimated driving time: 1.5 hours).
- 2. As a farewell gesture, each guest will receive a complimentary Manchu cultural souvenir set, bringing the journey to a memorable close.
Important notes
1. A single supplement is bookable for this trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. Please send a scanned copy of the personal information page of your passport to your booking agent at least 15 days before departure, so that we can purchase your train tickets and make reservations for attractions..
3. Travelling in China will heavily rely upon using local payment apps – Wechat and Alipay for making payments. It’s essential to install them on your phone and have a data package ready prior to your travel. You shouldn’t rely on credit card for travel in China.
4. While travelling in China, you won’t have access to social media and some websites. You may consider installing a VPN to access those sites and apps.
5. Please note that there are some prohibited items for trains and flights in China.