Plan at a glance
Indoor water areas and outdoor winter hot springs
The Forest Hot Spring is inside the Yabuli resort area. You can split your time between the indoor water areas and outdoor pools. Indoors, there is a heated swimming pool, a wave pool, a children's water-play area and herbal bath pools. The outdoor area is mainly a winter hot-spring experience.
Allow about 1–1.5 hours for a short visit focused on the outdoor pools. If you want to swim and soak, plan for three to four hours and visit the indoor areas first, followed by the outdoor pools.
Tickets and opening hours
Tickets are about CNY 118–160 at the ticket office and CNY 88–130 per person through online or local channels. Evening tickets are often discounted. Children under 1.2 meters are usually admitted free and must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets may cover different areas and time slots, so check what is included and whether it covers the evening session before buying.
Reservations are usually not required. The hot spring generally opens from 09:00 to 21:00, with last admission at 20:30; hours can change, so confirm the arrangements for the day before setting out. A visit after skiing can be a relaxing way to end the day, but confirm separately how to get from the ski area to the hot spring.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
Choose your visit
Outdoor pools and snowy scenery
The outdoor pools suit visitors who want to soak in a snowy winter setting. The main views are the trees, snow and steam around the pools. In winter, going from the indoor changing area to an outdoor pool means stepping into cold air; a bathrobe and warm clothing help keep you warm between areas.
Choose a short outdoor visit if you mainly want the scenery and a soak. The ground around the pools can be slippery, so stand on a firm path when taking photos. Cold winter temperatures can drain phone batteries faster; keep devices warm and protected from water.
Indoor water areas for families
The indoor area has a heated swimming pool, a wave pool, a children's water-play area and herbal bath pools. It suits families or visitors who want to swim as well as soak. If you only want a hot spring bath, you can skip the water activities instead of extending your visit to cover every area.
After skiing, you can choose the indoor areas, outdoor pools or an evening session. Before buying, check which areas and time slots your ticket covers.
For a wider Yabuli itinerary to combine with a soak, see Yabuli Ski Tourism Resort.
For nearby skiing or mountain views, see Sunshine Resort.
Build your day
A 1- to 1.5-hour outdoor visit
After entering, change into your swimsuit and go straight to the outdoor pools. Allow about 1–1.5 hours to soak and rest, then return to the changing area to shower and change. If you are visiting with children, an adult should accompany them throughout. Keep the clothes you need for changing with you.
Three to four hours indoors and outdoors
Start in the indoor area and choose from the heated swimming pool, wave pool or children's water-play area, then try the herbal bath pools. Move to the outdoor pools afterward and return to the indoor changing area before leaving. Allow about three to four hours. If you only want to soak, you can skip the indoor water activities.
Pool floors can be wet and slippery. Wear non-slip sandals when moving between indoor and outdoor areas, and keep children within reach. In cold weather, have a bathrobe and dry clothes ready and return indoors promptly after using the outdoor pools.
Get there
From Yabuli West Station
Take a high-speed train from Harbin Station or Harbin West Station to Yabuli West Station, then take a bus or taxi to the resort area. Confirm the hot-spring shuttle schedule and journey time for that day, and check whether the drop-off point is near the entrance.
Driving and return transport
Set your navigation destination to “Yabuli Forest Hot Spring.” Driving from Harbin takes about 2.5–3 hours. Ask your accommodation provider about parking and any fees.
The hot spring may close later than some daytime attractions, and there is no standard information for return taxis or shuttles. Arrange transport back to your hotel, Yabuli West Station or town in advance rather than waiting until you leave to look for a ride.
Know before you go
Bring swimwear and check which areas are open
Bring a swimsuit, sandals, towel and bathrobe; using your own items reduces reliance on shared supplies. The indoor water areas can be crowded at busy times, and floors may be slippery. If you are sensitive to hygiene or crowds, ask which areas are open that day before visiting.
Outdoor temperatures can be very low in winter. Use a bathrobe to keep warm when getting out of the water and return indoors promptly. Ask the hotel or hot-spring staff in advance about accessible routes, lockers, hair dryers and how shared items are cleaned.
Check dining and ticket prices
The hotel's buffet is listed at CNY 79 for lunch and CNY 108 for dinner. Confirm the meal and price for that day before dining. There are few restaurant options around the resort; nearby farm-style restaurants serve dishes such as iron-pot stew and Guobaorou (crispy sweet-and-sour pork). Check the menu and prices before ordering.
If you plan to stay overnight, check the current room facilities before booking. If you have particular requirements for the cleanliness of shared items or pool availability, ask the hotel in advance.