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My ‘Forbidden’ Peek Into North Korea: Here’s How You Can Do It Too

My ‘Forbidden’ Peek Into North Korea: Here’s How You Can Do It Too

Have you ever been fascinated by North Korea, wondering how people dress, what they eat, and what the countryside looks like? I’ve been intrigued by the country officially called the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) for years, wondering what it would be like to visit. Unfortunately, U.S. citizens can’t enter North Korea, so I had to come up with plan B.

The city of Dandong, in China’s Northeastern Province of Liaoning, borders North Korea to the west and the Yellow Sea to the south. This city of just under a million people is about 400 miles away from Beijing. Before Covid hit, North Korean workers routinely crossed over the bridge between the two countries to work in Korean restaurants and Chinese factories. It’s the largest Chinese city to border North Korea, and an important economic port. 

Separated only by the Yalu River, the influence of Korean culture is prevalent in Dandong. Many signs are in both languages, restaurants serve Korean food, and you can easily look across the water to the border town of Sinuiju. It’s as close as you can get without actually stepping foot into North Korea. 

In 2021, I was living in China, a neighbor to the cloistered country. Always looking for an adventure, I decided to take an overnight trip from Beijing to have a peek into North Korea. If you find yourself in China, you can take a short detour to Dandong to experience some Korean culture.

How to Get to Dandong and Where to Stay

forbidden-peak-into-north-korea
DANDONG, CHINA – MAY 22 Two Chinese men talk next to the “Broken Bridge”, foreground, and ‘Friendship Bridge” on the Yalu river in the border city of Dandong, Liaoning province
Photo credit: Kevin Frayer, Getty Images

It’s a quick flight from Beijing’s Daxing Airport to Dandong. I had talked a friend into joining me, and we chose window seats hoping to get a bird’s eye view over North Korea as we flew in. Roughly halfway through the two-hour flight, the flight attendants came through the cabin instructing everyone to close their window shades. When we questioned them why this was necessary, the answer was “very special area.” I assume we were flying over some military installation. So much for getting a glimpse of North Korea from the plane. You can also travel by train from Beijing to Dandong, which takes a little over six hours.

Staying one night in Dandong is enough to see everything. We chose the Holiday Inn Express Dandong City Center due to its convenient location and views. Ask for a room on a high floor and you’ll be able to look across the Yalu River to North Korea. The included breakfast buffet was a nice perk and a notch higher than the standard Chinese hotel breakfast.  

Pro Tip: Look out the windows at night. The contrast between the city lights of Dandong and the darkness of Sinuiju is striking. 

What to See and Do in Dandong 

Spend time exploring the bridges that span the Yalu River. The Broken Bridge was the original railway line built in 1911 connecting China to North Korea. It was repeatedly bombed by the U.S. Military during the Korean War to disrupt the supply chain and passage of Chinese troops into North Korea. The remaining portion of the bridge spans halfway across the river, and you can walk out to the end for a closer look at North Korea. 

The Sino-Korea Friendship Bridge lies parallel to the Broken Bridge, about 100 meters away. This newer, intact version was built in 1937 by the Japanese Imperial Army. Both bridges suffered damage during the war, but this bridge was fully restored and connects trains and cars to North Korea. The scenic area along the river contains numerous memorials to Chinese soldiers and other important figures during the Korean War. 

Pro Tip: The arches on the bridges are beautiful when viewed in tandem, especially at night when they light up in changing colors. Stand on the riverbank to see the reflection on the water. 

Taking a Cruise Along the Yalu River 

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DANDONG, CHINA – MAY 23: (CHINA OUT) Chinese tourists ride in a boat on the Yalu river with North Korean territory
Photo credit: Kevin Frayer, Getty Images

My first sightseeing stop was to make the short walk down to the river. Look for the bridges on the water’s edge and you’ll see boats waiting to take visitors out sightseeing. I bought a ticket for the 30-minute tour, which cruises as close as it can to the North Korean shore. As I sat on the left side of the boat and looked at the houses, I wondered if I was technically in North Korea. Military police patrolled the shoreline behind barbed wire fences. The border between China and North Korea runs down the middle of the Yalu River. What if I fell overboard? Would I be taken into custody? My travel buddy flat out refused to take the risk. 

I took some videos and a few selfies with Sinuiju in the background. The contrast was striking between the modern, high-rise buildings and bustling streets on the Chinese side and the monochrome, block-style buildings on the North Korean side. A defunct ferris wheel stood in what looked like a deserted amusement park. 

Safely back on land, I explored the promenade overlooking the river. A handful of Chinese women were dressed in rented hanbok, taking photos in the colorful traditional Korean clothing. Vendors hawked toy tanks, North Korean cigarettes, and collectible currency—both of dubious origin. Flasks filled with strong Chinese baijiu (liquor) shaped like hand grenades and missiles were popular among souvenir shoppers as well.

Getting a Taste of Korean Food

Living in Beijing, I had access to plenty of Korean restaurants, but in Dandong, they felt more authentic. At that time, chefs crossed over to cook traditional dishes like Pyongyang cold noodles and bibimbap. Posters outside restaurants showed a melting pot of dishes, with Korean kimchi sharing space with Chinese scallion pancakes. Ads and menus in Korean added to the allure. Head to Korea Street (Er Jing Jie) and pick a place that looks crowded. Most menus have pictures, so it’s easy to point and order. I still remember the sizzling hot beef rice bowl (bibimbap) with a fried egg I had for lunch before flying home. The combination of tangy kimchi, sweet and spicy gochujang sauce, and tender beef hooked me and spoiled me for all future versions.

Given its location near the Yellow Sea, Dandong is well known for seafood. Chun Wu Lu night market (near Middle Binjiang and Chun 3rd Roads) is famous for seafood. Vendors sell grilled shrimp, sea snails, yellow clams, and scallops on the half shell. Chefs stretching and tossing crepes and stuffing croquettes with savory filling entertained us and filled the air with a festive atmosphere.

After a few snacks along the way, we grabbed a low table at a BBQ stall. Cooking meat and vegetable skewers over charcoal is a popular pastime, with dozens of venues around the city. There’s a small metal grill in the center of the table. First order a dozen or so skewers by pointing at the selection, and then an attendant will bring some red hot coals to fill the table top brazier. Shortly after, skewers of lamb, corn, peppers, and potatoes landed at our table for a DIY dinner. Accompanied by a few bottles of local Yalu River beer, it was a fun way to spend the evening. Many local families were gathered here, making it a great people-watching spot as well. 

Visiting the Hushan Great Wall 

Located about 12 miles from the center of Dandong, the Hushan Great Wall offers a unique hiking experience. Built in the 1400s, this is one of the eastern-most sections of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall. Hushan means “Tiger Mountain” named for the two peaks along the wall that stand out like tiger’s ears. This stretch of the Great Wall was refurbished in the year 2000, with 12 reconstructed watch towers. The smooth pavement trails here mean you can make the trek in sneakers. Bring a bottle of water and plan to spend two to three hours. 

Enter through the main gate and follow the wall through arches up the hillside. The watch towers offer views across the Yalu River into North Korea. I paused at each one, taking out my binoculars to watch people working in the fields below. Zooming in with my camera, I could see farmhouses and animals grazing. 

As you descend from the watchtowers along the circular trail, there’s a narrow path with a suspension bridge. You’ll see it on the map posted on the trail. It’s a bit of a scramble, with a rock ledge you’ll need to duck to get under. The trail continues as a series of wooden planks attached to the cliff overlooking the river. If you like adventure hikes like I do, keep going. If not, you can retrace your steps back to the parking lot. There’s a scenic pagoda along the trail, where you can stop to take in the views of North Korea or just catch a bit of shade.

Near the end, you’ll come to a spot called One Step to Cross, just a few yards across the water to North Korea. Take photos, but heed the signs that warn not to throw objects across or take pictures of the guards. At the end of the hike, I bought an ice cream and sat outside, trying not to think about what the neighbors next door were eating. There’s a gift shop near the exit where you can buy some small snacks and souvenirs, and use the restroom before heading back to Dandong.

Pro Tip: Since the location is rather remote, you might want to ask your taxi driver to wait and give you a ride back to Dandong so you don’t get stranded.

Additional Sights

If you have more time, visit Mt. Jinjiang, a 10-minute walk west of the Dandong railway station. Parks in China are great people-watching spots, and you might see elderly citizens doing their morning exercises, ladies dancing, or groups gathered to sing folk songs. There are several trails that lead from the park to the top, which takes about 30 minutes. Here, you’ll have a view over both border cities and the river.

History buffs might be interested in a trip to the Korean War Memorial, officially called The Memorial of the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea. Outside the museum, you’ll find an extensive weapons park, displaying tanks, aircraft, and other vehicles used during the war. It’s free to enter but closed on Mondays. 

Near the Dandong train station, you’ll find an impressive Chairman Mao statue. With time and modernization, there are not as many large statues of this iconic leader left. Taking a quick detour to stand in the shadow of this monument with other Chinese tourists gave me a new appreciation of how revered Chairman Mao still is to many.

Want to Learn More?

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DANDONG, CHINA seen on the Yalu river from the border city of Dandong, Liaoning province, northern China across from the city of Sinuiju, North Korea
Photo credit: Kevin Frayer, Getty Images

If you are not a U.S. or South Korean passport holder, it’s possible to join a tour to North Korea organized by Young Pioneer Tours, a company that specializes in “destinations your mother would rather you stay away from.” Of course, you should check the travel advisories of your home country, but tours are available to celebrate the new year, run the Pyongyang marathon, or attend the Mass Games in May. 

If you’d rather take more of an armchair-travel approach, I recommend “My Holiday in North Korea: The Funniest/Worst Place on Earth” by Wendy Simmons. Her humorous travelog gives a glimpse into what tourists might encounter for those who visit North Korea. For a deeper dive into what life is like for those who live in the DPRK, read Barbara Demick’s book Nothing to Envy. Ordinary Lives in North Korea. Posted as a journalist in South Korea, Demick interviewed North Korean defectors who started new lives in the south. 

I’m not sure if I’ll ever make it to North Korea, but I savor the glimpse I got of this totalitarian state from my visit to Dandong. I hiked an ancient section of the Great Wall, learned a bit of history, tried some authentic Korean food, and reflected on my freedom.

Comets in 2024 | How To See A New Comet Before It Disappears For Decades

Note: The Travel Awaits team regularly updates content to provide the latest, and most accurate information to our readers. The updated content in this article may not reflect the views or opinions of the original author.

Stargazers take note: You’ll soon have a few chances to see a newly discovered comet as it passes Earth on its orbit of the Sun.

The Calendar of Comets in 2024

Here’s the calendar of all comets that could be visible by the naked eye, through binoculars, or a telescope in 2024:

DEC 25, 2023: 62P/Tsuchinshan 

62P/Tsuchinshan is a short-period comet and one of the first comets to kick off the year that should be visible with medium-size binoculars.

JAN 25: 144P/Kushida 

144P/Kushida is a well-placed evening comet but visibility forecasts for this short-period comet are unfavorable.

FEB 14: C/2021 S3 (PanSTARRS)

C/2021 S3 (PanSTARRS) is a short-period comet coming across the Coathanger Cluster, that might be visible with small binoculars.

APR 21: 12P/Pons-Brooks

Comet Pons-Brooks comet is a Halley-type comet that hasn’t been seen in seventy years. Comet Pons-Brooks will likely be weaker than C/2023 A3, and only faintly visible to the naked eye. However, there is a chance that the bright comet could become significantly brighter than expected if it has an ‘outburst’.

SEP 27:  C/2023 A3 (Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) 

Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS can potentially become an exceptionally bright comet and earn the title of a “great comet”. It might become visible to the naked eye and rival the luminosity of the brightest stars in September and October.

Comets in 2023

The comet, C/2023 P1, or simply Comet Nishimura, will pass Earth on September 12, 2023. It will be 78 million miles from Earth at that time and should be bright enough to see with the unaided eye beginning before dawn on September 8, according to EarthSky.

The comet will then reach perihelion — its closest point to the Sun — on September 17.

You won’t want to miss the comet as it passes Earth, however. Astronomers calculate that Comet Nishimura’s orbit of the Sun takes 435 years.

All About Comets

Comets can be thought of as giant snowballs made of frozen gasses with embedded rock and dust particles, NASA explains. They typically are roughly the “size of a small town.”

Comets, celestial wanderers in our solar system, captivate astronomers and skygazers alike. These icy bodies originate from the outer reaches, often residing in the Oort Cloud or Kuiper Belt. When a comet approaches the inner solar system, it may become visible from Earth, offering a spectacular celestial display.

Meteor showers, equally interesting celestial events, result from Earth intersecting with the debris trails left by comets, producing dazzling streaks across the night sky. Unfortunately, light pollution in urban areas, particularly in the northern hemisphere, can obscure these celestial wonders.

Observatories like the Purple Mountain Observatory play a crucial role in studying comets and mitigating the impact of full moon interference, providing valuable insights into the mysteries of our inner solar system.

Bright comets like Tsuchinshan-Atlas, or other comets can be observed with a small telescope, enhancing our understanding of these cosmic visitors.

As a comet nears the Sun, it warms up and its ice begins to change from a solid to a gas. This produces what’s known as a “coma,” which is the fuzzy-shaped cloud surrounding the ball of ice. The coma can be thousands of miles in diameter.

Then, radiation pressure — or solar wind — “blows” the expanding coma out to form the long tail that gives comets their distinctive shape.

The New Comet

Amazingly, the new space object was discovered by Japanese amateur astronomer Hideo Nishimura on August 12, while he was taking pictures of the night sky, Space.com explains. The object was then officially confirmed and named comet C/2023 P1 on August 15 by the Minor Planet Center.

Astronomers divide months in half — days 1 to 15 and days 16 to a month’s end — in what’s known as “half-months” to name newly discovered solar-system bodies such as comets and asteroids. These half-months are then labeled as the successive letters of the alphabet. Early January, for instance, is “A.”

The new comet’s 2023 P1 name designates that it was discovered in 2023, in the first half of August, and that it was the first such object discovered in that time period. It is commonly called Comet Nishimura to recognize its founder. Another comet, that passed us in January in 2023 was named Green Comet.

How To See The Comet

The good news is that Comet Nishimura continues to be brighter as it nears Earth.

While the comet will be its closest to Earth on September 12, astronomers believe it should be visible to the unaided eye beginning September 8, SpaceSky explains.

Now, for the bad news, while the comet is expected to be visible about 90 minutes before sunrise, it may be challenging to see just above the eastern horizon due to glare from the impending sunrise, EarthSky notes. The comet will be a little more difficult to spot each morning after September 8.

That said, here’s how to look for Comet Nishimura on September 8 and for mornings after that: Look for the comet before dawn above the eastern horizon. Comet Nishimura will be near the Moon and Venus.

If you’d like some visual aids, the Star Walk 2 app, the Sky Tonight app, and illustrations of the night sky on EarthSky can help you determine where to look in the predawn sky, as well as what you should look for.

Finally, as is always the case with stargazing, your chances of seeing the comet will be better if you are far away from city lights and have an unobstructed view of the eastern horizon.

You should keep an eye out for another comet coming our way named Tsuchinshan-ATLAS.

FAQs

What Comet Comes Every 50,000 Years?

The C/2022 E3 (ZTF) takes around 50,000 years to orbit the sun. The comet was discovered by researchers using the Zwicky Transient Facility, a special camera at Caltech’s Palomar Observatory. It was last visible in early February 2023.

What Rare Comet Will Pass by Earth in 2024?

The comet 12P/Pons-Brooks called the “devil comet”, will pass by Earth for the first time in 70 years. It got its nickname because of two ice and gas formations that mimic the shape of horns. The last time the comet was visible to us was in 1954.

What Is Going to Be the Brightest Comet in 2024?

The comet in question is C/2023 A3 (comet Tsuchinshan–ATLAS). If it lives up to its most optimistic expectations, it could appear as bright as a first or second-magnitude star and might show a significant tail despite the low altitude and bright moonlight.

What Are the Three Most Famous Comets?

The most well-known comet is Halley’s Comet found by Edmond Halley and visible every 75 to 76 years. The other two famous comets are Comet Hale-Bopp, named after its co-discoverers, and Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9, named after its discoverers, Gene and Carolyn Shoemaker, and David Levy.

Where Do New Comets Come From?

Evidence suggests that there are two regions of the outer Solar System producing new comets. The first of these regions is the Kuiper Belt, a band of comets. The second region, farther out than the Kuiper Belt, is called the Oort Cloud.

9 Charming Hallmark Movie Towns to Spend a Wonderful Christmas In Maryland

Note: The Travel Awaits team regularly updates content to provide the latest, and most accurate information to our readers. The updated content in this article may not reflect the views or opinions of the original author.

Every state has those notable towns full of community, holiday cheer, and a love for Christmas. Towns where everyone gathers together to celebrate Christmas Eve and Christmas Day celebrations similar to those we see in Hallmark movies. Maryland is no different; the countryside is dotted with charming towns that could star in a Hallmark Christmas movie.

Let’s take a look at a few favorite charming Maryland Hallmark towns that Christmas lovers enjoy. 

9 Charming Hallmark Movie Towns to Spend Christmas In Maryland

Mr. and Mrs. Clause at the Talbot Street Parade in St. Michaels, Maryland.
Mr. and Mrs. Clause at the Talbot Street Parade
Photo credit: Talbot County Dept. Econ Development and Tourism

1. St. Michaels

The tiny town of St. Michaels in Talbot County is full of Christmas spirit and holiday events. The streets and shops are decked out in greenery and glittering white lights, creating a festive glow throughout the town. 

Christmas in St. Michaels events are held the second weekend of December. They include holiday music, visits with Santa, and a gingerbread house competition.

Everyone loves a parade, and just like in Hallmark movies, St. Michaels has a big one on Saturday morning during their weekend event. The Talbot Street Parade includes fire engines, horses, marching bands, llamas, antique cars, and even a kazoo band. Mr. and Mrs. Claus will close out the parade. 

You can even be a part of the event by participating in the Santa Dash at the front of the parade. Grab a Santa hat or suit and enjoy the one-mile run.

The water sparkles during the festive Lighted Boat Parade on the second Saturday in December. Each boat is decorated with twinkling lights and a festive theme as it sails around St. Michaels Harbor.

The Annual Lighted Drive-by House Tour is available throughout the holiday season. Be sure to visit the Marketplace and Sweet Shoppe for a holiday treat and hot mulled apple cider. 

The Dickens of a Christmas celebration in Chestertown, Maryland.
The Dickens of a Christmas parade
Photo credit: Kent County Tourism

2. Chestertown

Chestertown could absolutely be the setting of a Hallmark movie. Founded in 1706, it was a major port of entry during colonial times. Even today, visitors enjoy wandering around the brick sidewalks browsing the attractive antique stores, restaurants, and inns. But during the holidays, the town is decked out in lights and is a favorite of many.

The day after Thanksgiving, Chestertown kicks off the holidays when Santa arrives, and they host a Lighting of the Town celebration. Santa is delivered to the event on Fountain Street on a Fire Truck. The Kent County Community Marching Band provides entertainment, and there are many photo opportunities. 

Chestertown also hosts an annual community Christmas Parade in the historic downtown. Just like in the Hallmark movies, the parade features floats, marching bands, fire trucks, and the jolly old elf himself, Santa.

For many, the highlight of the town’s holiday activities is its Dickens of a Christmas celebration on the first weekend of December. It is a London-themed weekend with Chestertown’s gorgeous architecture as a backdrop. The event is brimming with food, shopping, carriage rides, and Victorian entertainment.

The weekend ends with a “Run Like the Dickens 5K!” The themed race through the town even has characters to greet participants along the way. 

The Festival of Trees Weekend is another community event. Businesses and organizations decorate trees, and they are on display for everyone to enjoy. Santa and Mrs. Claus attend, and various entertainment groups perform. The Christmas Tree display is open to the public and free. 

In the Bedlam Bed Race, a new event this year, teams race a bed up High Street to the finish line. Prizes for the race winner and best theme/décor/creativity will be awarded. Sounds like it should be loads of fun!

Just like in your favorite Hallmark movie, the entire community gets involved in making Christmas memorable in Chestertown. 

The Crab Basket Tree in Cambridge, Maryland
Cambridge’s Crab Basket Tree
Photo credit: Jill Jasuta

3. Cambridge

Decorated and full of local charm, the town of Cambridge is truly creative and worthy of a Hallmark movie set. Their town tree is created from empty crab baskets, and each year they decorate and light the crab basket tree.

Cambridge is host to one of the largest nighttime parades in Maryland. This year’s parade theme is “Crabby Christmas.” The Cambridge – Dorchester Christmas Parade will include classic cars, marching bands, horses, floats, and of course, the big guy himself arriving for the holidays. Volunteers also create a Christmas Train Garden in the old firehouse downtown — the longest continually operating fire department train display in the nation!

You will be dazzled by glittering lights, the sound of festive music, and holiday cheer in Cambridge. Visit the historic downtown on Second Saturday for gallery receptions, music, caroling in the streets, and an opportunity to vote for the winner of the inaugural Holiday Wreath Contest. There’s also the 2-day Christmas on Pine, with tree lighting, children’s choir, dance performances, and Santa.

Cambridge extends the fun into January with the Cambridge Ice & Oyster Festival, which features dozens of ice sculptures, master ice carver demonstrations, interactive ice games, an oyster roast and raw bar, craft beer and artisan cocktails, fire pits and s’mores stations, and a shucking and slurping oyster contest.

Editor’s Note: Cambridge is also home to the Harriet Tubman Museum & Educational Center, and thus made our list of great places to celebrate women’s history.

Jack Frost visits Frostburg, Maryland.
Jack Frost visits Frostburg
Photo credit: MDMountainside.com

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4. Frostburg

Right out of a storybook, the town of Frostburg in Allegany County becomes a sparkling Christmas winter wonderland each year. Hundreds of elves take over downtown Frostburg during their Storybook Holiday event, and Jack Frost himself arrives and participates in the community-wide snowball toss. This day of winter fun sprinkled with action celebrates children’s literature but is a hoot for adults too. 

The event features a festive breakfast with the elves, letters to Santa, elf Olympics with Jack Frost as the emcee, storybook readings, a cookie contest, and an elves’ secret workshop.

Jack Frost also leads the annual parade through town.

Every Hallmark movie involves an adorable coffee shop, and Frostburg is no exception! Stop by specialty coffee shop Clatter Café during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season for a cozy cup of coffee, espresso, or tea.

Ring light display in Ocean City, Maryland.
Ring light display in Ocean City
Photo credit: Town of Ocean City

5. Ocean City

Everyone thinks of Ocean City as a big beach town, and it is, but it is also big on Christmas! It kicks off the holiday season with the 40th annual Shoppers Fair in November.

Ocean City hosts a Christmas parade, carriage rides, and the Winterfest of Lights. The Winterfest of Lights is a walking tour along a paved path in Northside Park, which has expanded this year, taking you through thousands of twinkling Christmas lights and animated displays. Sip hot chocolate as you walk, and be sure to check out the holiday exhibits and the gift shop. A 50-foot tree adds to the holiday merriment as it “performs” a show several times an hour. The Winterfest of Lights runs from November 17 through December 31, 2022.

If you are visiting over New Year’s, be sure to check out the spectacular fireworks display. You can check out all the upcoming holiday events.

Editor’s Note: If you’re thinking about staying a while, we curated a list of fantastic Vrbo rentals in Ocean City just for you.

6. Berlin

This charming town is full of festive decorations and sparkling lights during the holiday season.

Ice, Ice Berlin kicks off the Christmas activities in November. It showcases gorgeous carved ice sculptures and then the tree lighting ceremony. Santa visits and the shops are open late. 

The Berlin Christmas Parade is held on the first Thursday of December. Floats, fire trucks, dancers, marching units, and more will be part of the largest holiday parade on the Eastern Shore. 

Every weekend in December brings the Merry Marketplace showcasing the Kringle Kottage, kids’ activities, Santa, hot chocolate, carriage rides, and more.

Kick off 2023 with live music and a DJ to dance away 2022 and welcome in 2023. A laser show will accompany the ball drop at midnight.

Editor’s Note: Want to visit in the warmer months? Berlin is home to one of the nation’s best campgrounds near the water.

Caroling on Horseback with Spring Gap Farms in Cumberland, Maryland
Caroling on Horseback with Spring Gap Farms
Photo credit: J. Rilling Johnston, Photographer / Spring Gap Farms

7. Cumberland

The quaint town is full of Christmas cheer and bubbling with holiday anticipation. Everyone in the town gathers for the annual tree lighting, the Great Illumination, and Santa’s arrival the Friday after Thanksgiving to kick off their Home for the Holidays event. 

“All aboard” The Polar Express from Cumberland. Take the kids and make memories as they enjoy a trip to the North Pole. Music from the movie soundtrack will play as you chug along. Cookies and hot chocolate are served while everyone enjoys dancing, singing, and reading of the holiday favorite The Polar Express. 

Once the train stops at the North Pole, Santa will board the train and present the first gift of Christmas. The train ride is a magical trip both young and old will enjoy. 

Another unique holiday happening in Cumberland is the Caroling on Horseback event. Spring Gap Farm comes to Cumberland on horseback to sing a Christmas carol around town, and they invite the public to come and join in the musical merriment. 

The crab basket Christmas tree in Rock Hall, Maryland
Rock Hall’s Crab Basket Christmas Tree
Photo credit: Kent County Tourism

8. Rock Hall

Often referred to as the Pearl of the Chesapeake, the charming Chesapeake Bay village of Rock Hall was settled in 1706. With a population of 1,278, the small harbor town has a close, friendly community. Their welcome sign states, “Nice People live here!” It truly sounds like a Hallmark movie town, don’t you agree? 

During the Christmas season, Rock Hall hosts a Hometown Christmas the weekend after Thanksgiving. They welcome visitors to make their Christmas events even merrier.

Hometown Christmas in Rock Hall features horse-drawn carriage rides throughout the day. Shops host mini-events and open houses, and at Bayside Landing Park, there are a variety of family-friendly activities to kick off the season. 

The first Saturday in December, a lighted boat parade ushers Santa to Rock Hall. A beautiful extravaganza of boats cruises through the Rock Hall Harbor, and Santa arrives at the bulkhead as the community band entertains the audience. 

The jolly man with a white beard will then travel via fire truck to the tree lighting on Main Street. Rock Hall’s tree is not your ordinary pine tree, but one made of crab baskets. The Crab Basket Tree features several hundred decorated baskets in honor/memory of loved ones in the center of Main Street. Reflecting the culture and the holiday tradition of the community, the tree-lighting brings people together during the festive season. 

“Santa’s House” is open for those wishing to tell Santa or Mrs. Claus what is on their Christmas list. 

A very Hallmarkish event, a community fire pit for roasting marshmallows and creating s’mores just adds to the festive spirit in this charming village. Check out times on their calendar of Christmas events. 

9. Gaylord National Resort in National Harbour

Visitors looking for the ultimate holiday getaway to the Washington D.C. region will find something for the whole family at the Gaylord National Resort, the largest resort and convention center on the East Coast that goes supersize during its most celebrated event of the year, Christmas at Gaylord National.

Every holiday season guests discover a  winter wonderland complete with scenes from your favorite holiday movies, ice bumper cars, and more than 100 elaborately themed Christmas trees. Getting into the holiday spirit when spending Christmas at Gaylord National is easy.

The main attraction is its signature, award-winning attraction ICE! Exhibit that showcases colorful ice sculptures and interactive ice slides themed to Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. However, you won’t be able to overlook the huge Christmas Village filled with family-friendly activities and other Christmas events the hotel and National Harbor have to offer.

If you visit Gaylord you should also take some time to venture beyond the Gaylord National resort to National Harbor which has recently emerged as one of the premium Christmas waterfront destinations in the country. You’ll find the Capital Wheel with awe-inspiring views, the beach area great for kids to play in and so many great restaurants.

Whether you’re a local or visitor to these stunning Christmas towns, visiting their enchanting holiday festivities is one of the best ways to celebrate the most wonderful time of year!

FAQs

How Often Does It Snow on Christmas in Maryland?

Maryland had 13 Christmas Days that saw snow over the last 70 years. In the last 30 years, Maryland has had 4 white Christmas Days in 1993, 1998, 2002, and 2009. Average seasonal snowfall ranges from 10 inches on the lower Eastern Shore to 110 inches in Garrett County.

What Is the Most Popular Christmas Tree in Maryland?

The most popular choice for Christmas trees in Maryland and the mid-Atlantic region is the Fraser Fir, known for its excellent needle retention and pleasing aroma. Other popular trees are the Douglas Fir, White Pine, Blue Spruce, and Scotch Pine.

What Is Maryland Like During the Holiday Season?

The holiday season in Maryland is a special occasion that brings the whole family together. When the holiday season arrives, Maryland transforms into a winter wonderland with a festive atmosphere that celebrates Christmas.

What Are the Best Christmas Markets in Maryland?

Some of the best Maryland Christmas markets are Baltimore Christmas Village, Howard County Craft Spectacular, and Maryland Christmas Show in Frederick where you can experience unique crafts, mouth-watering food, and delightful entertainment. These markets in the holiday season are wholesome festive fun for every family.

What Is the Largest Christmas Festival of Lights in Maryland? 

The largest and most spectacular Maryland Christmas festival of lights during the holiday season is Winter City Lights, one of the most technologically advanced Christmas light experiences in the Country that includes over 1 million twinkling winter wonderland holiday lights.

12 Christmas Towns in Pennsylvania That Feel Like You’re In a Hallmark Movie

Note: The Travel Awaits team regularly updates content to provide the latest, and most accurate information to our readers. The updated content in this article may not reflect the views or opinions of the original author.

Quaint small towns, snow-covered streets, cozy inns, a local café, friendly neighbors helping each other, and old-fashioned celebrations! Yes, I’m talking about the kind of towns featured in the Hallmark Christmas movies. This year, Hallmark is premiering 40 new Christmas movies, and there are plenty of small towns in Pennsylvania that could qualify to be featured in them.

Here are a few of my favorites for you to visit. These notable towns were selected for the scenery and decorations, friendliness, community participation, and Christmas cheer. They are listed in no particular order.

12 Christmas Towns in Pennsylvania – You Will Feel Like You’re In a Hallmark Movie

Horse-drawn carriage ride in Montrose, Pennsylvania
Horse-drawn carriage ride in Montrose
Photo credit: Robin O’Neal Smith

1. Montrose

A town rich in history becomes a magical snow globe during the holiday season, and Christmas in Montrose adds to the sparkling scene with an event-filled holiday lineup. The festival warms your heart and appears to be right from the set of a Hallmark movie.

The community comes together to provide this memory-making event held the first weekend in December. The event kicks off on Friday the 2nd with tree lighting, free children’s activities, food vendors, local artists, and much more throughout the quaint town.

A unique activity is the “Santa Roll” — Chocolates by Leopolds creates a giant chocolate Santa rolled down the “Ave” by the local children.

New this year will be the “Take a Bite out of Christmas in Montrose, an “adult-only” progressive dinner via hayride with five different stops, touring homes and enjoying refreshments at each stop. The evening ends at The Rosemont Inn.

Friday ends with the twinkling Parade of Lights through the town. Saturday the 3rd will see the Montrose Green come alive with holiday festivities, including a Christmas Gift Market, a free s’mores station, a petting zoo, a Christmas village, and free hayrides. There will be special appearances by Buddy the Elf, the Grinch, and Olaf.

Some exciting eating fun will occur at the Elf Spaghetti Eating Contest. There is also a contest for the best elf costume on the green. You can even participate in a snowball fight with Buddy the Elf.

The Rosemont Inn Bed & Breakfast will host the Annual Festival of Trees and the Gingerbread House Contest. Local businesses, individuals, and organizations come together to create the Festival of Trees. The money is donated to charitable organizations and toward keeping almost all events at Christmas in Montrose free!

Just like in a Hallmark movie, individuals have the opportunity to decorate their own gingerbread house. The public votes and the winners of the Gingerbread House Contest win cash prizes.

The 20 Best Gifts For Hallmark Christmas Movie Lovers

A Jingle Bell 5K Run/Walk is a family-friendly event that goes through the heart of Montrose. Many of the participants dress up in holiday garb and bells for the run/walk. Horse-drawn carriage rides around the historical Montrose will be provided. As you go from place to place, you can catch a ride on one of the hay wagons, which will drop you off at different locations.

Santa and his elves will be greeting children in the decorated gazebo on the lawn at the Rosemont Inn. Bring the grandkids for free photos with Santa. Christmas specialty drinks, homemade donuts, and other specialty shops will have food available near the inn. Harpists, other musicians, and carolers will be strolling the streets and stores providing Christmas music.

Sunday’s events include a free movie and the Christmas Chorale concert at a local church. Check out the entire list of events at “Christmas In Montrose.”

A light tunnel in Tunkhannock, PA
Festival of Lights in Tunkhannock
Photo credit: Robin O’Neal Smith

2. Tunkhannock

Imagine a white, snowy paradise with cozy inns, garlands, and red bow-decorated street lamps. In Wyoming County, the quaint, picturesque town of Tunkhannock, population 1,682, hosts Tunkhannock Santa Train Rides and Christmas in Our Hometown during the holiday season. It is part of the Endless Mountains Christmas in the Northeastern Pennsylvania region.

Tunkhannock Business and Professional Association is bringing back the popular Santa Train Rides for 2022. They are held the last weekend of November with three rides each day leaving from Riverside Park.

Christmas in Our Hometown features carolers, horse rides, entertainment, and family activities.

The festivities start with a parade, Santa’s arrival, a tree-lighting ceremony, horse-drawn carriage rides, musicians, a cookie-decorating workshop, a Christmas photo booth, ice carvings, and free movies. The whole town is involved in making unforgettable memories for attendees.

During Christmas in Our Hometown, the Dietrich Theater in the heart of town kicks off The 12 Movies of Christmas. Millions of sparkling Christmas lights will leave you spellbound at the Festival of Lights at the Stone Hedge Golf Course in Tunkhannock. They have added some new light scenes this year.

The original Christmas song, “An Endless Mountain Christmas,” was written, composed, and recorded to be used for a promotional campaign about the area by singer and award-winning songwriter Gary Carl, who is now the general manager of the Comfort Inn and Suites in Tunkhannock. That sure sounds like something out of a Hallmark movie to me.

A Christmas tree in downtown Indiana, Pennsylvania.
A Christmas tree in downtown Indiana, Pennsylvania
Photo credit: Indiana County Tourist Bureau

3. Indiana

It’s a wonderful life in the Christmas Tree Capital of the World. How could Indiana, Pennsylvania, not be included as a Hallmark-worthy town? Indiana is approximately an hour and 15 minutes northeast of Pittsburgh. A great weekend getaway or day trip, Indiana is full of holiday cheer.

They hold the It’s a Wonderful Life Celebration each year in honor of Jimmy Stewart, who grew up in Indiana. With a population of 13,508, Indiana knows how to celebrate Christmas. They kick off the celebration with a holiday parade that includes over 79 units of floats, bands, dancers, and more. Over 10,000 spectators line Philadelphia Street to watch.

The festivities continue in the town that is quintessentially Christmas. The Lucy Donnelly Memorial Fund will present Light Up Night (6 p.m.) and Holiday Parade (7 p.m.) on November 18, 2022. Their 32-foot Christmas tree is the sparkling highlight. It is located in the center of town.

First Commonwealth Bank presents the “It’s A Wonderful Life” festival during the weekends starting November 19 through December 18, 2022. The festival includes beautiful light displays shining brightly from the end of November through the holidays. Each building is outlined in white twinkling lights, shop windows are decorated, and when they get a bit of fresh snow, the place looks spectacularly beautiful. The downtown area is very walkable and safe to enjoy all the light and beauty and shop and dine.

Highlights of the festival include selfie locations for photo ops, holiday “Wheels and Thrills” — a community miniature train and quilt display at the Indiana Mall, “Toys of Christmas Past” exhibit at the Historical and Genealogical Society of Indiana County, and “It’s A Wonderful Life” exhibit at The Artists Hand Gallery and Espresso Bar.

Mystrysak’s Tree Farm offers family holiday fun on the weekends of Nov. 25-27 and December 3-4, 2022. They offer tractor-wagon rides, visits with Santa, and more. The Jimmy Stewart Museum will be showing a matinee about the making of It’s a Wonderful Life, General Electric Theatre’s “The Trail To Christmas” (directed by Jimmy Stewart and introduced by Ronald Reagan), and It’s a Wonderful Life in the vintage theater.

Train rides during the winter in Strasburg.
Train rides during the winter in Strasburg
Photo credit: Don Shenk

4. Strasburg

The historic brick buildings, coupled with the most beautiful holiday decorations and a train that runs through the town, make Strasburg the perfect Hallmark-type experience. It is a quaint town, and you will probably see an Amish horse and buggy go by while you visit. We saw dozens on our visit.

The Strasburg Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place in the Historic Town Square on the first Thursday night in December. The Strasburg Heritage Society will be hosting the Holiday Home Tour again in mid-December.

The Strasburg Rail Road will be hosting numerous themed train rides and special events on select dates during November and December. Kids of all ages enjoy riding the trains.

Various merchants are offering unique experiences and sales. You can even spend the night in a caboose at The Red Caboose Motel and enjoy a delightful weekend holiday dinner meal during November and December at the Casey Jones’ Restaurant. The restaurant is housed in an authentic train dining car.

The Historic Smithton Inn in nearby Ephrata is an awesome place to stay. Built in 1763, the Historic Smithton Inn is a gorgeous colonial bed and breakfast that attracts guests from around the world. Guests appreciate the history while staying at the inn, but they enjoy modern comforts. We loved our stay at the Smithton Inn and look forward to a return visit. Nothing is more beautiful than the inn decorated for Christmas.

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An old fashioned Christmas display in Canonsburg.
An old-fashioned Christmas display in Canonsburg
Photo credit: Canonsburg Old Fashioned Christmas Committee

5. Canonsburg

The Christmas spirit is still alive and well in Canonsburg for all to enjoy.

Recognized as one of PA’s most Hallmark-esque towns, Canonsburg, with a population of 8,811, celebrates with their Old Fashioned Christmas each year on the first weekend of December.

This year’s festivities will feature a community tree lighting on December 2, lit-up downtown buildings, decorated trees along the streets, and streetlight banners throughout the town. A Christmas parade through the town on December 3, along with a Christmas market, featuring 50 vendors and a food court, will add to the merriment.

Children can have their pictures taken with Santa at the North Pole (plus there are family photo opportunities). Increasing the Hallmark-town factor will be a children’s skate rink this year. A community Gingerbread House Contest will be held in the Frank Sarris Public Library, and there will be live entertainment on both Friday and Saturday.

Tunnel at Christmas in the Parkway in Saxton, Pennsylvania.
Tunnel at Christmas in the Parkway in Saxton
Photo credit: Robin O’Neal Smith

6. Saxton

Saxton is a tiny town with no motels and one red light, but it truly encapsulates the magical Christmas spirit.

This small, darling town located in rural Bedford County is full of holiday cheer and friendly faces. With only 691 residents, Saxton epitomizes the small towns featured in Hallmark movies. When festivities are held, it draws from the surrounding areas. The whole community comes together for Christmas in the Parkway.

The town parkway is transformed into a winter wonderland decorated with sparkling lights, wreaths, and garlands, and the town Christmas tree is illuminated during the event. A tunnel of lights will again be one of the features of the parkway.

Santa and Mrs. Claus are paraded through town and arrive at the event via a local fire engine decorated for Christmas.

Christmas in the Parkway this year will feature local musicians, the lighting of the town tree, a children’s coloring contest, Elf and Grinch visits, and time to talk with Santa. A highlight of this year’s event will be live reindeer for the children to see.

Refreshments of hot cocoa, homemade cookies, and freshly-popped popcorn are provided by local businesses, churches, and community members.

Horse-drawn carriage rides in Bradford, Pennsylvania.
Horse-drawn carriage rides in Bradford
Photo credit: Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau

7. Bradford

A national historic district with a population of 8,194, Bradford is nestled in northwestern Pennsylvania’s forest-covered hillsides at the Allegheny National Forest’s edge. It is a Hallmark-type town where people say “hello” and the shopkeepers know your name.

In Bradford, they kick off the Hallmark season — I mean holiday season — on the first Saturday of November with special shopping and discounts. They also participate in Shop Small Saturday. New this year will be a Christmas Parade on December 2.

Bradford celebrates each year with twinkling white lights and a sprinkle of snowflakes decorating the town — and, of course, the Old Fashioned Christmas celebration downtown. The celebration is held on the second Saturday of December. Put on your mittens and hat to brave the chill for horse-drawn carriage rides transporting you along a street decked out in white twinkle lights. Costumed Christmas carolers will serenade visitors while local shops and restaurants will be serving up cocoa and other delights.

An Old Fashioned Christmas Winter Wine Walk is also a part of the festivities. An adult-only activity offers a complimentary wine glass for sipping unique wines from local wineries while exploring and shopping historic Bradford.

Christmas In The Park in Lititz, Pennsylvania.
Christmas in the Park in Lititz
Photo credit: Venture Lititz

8. Lititz

The quaint town of Lititz is beautiful year-round, but come yuletide season, it’s a winter wonderland where holiday magic reigns.

Small cafés and local stores with decorated windows line the streets, the town’s square houses a nativity, thousands of twinkling lights glisten on the snow, and vintage decorations are everywhere.

Don’t forget the Moravian stars, representing part of the town’s history that dates back to 1747, glowing in the night.

With a population of 9,798 and located in Lancaster County, Lititz will celebrate this year with Christmas In The Park on the first Friday, December 2. The annual Christmas Carol Sing at the Moravian Church Square on December 8 allows the public to sing holiday favorites accompanied by the Lititz Moravian Trombone Choir.

Businesses and residents are invited to “deck their halls” to be part of Decorate Lititz. Visitors can take the tour and help select the winning decorations on December 9.

An annual Christmas Candlelight Tour of the 1792 Johannes Mueller House is hosted by the Lititz Historical Foundation on December 10.

The Wilbur Hotel is set in an old chocolate factory and the Lititz Springs Inn has been greeting guests from around the world since 1764. Both provide charming and historical stays.

Wellsboro ornament displays during Christmas time.
Ornament displays in Wellsboro
Photo credit: Wellsboro Christmas On Main Street

9. Wellsboro

Wellsboro, located in Tioga County, north of the PA Grand Canyon, hosts their annual Dickens of a Christmas each holiday season. The 3,175-person town closes its streets, and over 179 vendors set up an early Victorian marketplace. Wearing outfits from the 1840s, performers and vendors rekindle the old-fashioned Christmas spirit and Victorian atmosphere to match Wellsboro’s gas lights. The event is held the first weekend in December.

They also celebrate Christmas on Main Street the second weekend of December. You can stroll along Main Street and enjoy the gaslit streetlights or ride the trolley to enjoy the picturesque town. There are Victorian bed and breakfasts, cafés, and a plethora of local shops to peruse.

Historic ornaments made locally in the 1940s will be on display along Main Street. During that tumultuous decade, the town’s Corning Glass plant manufactured millions of glass ornaments for U.S. households, replacing blockaded German manufacturers. Wellsboro prides itself as “The Town That Saved Christmas.”

The Bandstand during the holidays in Ligonier, Pennsylvania.
The Bandstand during the holidays in Ligonier
Photo credit: Go Laurel Highlands

10. Ligonier

Light Up Ligonier, held in the Ligonier Diamond Park, is just one of the town’s holiday events meant to preserve the childhood wonder of Christmas for everyone. The event is a fun, family event that ushers in the holiday season the day after Thanksgiving. Shops remain open till the evening parade begins and the jolly good elf, Santa, arrives on a horse-drawn sleigh. Ligonier has a countdown not only for lighting the tree but the entire Diamond. One lucky child will have the opportunity to help Santa light the Diamond.

Christmas carols play throughout the town, and there is always a good chance of a light, fluffy snowfall that makes the white lights sparkle.

Horse-drawn sleigh rides are available after the lighting! Enjoy some hot cocoa and take a stroll in this adorable small town that will make you think of Hallmark from the first moment you visit.

Holiday decorations in Bedford, Pennsylvania.
Holiday decorations in Bedford
Photo credit: Downtown Bedford

11. Bedford

Located midway between Harrisburg and Pittsburgh, Bedford sits right along the PA Turnpike with a population of 2,861 people. This small historic town has a lot happening throughout the year and is a great weekend getaway.

It is transformed into a picturesque Hallmark-type town decked out in small-town warmth and Christmas jingles during the holidays. Multicolored Christmas lights crisscross the main streets. The town tree is illuminated, and local businesses decorate their store windows.

This year, they are celebrating with the theme of “There’s GNOME Place Like Bedford for the Holidays.”

A Holiday Open House, with storefronts decorated, kicks off the Christmas shopping season the second weekend in November. The Holiday Open House offers special deals throughout the town, a Cookie Crunch Contest and it is the start of a GNOME Scavenger Hunt that lasts through mid-December.

Small Business Saturday (November 26) will kick off the downtown’s Shop Small Crawl promotion through mid-December. Shop Small Crawl is a fun way to encourage holiday shoppers to check out some of the unique small businesses in downtown Bedford.

December brings a “Lighten Up, It’s Christmas” window-decorating contest that adds to the Christmas spirit and charm of the downtown, and the public gets to vote with their loose change! Funds raised are used for the town’s Christmas Lighting fund.

To make sure everyone is in the Christmas spirit, a Christmas Family Fun Night is hosted in early December that features talent acts, children’s activities, ice carvings, visits with Santa and ends with the town tree lighting.

Finally, just to make sure everyone has some Christmas goodies, they will be hosting a unique event, the Snowflake Social, the second Friday of December. This event will be held at the beautiful Omni Bedford Springs Resort and will feature a live and silent auction with goodies from merchants and members’ products as well as overnight stays/trips.

The town’s event page has the times and locations of each activity.

Couple taking a selfie before hopping on a horse-drawn carriage for a ride in Gettysburg
Couple taking a selfie before hopping on a horse-drawn carriage for a ride.
Photo credit: Destination Gettysburg

12. Gettysburg

A town fit for a holiday movie, Gettysburg is the postcard-perfect place to spend the holidays. Known for its Civil War history, Gettysburg perfectly blends its rich American heritage with the Christmas spirit during the holidays.

The town tree lighting happens on November 25. The Gettysburg Christmas Festival is held December 2nd and 3rd and includes a Gingerbread House Celebration, live performances, and unique shopping. It’s an excellent getaway for those looking to celebrate the holidays a little differently — maybe a step back in time. 

You can dine next to the fireplace in one of the town’s historic taverns. Enjoy the decorations at Five Christmases at the Shriver House during the weekends from November 25 through December 17. The home of our 34th President, Dwight Eisenhour, also is decorated like Christmases long ago.

Christmas movies always include food, A Christmas Tastes and Traditions Food Tour will tantalize your tastebuds the second weekend in December. 

The sounds of the season will invigorate your holiday spirit at the Holiday Tuba Carol Fest on December 9.

Gettysburg features a variety of cozy Hallmark-like accommodations, including historic bed and breakfasts, charming hotels, and lodges perfect for a holiday getaway.

Bonus: Bethlehem

Bethlehem is a city, but a Pennsylvania Christmas article would not be complete without mentioning the “Christmas City”. Bethlehem might be a city, but the people celebrate by remembering their small-town roots and carrying on the small-town holiday spirit of celebrating Christmas.

There is always something happening in the Christmas City, like their one-of-a-kind Christkindlmarkt, which features over 150 artisans’ handmade works.

Pennsylvania is filled with small towns full of Christmas cheer and twinkling lights. They are towns that inspire gratitude, connection, and humility, not just during the holiday season, but throughout the year. They are fun to visit, especially during the Christmas season, when we hunt for the magical Hallmark movie moments these towns inspire.

FAQs

What Is Pennsylvania Like During the Holiday Season?

It’s like a Hallmark Christmas movie. Rich German and religious heritage make the winter a wonderful time in the Keystone State. Filled with seasonal festivities, from Christmas City Villages to epic Christmas lights and glamorous garden displays, the holiday season in Pennsylvania is one of the best times of the year. 

How Much Does It Snow in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania averages anywhere from 18 to 150 inches of snowfall over the entire snow season from October to May. The areas that traditionally see over 8 feet of snow are the Lake Erie shoreline and the highest elevations in the Laurel Mountains.

What Is the Most Popular Christmas Tree in Pennsylvania?

Fraser, Concolor, Douglas, and Canaan fir are the most popular Christmas trees in Pennsylvania. The state boasts more than 1,400 Christmas tree farms, producing nearly one million cut trees annually, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

What 2023 Hallmark Christmas Movie Was Set in Pennsylvania?

It’s the “Miracle in Bethlehem” that recently premiered on the Hallmark channel. However, like many Hallmark Christmas movies, it wasn’t even filmed in the U.S., but in Winnipeg, in the Manitoba province of Canada, about 1,600 miles away.

Where Is the Largest Christmas Light Show in Pennsylvania?

Located only a short distance north of Philadelphia, the Holiday Light Show at Shady Brook Farm might be the largest display of Christmas lights in Pennsylvania. With more than three million twinkling lights, this drive-through display provides tons of fun during the holiday season.

Here’s How To Visit Tianmen Mountain and the Amazing Staircase to Heaven, China

Note: The Travel Awaits team regularly updates content to provide the latest, and most accurate information to our readers. The updated content in this article may not reflect the views or opinions of the original author.

To the initiated, the 999 stairs that take one to the top of Tianmen Mountain in China, 5,000 feet above sea level, and on to Tianman Cave, are known as the Stairway To Heaven or, alternatively, Staircase to Heaven. To the uninitiated, the actual stairway has the same 999 stairs where we saw a Range Rover Sport traverse the 45-degree stairwell to the top back in 1998. No matter how you know it, it is one of the most spectacular views on earth.

The Stairway To Heaven at Tianmen Mountain in China.

wonderlustpicstravel / Shutterstock

Tianmen Mountain, The Staircase to Heaven, China

The Stairway To Heaven is located at the top of Tianmen Mountain, 24,500 feet above the city of Zhangjiajie in China’s Hunan province. The 999 steps lead visitors to Tianmen Cave, which is the world’s highest naturally formed arch, which is also known as the Gateway To Heaven. Here is where you will see the spectacular views and unique mountain formations that have attracted millions of visitors interested in the Chinese culture and the country’s natural wonders.

The Stairway To Heaven at Tianmen Mountain in China.

wonderlustpicstravel / Shutterstock

Travel + Leisure magazine explains the significance of the number of steps: “Nine is a lucky number in Chinese numerology, representing good fortune and eternity. Those who wish to avoid the long Tianmen Mountain cableway can opt to take a bus up a narrow roadway that bends back on itself 99 times.”

The stairs take most visitors about 30 minutes to climb. And while the work is considerable, the reward is worth it. As you ascend, more stunning scenery opens up as you inch closer to Tianmen Cave, where, according to a Chinese legend, “the gods meet the mortal world.”

The Tianmen Winding Mountain Road in China.

wonderlustpicstravel / Shutterstock

How To Visit Tianmen Mountain

There are two ways to reach Tianmen Mountain. Neither is for the faint of heart, and both are remarkable in their own way. From Zhangjiajie in southern China’s Hunan province, travelers have the option of taking the longest aerial tramway ride in the world, scaling the 24,500 feet in about 30 minutes.

The final stretch of the long cable car ride is very steep, climbing at a 37-degree angle. Some say it’s the view of a lifetime, featuring beautiful mountain peaks, lush deep forested valleys, and the famed 99 twists and turns that make up the road to Tianmen Mountain.

If the tramway isn’t for you, there is always the Tianmen Winding Mountain Road, which is one of the most unique roads in the world. From Zhangjiajie, you can drive the 7 miles starting at about 656 feet and will climb to 4,265 feet at the top of Tianmen Mountain. And, don’t forget the turns, all 99 of them. The number 99 symbolizes the belief that Heaven has nine palaces. The drive is regarded as one of the most scenic — and perilous.

According to the website Dangerous Roads, “The driver should be extra careful during the drive on this scary road. Taking it slow and paying attention to every curve and turn. Not being overly careful could make it too easy to junk a car, or worse injure and even kill passengers. The scenery looks beautiful, but take your eyes off the road for a second, and you’re on the fast way down to the bottom.”

The Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge in China.

u_photostock / Shutterstock

What Else Can Visitors Expect While Visiting?

As impressive as the stairs and beauty of Tianmen Mountain are, it’s hard to imagine how anything else in the city could manage to top it. Well, try this on for size: Zhangjiajie is home to the world’s longest and highest glass bridge. The Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge spans two deep cliffs, is about 1,400 feet long, and is suspended nearly 1,000 feet above the ground. And get this, they are working on installing a bungee platform in the middle of the bridge. When completed, it will become the world’s highest bungee jump, measuring 886 feet above the ground.

The Stairway To Heaven at Tianmen Mountain in China.

Thaweekeirt / Shutterstock

Know Before You Go

The one thing you need to consider upon visiting Tianmen Mountain is the weather. Try to avoid visiting if fog is in the forecast. Earth Trekkers wrote that visiting during foggy conditions will limit your visibility down to zero. They also say the best time of year to visit is between September and November when the temperatures are pleasant and the weather is mostly dry.

FAQs

How Many Steps Does It Take To Get To China’s Stairway to Heaven?

After Tianmen Mountain cableway drops them off, visitors must walk up 999 steps to reach the fantastic landmark. Nine is a lucky number in Chinese culture that represents good fortune and eternity.

How Long Does It Take To Climb the Stairway to Heaven in China?

The stairs are a hard and tiresome climb that takes about thirty minutes. And even though the work is considerable, it is worth the reward. On the other hand, it can get crowded at the site, so it’s better to come at less busy hours to find a good place for photos.

Why is Tianmen Cave Famous?

Being 5,000 feet above sea level, Tianmen Cave is the highest naturally formed arch in the world which has given the landmark its famous ‘‘Heaven’s Gate’’ moniker. The stunning views are the reason most people trek up the mountain.

When to Visit Tianmen Mountain?

The best time to visit Tianmen Mountain is spring and fall. Both seasons offer cool weather for climbing. During spring months, you can catch the vibrant plants and misty mountains, while in the fall you can clearly see the bright scenery of the whole mountain.

How Much Time Do Tourists Spend on Tianmen Mountain?

On average, tourists spend four to six hours on Tianmen Mountain. It would be advisable to set up a whole day for exploring Tianmen Mountain properly since it is a physically demanding excursion. 

Cruising Into 2024: Trends Shaping the Cruise Industry

Let’s start our discussion of 2024 cruise trends with the inevitable announcement of the “Biggest Cruise Ship Ever.” 

This trend has been dutifully proclaimed every year since at least 1988, when Royal Caribbean debuted what then seemed to be the impossibly huge, 2,800-passenger Sovereign of the Seas. 

And this year’s gigundo-rama cruise ship prize goes to . . . Royal Caribbean once again, whose Icon of the Seas is, once again, impossibly huge. It carries 7,600 passengers, making its population larger than Sausalito, California’s. It has the biggest water park, water slide, ice arena, pool, and waterfall of any cruise ship. It has 20 decks. It has 20 restaurants. Its accommodations include townhouses. 

The ship’s population is so large, says Peter Greenberg, travel editor of CBS News and author of the book Cruise, Inc., that “it might have its own high-crime zone.” He says he’s kidding (sort of).

Carolyn Spencer Brown, chief content officer of Cruise Media, publisher of CruiseBusiness.com, points out that Icon is only 10 feet longer than the previous record holder (Royal Caribbean’s own Wonder of the Seas, as it happens). 

And, more to the point, she says, increasing ship capacity is not the most important trend in the cruise industry.

So what are the major cruise trends of 2024? Read on. 

The Ships Are Full—With Younger People 

trends-shapng-the-cruise-industry
Woman on a boar looking at the water
Photo credit: Ben O’Bro

Chris Gray Faust, executive editor of the website CruiseCritic, says ships of all sizes are full. The industry is claiming bookings at nearly 100% capacity and surpassing the pre-pandemic peaks of 2019. 

Therefore, don’t expect deals in 2024 based on cruise lines needing to fill empty cabins. 

And it’s not just baby boomers filling the berths. The cruise customer is now younger than ever. “Believe it or not, the average age of a cruiser is now 46,” Gray Faust says. “It’s a common misperception that it’s only something for older people.” 

Yes, but older people are still implicated, in the form of their role in multi-generational cruises, which are expected to continue rising into 2024. Cruises are particularly well suited to mixed-age groups, Gray Faust says. “You’ll see everybody from grandparents to babies all traveling together, and there’s something for everyone to do on the ship. Grandma may be paying the bill, but the whole family is cruising.” 

As it happens, Icon of the Seas is intended to accommodate families, with many cabins set up for more than two passengers by design. That makes it and its megaship peers with similar designs good choices for multi-generational trips. 

“Grandma may be paying the bill, but the whole family is cruising.”

–Chris Gray Faust

Ships Go Nearly Everywhere

trends-shapng-the-cruise-industry
Cruise ship on the beach
Photo credit: Gregory Trofimov

“Back in the ‘70s, the days of The Love Boat, you had, what, maybe seven ports for cruise ships worldwide, mostly in the Caribbean,” Peter Greenberg says. “You’re now seeing 1,200 ports of call.” 

In 2024, cruise ships of various sizes ply all seven seas, the rivers of Europe, the islands of the Pacific, the fjords of Scandinavia, the coasts of Central and South America, and the ports of the Middle East. 

“Last summer, I was on a Viking ship,” Greenberg says. “Where did we start from? Milwaukee. And what did we do? The Great Lakes. Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, we wound up in Thunder Bay, Ontario. It was phenomenal. A cruise ship would never have done that 10 years ago.” 

Greenberg points out that cruise ships now drop anchor in St. Helena—an island in the South Atlantic so remote that it’s where the British exiled Napoleon after he escaped from Elba and started all that unpleasantness at Waterloo. 

“What’s beautiful is that you have so many more options than a seven-day Bahamas cruise,” Greenberg says.

New Restrictions Limit Choices . . . a Bit

The pressures of over-tourism are leading some ports to restrict big cruise ships. This has often been a fractious affair. In both Barcelona and Amsterdam, officials have separately used the metaphor “a plague of locusts” to describe cruise-ship passengers.

If you dig past the headlines, though, you’ll find that in 2024, you still have at least some opportunities to visit even restricted ports.

For example:

The situation in Key West illustrates the tension around limiting cruise visitation. Despite many votes, lawsuits, and legislative actions there, you can still visit the legendary 4-square-mile, coral-ringed spit of land via megaship in 2024. 

A local ban on dockings at city-owned ports cut passenger counts by half in 2023, reducing some crowds and maddening some business owners. However, big ships can still anchor at a private port downtown. 

So, fear not: Wrist-banded big-ship passengers can still spend their shore leave at Sloppy Joe’s, standing shoulder-to-shoulder while waiting for a drink at the bar where Ernest Hemingway sat in an alcoholic haze. 

Expeditionary Forces 

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Cruise Ship as the sunsets
Photo credit: Alsonso Reyes

Cruise passenger bookings are tilting toward expedition cruising, our sources unanimously said. 

Expedition ships were previously limited to spare, rugged vessels that brought small groups of intrepid explorer types to places nearly inaccessible via air or overland travel, including Antarctica, the Arctic, and the Galapagos. 

While those itineraries remain popular—or, at least, as popular as the tight controls at these destinations allow—the expedition concept is spreading both geography and experientially. 

In 2024, more expeditions than ever will be offered in emerging warm-water destinations like western Australia, the South Pacific, Madagascar, and the Seychelles, Spencer Brown says. 

Expeditions have been the fastest-growing cruise niche in recent years, says journalist David Swanson, who has covered the cruise industry since 1999. According to industry figures he’s gathered, expedition passenger counts have increased 67% in the last four years.  

Why the shift? It’s partly people who have taken basic cruises “looking for something different and more exciting,” Spencer Brown says. 

A rising population of active baby boomers with money to spend also powers the trend. 

These trips are costly, partly because the ships have to be small, meaning passenger counts are low. Many itineraries feature onboard scientists, lecturers, and even doctors. Fares for many are $600 or more per person per night—that’s over three times as much as a typical Caribbean cruise. 

Swanson took an expedition cruise in 2023 around the Seychelles, a tiny archipelago in the Indian Ocean, off the southeast coast of Africa. “We were taking Zodiacs [small, motorized inflatable rafts] and doing wet landings on, I think it was, 12 or 13 islands,” he says. Many were uninhabited. One of them has the biggest population of tortoises in the world.”

Swanson says the scientist on the trip told them more people had stood on the summit of Everest than had been to one of the islands they visited.  

And the experience of expedition cruising has upgraded, says Spencer Brown, since the days when “your shower was over your toilet and your bed was bolted to the floor.” 

“[Today,] you have an interesting combination on these ships between rugged adventure and pampering,” Greenberg says. “You’re getting into Zodiacs and zipping all along icebergs and then you come back to relax in the spa and have a five-star dinner.”

Authenticity on the Water

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Wake from the water
Photo credit: Solitsocial Dot Com

One travel trend for 2024 across both land and sea is the search for authentic experiences—activities that connect travelers to local customs, people, and food. This is challenging for big ships to produce. Most cruise lines, including big ones, now offer premium “boutique” excursions and other activities designed to deliver this kind of experience.   

One of the more ambitious programs is Silversea’s S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste) program, developed to connect guests to local culture through food. Curated by James Beard-award-winning food journalist Adam Sachs, the program involves sourcing ingredients from the daily port for the ship’s kitchen (and cocktail bar), cooking classes featuring that port’s local cuisine, and excursions to visit local food venues and luminaries. 

However, big ships might not be the ticket for authentic experiences even despite these efforts. River cruises, which carry fewer passengers and often dock in small towns inaccessible to larger vessels, are more easily able to deliver authentic engagement, according to Gray Faust.  

“People want to get to these smaller towns,” she says. “They like the idea of getting off the ship and exploring Europe on the ground, without having to rent a car.” 

The Green Cruise

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Two ships docked next to one another
Photo credit: Brandon Nelson

2024 finds the cruise lines making big investments designed to make their industry more environmentally responsible. 

They are transitioning to alternative fuels, developing zero-waste disposal systems, reducing air pollution generated in port, and more. On newer ships, an entire deck might be devoted to waste management. 

In addition to earnestly pitching in to save our weary planet, cruise lines are adopting green approaches “in order to survive,” says Peter Greenberg. They are partly trying to forestall bans and restrictions based on environmental objections. (The restrictions in Barcelona and Key West, for instance, were driven partly by complaints of air pollution near the docks.)

One example of the kind of pressures cruise lines face to go green, says David Swanson, is the Norwegian government’s declaration that ships wishing to visit its west Norwegian fjords, which are protected UNESCO World Heritage sites, must be emission-free by 2026.  

Nobody I spoke to suggested that environmentally responsible actions are likely to affect the passenger experience in 2024. “Environmental concerns matter to more people now than they used to,” Greenberg says, but they are “not a primary driver” of a choice.  

The industry as a whole has a net-zero-carbon goal of 2050. That both sounds impressive and provides plenty of runway. 

Most ships have a 25- to 30-year lifespan. By 2050, Icon of the Seas itself may be in the recycling bin, replaced by something powered by hydrogen, fuel cells, or nuclear power, which Greenberg says is “technologically possible, if not accepted by the public.”

Floating Hotels 

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Cruise ship on the water
Photo credit: Josiah Weiss

Cruise ships have often been called “floating hotels.” Another trend for 2024 is the drive to make that literal.   

Esteemed high-end hotelier Ritz-Carlton has one 300-guest ship already on the waters, and another on the way for 2024, carrying 450 passengers. Four Seasons will debut its first ship, with 96 suites, in 2024.  

Wait, did I call them “ships?” Excuse-moi. These cruise lines call them “yachts.” 

Brands like Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons “already have loyal customers,” Spencer Brown says. “If those customers are going to cruise anyway, why not keep them in the family?”  

Both cruise lines, as you might expect, promise VIP experiences, Michelin-worthy cuisine, and bespoke pampering. The Four Seasons promises a staff-to-passenger ratio of 1:1. 

Costs for all this are high, of course. A seven-night Caribbean cruise on Ritz-Carlton’s Evrima, in a Signature Mid Suite, departing from Fort Lauderdale, costs $14,300 per person. (This is just about the annual income of someone living at the federal poverty level.)

Although very different in kind, another hospitality brand is in the cruise game in a big way in 2024. 

Virgin Voyages, part of bad-boy Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin business empire that includes hotels and an airline, started offering an adults-only cruise experience to customers (it calls them “sailors”) just after the world was pulling out of the pandemic. On-brand details include an absurdist karaoke studio, pop-up circus performances, a mermaid-inspired spa, and a marketing partnership with JLo.  

Significantly, the drinks are priced to move: Beer for $6 and $7, most cocktails for $10, tip included. 

“The ship has bars all over the place, a party scene going on every night, a lot of drinking all day,” Peter Greenberg says. “And they have a tattoo parlor on board. What could possibly go wrong?”