Longqing Gorge Ice Lantern Festival with Mongolian Hot Pot Dinner

Experience the Longqing Gorge Ice Lantern Festival with a traditional Mongolian Hot Pot dinner

If you’re visiting Beijing during the winter months, this combined tour of the Longqing Gorge Ice Lantern Festival and a Mongolian hot pot dinner offers a memorable blend of icy artistry and delicious local flavors. While we haven’t taken this tour ourselves, the detailed itinerary and traveler insights paint a picture of a truly immersive experience that balances scenic beauty with cultural authenticity.

One of the aspects we love is how seamlessly this tour combines two very different but equally captivating experiences—warming up with a flavorful hot pot and then marveling at the luminous ice sculptures. It’s a flexible, private option that offers the comfort of hotel pickup and drop-off, making it a stress-free way to explore Beijing’s winter highlights.

A possible consideration is the timing—starting around 4:30 p.m.—which means you’ll be out during the coldest hours; dressing warmly is essential. Still, this is perfect for those who want a relaxed yet engaging evening adventure. Ideal for travelers who love ice scenery, cultural food experiences, and a touch of festive wonder, this tour suits families, couples, or solo explorers eager to see Beijing’s winter magic without the hassle of planning.

Key Points:

• Seasonal Experience: Only available from January through March, aligning with the best ice and snow conditions in Beijing.
• Balanced Itinerary: Combines a hearty Mongolian hot pot dinner with two hours exploring the ice lantern displays.
• Comfort & Convenience: Hotel pickup and drop-off included, with private transportation ensuring a personalized experience.
• Authentic Food: You cook your own hot pot, selecting ingredients like sliced meats, vegetables, and seafood—an engaging way to dine.
• Photogenic Scenery: The ice sculptures lit up at night provide stunning photo opportunities, perfect for social media.
• Informed Guides: Knowledgeable guides, like Lily, help you navigate both the food and the festival, enhancing the experience.

A Closer Look at the Tour Experience

Starting the Evening: Comfortable Pickup and Dinner

The evening kicks off around 4:30 p.m., with a private guide picking you up from your hotel in Beijing. This personalized approach means you skip the hassle of navigating public transport, and the vehicle will be a quiet, comfortable space after a day of exploring in the city.

Your first stop is a traditional Mongolian hot pot restaurant, where you’ll be greeted with a coal-heated steamboat centerpiece—a cozy and interactive way to dine. As you sit at your table, the experience turns into more than just eating; it’s about cooking your own food and learning about Mongolian culinary customs. The hot pot offers a variety of ingredients, from sliced meats and fresh vegetables to mushrooms, seafood, and tofu, with guides available to help you choose and cook your favorites.

Many reviewers highlight the deliciousness of the hot pot, noting that the ingredients are fresh and the cooking process is fun and engaging. One traveler mentioned that the hot pot was “a great winter warmer” and appreciated the chance to customize their meal.

Journey to Longqing Gorge: The Ice Lantern Festival

After dinner, the journey continues to Longqing Gorge in Yanqing County, about an hour’s drive from central Beijing. The scenery along the route is typically quiet and scenic, with glimpses of snow-covered landscapes and mountains. Once at the gorge, you’ll enter a wonderland of ice and snow sculptures that stretch along 300 meters.

The festival is beautifully lit at night, with colorful lights transforming the icy displays into a luminous spectacle. Visitors have the chance to walk among the sculptures, which range from intricate carvings to huge ice slides. Several reviews mention the stunning visual effects and how the lighting makes the sculptures look almost otherworldly.

The sculptures are not just static displays; some include slides and interactive features that add an element of fun, especially for children. The two hours allocated for exploration often feel just right—ample time to take photos, admire the artistry, and enjoy the cool breeze.

What Makes the Ice Lantern Festival Special?

The festival is a photographer’s dream, especially when the colorful lights dance across the ice. Travelers often comment on the vibrant colors and creative designs, which make for fantastic photo souvenirs. As one reviewer put it, “The ice sculptures looked incredible under all the lights; it’s like stepping into a winter fairy tale.”

The festival’s location along the gorge offers scenic views, and some visitors find the combination of natural beauty and human craftsmanship particularly captivating. It’s worth noting that the festival is a seasonal event, making it a must-do while it’s available.

Returning to Beijing

After an immersive two hours, you’ll be taken back to your hotel. The entire trip, including transfers, takes about six hours, making it a manageable evening outing. The private guide ensures smooth transitions and answers any questions, adding a layer of comfort and insight to your experience.

Analyzing the Experience: What’s the Value?

At $198 per person, this tour offers a balanced mix of scenic wonder, culture, and culinary adventure. The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, private transportation, the hot pot dinner, and access to the festival. Considering the convenience, personalized service, and unique combination of activities, it’s a good value for travelers seeking a memorable winter experience in Beijing.

The hot pot dinner alone, with its interactive cooking and fresh ingredients, is a highlight. The added bonus of attending the Ice Lantern Festival—an area that features stunning sculptures and illuminated displays—made the evening feel special and unlike typical city outings.

Reviewers have praised guides for their knowledgeable and friendly manner, which enhances the overall experience. Notably, the tour operates only in winter, which underscores its seasonal appeal—perfect for those wanting to enjoy Beijing’s winter festivities without the hassle of planning.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This experience is ideal for families, couples, or solo travelers who love outdoor winter scenery, ice art, and local cuisine. It’s perfect for visitors wanting a relaxed, all-in-one evening activity without the stress of logistics. Those interested in cultural food experiences will appreciate cooking their own hot pot, and anyone looking to capture beautiful winter photos will find plenty of opportunities.

However, it’s essential to be prepared for the cold, especially when walking outdoors in the evening. Dress warmly in layered clothing, comfortable shoes, and perhaps bring hand warmers. The tour may not be suitable for travelers with mobility issues, given the outdoor walking involved.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a well-rounded evening combining scenic ice artistry with hearty regional food. The private nature of the experience, along with knowledgeable guides, means you can enjoy it at your own pace and focus on the parts that appeal most to you. The hot pot dinner is an engaging and tasty introduction to Mongolian cuisine, and the ice lantern festival provides plenty of photo-worthy moments.

If you’re visiting Beijing during the winter months and want to experience a festive, authentic, and visually stunning event, this tour ticks all the boxes. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate a bit of culinary fun, cultural charm, and breathtaking winter scenery—all wrapped into a manageable six-hour package.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included? Yes, both pickup and drop-off at your Beijing hotel are included in the package.

What time does the tour start? Pickup is around 4:30 p.m., and the tour lasts about six hours in total.

Is the hot pot dinner traditional? Yes, it’s a Mongolian hot pot cooked at your table, with a variety of ingredients such as sliced meats, vegetables, seafood, and tofu.

Can vegetarians participate? Yes, a vegetarian option is available if you advise at the time of booking.

How long do we spend at the Ice Lantern Festival? You’ll have approximately two hours to explore the sculptures and enjoy the lighting displays.

Is this tour suitable for children? Most travelers can participate, but children should be accompanied by an adult, and dressing warmly is recommended.

What should I wear? Dress in warm, layered clothing and comfortable shoes for walking outdoors in winter.

Is this a group or private tour? It’s a private tour, so only your group will participate.

What is the price for this tour? The cost is $198 per person, which includes transportation, dinner, and festival admission.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, for a full refund.

To sum it up, this tour combines the visual delight of Beijing’s winter ice sculptures with a delicious, interactive hot pot meal in a relaxing, private setting. It’s perfect for those wanting an authentic, atmospheric experience that captures the essence of Beijing’s coldest season. Whether you’re a foodie, a photography buff, or simply craving a magical winter outing, this tour offers a memorable night out in China’s capital.