As China continues to tackle uneven regional development, an innovative pairing of two strikingly different provinces is rewriting the map of domestic tourism and economic collaboration.
An aerial drone photo shows a giant snowman at the Qunli music park in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Dec. 15, 2025. (Photo: Xinhua/Zhang Tao)
In 2017, China's central government issued a plan for paired cooperation between northeastern and eastern regions, designating Guangdong–Heilongjiang and Shenzhen–Harbin as key partnerships. This initiative is more than administrative reshuffling; it is a strategic move to bridge geographic and developmental gaps through mutual learning, resource sharing, and people-to-people exchange.
Mascots of China's 15th National Games and Canton Tower in Guangzhou, Guangdong (Photo: Nanfang Plus)
Today, this "dual sprint" across some 3,000 kilometers between the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and Northeast China is blossoming into a new model of regional synergy. Among its most vibrant fruits are frequent cultural and tourism exchanges that have created emotional bonds and opened windows for scenic discovery between the two provinces.
On November 30, representatives from Heilongjiang's cultural and tourism departments, major enterprises, and industry associations gathered in Guangzhou with leading travel agencies to showcase the province's breathtaking "northern charm." From snow-blanketed forests to ice-carved masterpieces, Heilongjiang painted a picture of winter wonderlands that stand in vivid contrast to Guangdong's sun-drenched shores.
An aerial drone photo taken on Dec. 17, 2025, shows tourists visiting the Harbin Ice-Snow World in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. (Photo: Xinhua/Xie Jianfei)
The timing is no coincidence. In a complementary gesture, Guangdong has also launched the "Enjoy Warm Winters, Discover Guangdong" consumption season from November 2025 to March 2026. The campaign invites visitors to immerse themselves in a full-spectrum journey — exploring iconic sights, savoring world-renowned cuisine, enjoying natural beauty, and shopping for premium local goods.
Kaiping Diaolou and Villages in Jiangmen, Guangdong (Photo: Nanfang Plus)
For international travelers, the pairing is a match made in experiential heaven. Heilongjiang's pristine ice-snow resources meet Guangdong's balmy subtropical climate, offering distinctly different yet equally captivating experiences within a single country. Whether chasing the Northern Lights in Mohe or cruising the Pearl River at sunset, visitors can traverse multiple seasons and cultures without leaving China.
This cross-country collaboration also signals a broader message: China's vastness is not a barrier but a treasure trove of diverse encounters waiting to be explored.
Longyue Creation, an example of paired cooperation between Heilongjiang Province and Guangdong Province (Photo: South)
What's Next?
Stay tuned as South rolls out its upcoming series "From Snowy Landscapes to Subtropical Wonders: What China Travel Has to Offer." This special collection of stories and guides will spotlight top destinations in Heilongjiang and Guangdong, providing global readers with fresh inspiration and practical tips for discovering the many faces of China.
Author | Liu Lingzhi
Editor | Huang Qini, James Campion, Shen He
