Introducing Rime Island
Wusong Island is a small island on the Songhua River, located in Wulajie Manchu Township, Longtan District, Jilin City, Jilin Province. Hantun Village and Zengtong Village in Wulajie Manchu Township are home to the most concentrated rime flowers, making them ideal for viewing and photographing them. Zengtong Village, in particular, is known as "To see rime flowers, go to Zengtong."
Wusong Island is named for its abundant and beautiful rime. The terrain here is lower than that of Jilin City and is surrounded by rivers. Rime is formed by fog and water vapor condensing on branches and leaves when it cools. It can be categorized as either granular or crystalline. Granular rime has a dense structure, forming small ice particles, while crystalline rime is looser and forms larger flakes. The rime in Jilin City is crystalline.
Climate and best time to travel
The best viewing months are from late December to the end of February.
The best time to photograph rime flowers is between 10:00 and 11:30 every day.
Recommended number of days and locations for visiting
Next to the Frost Island is Zengtong Village. The frost trees in Zengtong Village have unique shapes, and the weeping willows along the river are covered with white and crystal frost flowers. The river breeze blows, and the silver threads flicker. The sky and the earth are all white, like a fairyland forgotten by the earth.
Across from Wusong Island is Wulajie Hantun River. Wulajie is a Manchu town, while Hantun Village is a small village located on the bank of the Songhua River.
Most Popular FAQs for Rime Island
What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?
Rime Island (Wusong Island) in Jilin City is one of China’s four natural wonders, famous for its rare and stunning rime frost formed by the humid air of the Songhua River freezing onto trees in winter. The phenomenon creates a glittering fairyland that attracts photographers and tourists from all over China. The site reflects Jilin’s reputation as the “Rime City.”
Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?
- Located on the Songhua River, about 40 km from downtown Jilin City in Jilin Province.
- From Jilin City: Take a taxi (about 1 hour) or join a local tour bus to Rime Island Scenic Area.
- From Changchun: Take a train or bus to Jilin City (1.5–2 hours), then transfer to a taxi or local shuttle.
What are the opening hours and best times to visit?
- Open all day, but the best viewing time is at sunrise (around 6:00–9:00 a.m.).
- Best season: December to February when the rime phenomenon occurs most frequently.
- Peak viewing period: Late January to early February.
What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?
- Entrance fee: Around 60–80 RMB per person.
- Tickets can be purchased at the scenic area gate or through popular travel apps like Ctrip or Meituan.
Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?
Booking in advance is recommended during peak winter months (especially January weekends). A few days ahead is usually sufficient unless visiting during major holidays like Chinese New Year.
How much time is needed to fully explore it?
About 2–4 hours is enough to explore the island and enjoy the rime scenery, but photography enthusiasts may stay longer in the morning.
What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?
- Sunrise viewpoint on the riverbank.
- Central Rime Observation Zone with the most concentrated frost trees.
- Local Manchu villages for cultural experiences.
- Frozen Songhua River walking area.
Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?
Chinese-speaking guided tours are available; some group tours from Jilin or Changchun offer English-speaking guides upon request.
What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?
- East riverbank of Rime Island for sunrise photos.
- Observation decks near the ferry landing area.
- Wooden boardwalks lined with frost-covered trees.
What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?
- Start early morning at the main entrance.
- Walk along the riverside trail to the observation platform for sunrise.
- Visit the village area for local snacks and cultural displays.
- End with a boat or sleigh ride if available.
Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?
No night tours or light shows are available, as the main attraction is the morning frost scenery formed overnight.
Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?
- It can get crowded during weekends and holidays in January and February.
- Weekdays and early mornings before 8:00 a.m. are the least crowded times.
What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?
- Basic facilities such as toilets, small cafes, and local snack stalls are available near the entrance.
- Warm rest areas and small souvenir shops are also provided during winter.
Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?
Most of the walking paths are flat but can be slippery. It’s moderately suitable for elderly and children with proper winter gear, but not ideal for wheelchair users due to icy terrain.
Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are widely accepted; cash is recommended as backup for small local stalls.
What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?
- Local farm-style restaurants near the entrance serving northeastern Chinese cuisine.
- Snack stalls offering hot noodles, dumplings, and roasted sweet potatoes.
Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?
Vegetarian dishes such as fried vegetables, dumplings, and tofu are available in local eateries, though vegan and halal options are limited.
What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?
- Wusong Island Guesthouse – close to the scenic area, rustic and cozy.
- Rime Island Farmstay – offers local-style accommodation and meals.
- Hotels in Jilin City – more comfortable options like Holiday Inn Express or Hanting Hotel (40 minutes away).
What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?
- Songhua Lake Scenic Area.
- Beishan Park in Jilin City.
- Jilin Rime Ice and Snow Festival (during winter season).
Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?
- Souvenir shops sell local specialties like ginseng, deer antler products, and rime-themed postcards.
- Handmade wool gloves and winter crafts are also popular.
What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?
- Return to Jilin City by taxi or bus for onward travel.
- From Jilin City, take a high-speed train to Changchun (1 hour) or Harbin (2 hours).
