Harbin packs a serious punch! Here’s my honest travel experience!

Who gets it! A trip that ties together the fairy-tale Snow Town, the ice-covered Heavenly Lake, Russian-style charm, and Korean cuisine is truly breathtaking to the point of speechlessness~ I’ve put together a super practical guide, so you can dive in without any worries! 🌟 Travel Essentials 1️⃣ Outfit: High-fill down jacket + quick-dry thermal underwear + fleece mid-layer, windproof ski pants + non-slip snow boots (don’t buy regular UGGs), Lei Feng hat + fleece neck warmer + waterproof touchscreen gloves 2️⃣ Must-haves: Heat packs (stick on body + phone), high SPF sunscreen + lip balm + hydrating face mask (dryness to tears), sunglasses (to prevent snow blindness), thermos 3️⃣ Others: ID card, small amount of cash (for remote areas), stomach medicine + cold medicine, camera cold-proof cover + spare batteries 🚗 Major Transport & Car Rental ✈️ Round trip: Fly or take high-speed train directly to Harbin or Yanji, book tickets early in peak season! 🚘 Intercity: Prioritize official platforms for carpooling or car rental, door-to-door pick-up is super convenient, you can stop anytime to shoot the snowy scenery, avoid unlicensed cars and cheap scam tours 🚍 Within city: Taxis are cheap in Harbin and Yanji, very convenient for getting around the city 📅 Quick Itinerary Overview 👉D1: Central Street → Saint Sophia Cathedral → Ice and Snow World → Stay in Harbin 👉D2: Harbin → Yabuli Ski Resort → Horse-drawn sled → Stay in Yabuli 👉D3: Yaxue Highway → Datudingzi Mountain → Ice and Snow Gallery → Stay in Snow Town 👉D4: Snow Town → Xueyun Street → Jingpo Lake Winter Fishing → Stay in Erdaobaihe 👉D5: Changbai Mountain Heavenly Lake → Green Abyss → Hot Springs → Stay in Erdaobaihe 👉D6: Demon Realm Rafting → Yanji Folk Culture Park → Popular Bullet Screen Wall → Stay in Yanji 👉D7: Yanji → Water Market → Return from Yanji/Harbin/Changchun 🏨 Accommodation Recommendations 🏡 Harbin: Near Central Street / Saint Sophia Cathedral, convenient for shopping and eating 🏡 Snow Town: Choose official homestays inside the scenic area (around Xueyun Street), book early for independent bathrooms + heating standards, experience the traditional kang bed for a great vibe 🏡 Changbai Mountain: Stay in Erdaobaihe town, close to the North Slope, prioritize hotels with floor heating + 24-hour hot water 🏡 Yanji: Around the university area, close to the popular wall and morning market, super convenient for shopping and eating 🍜 Food Highlights 🍱 Harbin: Guo Bao Rou (sweet and sour pork), red sausage, chimney bread with ice cream, Russian borscht 🍱 Snow Town: Iron pot stew, chicken stewed with mushrooms, mixed grain buns (recommend Zhou Dajie’s place, affordable and honest) 🍱 Changbai Mountain: Iron pot stew with river fish + corn cakes, Korean-style fire pot, hot spring eggs 🍱 Yanji: Cold noodles, barbecue, stone pot bibimbap, Zhengtan fried chicken, rice cakes and potato dumplings from the Water Market morning market ⚠️ Notes 1. Beware of low-price tours in Snow Town; clarify accommodation, meals, and no forced consumption clauses when signing contracts 2. Check the weather for Changbai Mountain Heavenly Lake, check opening notices in advance, book tickets 3 days early 3. Indoor and outdoor temperature difference can exceed 30℃; don’t take off clothes immediately outdoors after sweating to avoid catching a cold 4. Eat raw marinated and cold dishes in Yanji in moderation; if you have a weak stomach, bring montmorillonite powder 5. Don’t touch metal objects directly outdoors; wrap your camera before going indoors and outdoors to prevent fogging Northeast winter offers both the romance of endless snow and the warmth of hearty food~ Follow this guide to easily unlock the exclusive joys of winter!