Xuexiang Scenic Area Gate

The Xuexiang Scenic Area Gate is the official entry point to the Xuexiang (Snow Town) protected scenic area in Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang, marking the transition from the public road into the managed winter tourism zone. Visitors purchase entrance tickets here and can board horse-drawn sleighs or snowmobiles for transport into the village core during the peak snow season (December–February), when road access becomes difficult. The gate area itself offers the first views of the surrounding Manchurian forest landscape blanketed in snow, and an orientation centre provides maps of the village trails, guesthouse listings, and photography tips. The scenic area designation protects the village's natural snowfall environment and limits the number of visitors at peak times to prevent overcrowding. Horse-drawn carriage rides departing from near the gate are a popular way to arrive at the village in atmospheric style, though walking the forest path from the gate (approximately 2 km) is enjoyable for those well-equipped for -20°C temperatures.