Live Your Best Lives
Winter in Northeast China is a unique landscape. Winter here is more than just a season; it's a symbol of life and culture. It boasts not only beautiful natural scenery and rich cultural heritage, but also a warm and welcoming attitude and deep emotional bonds. Anyone who spends a winter in Northeast China falls deeply in love with this season and cherishes it forever. Now, follow my steps and embark on a romantic journey through the snow and ice of Northeast China.
Harbin, also known as "Ice City," is the capital of Heilongjiang Province, a sub-provincial city, a megacity, a central city in Northeast China, and a key national manufacturing base. Harbin boasts numerous historical sites, including St. Sophia Cathedral, Central Street, and the Ice and Snow World. These attractions showcase Harbin's history, culture, and natural beauty, attracting numerous visitors.
Harbin, the eldest city of the Republic, has finally revealed its unique charm to the nation after years of silence. A city's sudden rise to fame doesn't happen overnight; it's the product of decades of accumulated experience. The Ice and Snow World has held numerous events, attracting vast numbers of visitors. Furthermore, Harbin's cultural and tourism projects have also culminated in years of accumulation and development, culminating in their current scale and influence.
Harbin has many famous places of interest and historical sites. Here are some recommended places to visit:
1. St. Sophia Cathedral: This cathedral is one of Harbin's most famous landmarks and one of the best-preserved examples of Byzantine architecture in China. Built in 1907, it was erected by the Russian army to thank God for their victory in the Russo-Japanese War. Its exterior is in the shape of a Greek cross, crowned by a 53-meter-high dome. The interior features exquisite murals and stained glass windows. Today, it houses the Harbin Architecture Art Museum, showcasing Harbin's history and culture.
2. Central Street: Harbin's bustling commercial street and China's longest pedestrian street. Originally named China Street, it was built in 1898 and later renamed Central Street. This street features a diverse collection of architectural styles, including Baroque, Renaissance, and Ecological, showcasing Harbin's diverse culture. Here, you can admire the architecture, sample local cuisine, purchase local specialties, and experience Harbin's vibrant atmosphere.
3. Ice and Snow World: This is a major winter attraction in Harbin and the world's largest ice and snow art exhibition. Open from December to March each year, it covers approximately 600,000 square meters and utilizes 180,000 cubic meters of ice and snow. Here, you can admire various ice and snow sculptures and architecture, and experience the visual impact of ice and snow.
4. Flood Control Memorial Tower: This memorial tower was built to commemorate the devastating flood that occurred in Harbin in 1957. It is located on the south bank of the picturesque Songhua River, on the river bank of Daoli District, Harbin, and at the terminus of Central Avenue.
5. Sun Island Scenic Area: This famous scenic area in Harbin includes Sun Island, Volga Manor, and a Russian-style town. With its beautiful natural scenery and rich cultural heritage, it's a great place to experience exotic culture and relax.
In addition to the scenery, Harbin also has a rich and diverse food scene. Here are some of the famous local specialties:
1. Red sausage: This is a sausage made from pork and casing. After being baked, the skin turns reddish-brown and tastes delicious.
2. Madiel Popsicle: This is a very famous cold drink in Harbin, famous for its delicate taste and rich milky flavor.
3. Black bread: This is a large bread, usually used as a staple food, with a strong wheat flavor.
4. Kvass: This is a Russian drink made from black bread. It has a slightly sour taste and is refreshing and thirst-quenching.
5. Killing Pig Dish: This is a traditional Northeastern dish, made with pork as the main ingredient, stewed with sauerkraut, vermicelli, etc., and tastes delicious.
6. Songhua River Fish: Songhua River fish is a specialty of Harbin, famous for its tender meat and smooth taste.
7. Sweet and Sour Pork: This is a classic Northeastern dish. It uses pork tenderloin as the main ingredient. It is fried and then stir-fried with sweet and sour sauce. It tastes sweet and sour.
After breakfast, we crossed the vast snowy forest to Hengdaohezi Town and headed to Hengdaohezi Tiger Forest Park. The journey was 270 kilometers and took 3.5 hours.
Hengdaohezi Town, under the jurisdiction of Hailin City, Mudanjiang Prefecture, Heilongjiang Province, is located in the western part of the city at 129°02′08″ east longitude and 44°48′47″ north latitude. The town has a long history and well-developed transportation, serving as a vital thoroughfare from Mudanjiang to Harbin. National Highway 301 and the Binsui Railway traverse the town.
Hengdaohezi is also a century-old town with a rich history and Russian cultural connections. Its development stemmed from the construction of the Chinese Eastern Railway. From its opening in 1903, when the railway was operated by Tsarist Russia until the Japanese occupation, it served as the seat of important military and political institutions. Foreigners who arrived in China built villas and apartments, and established factories and businesses here. Merchants flocked to the area, and high-rise buildings flourished, earning it the nickname "Garden Town."
Numerous historical monuments remain, offering valuable historical evidence. The town still boasts 256 Russian-style buildings built between 1901 and 1905, including five nationally protected structures and 104 municipally protected buildings. The only remaining wooden Orthodox church in my country and the locomotive depot of the Middle East Railway have all been preserved intact.
Hengdaohezi Siberian Tiger Park is China's largest Siberian tiger breeding and rearing base, a national Siberian tiger seed breeding base, and a national-level terrestrial wildlife epidemic source and disease monitoring station. The park boasts over 200 purebred Siberian tigers of varying ages, along with seven other enclosures: a lion and tiger enclosure, a deer enclosure, a bear enclosure, a science museum, and an amusement park. It also houses the China Hengdaohezi Cat Breeding and Research Center. Here, visitors can witness Siberian tigers undergoing wild training, witness the awe-inspiring majesty of the "king of beasts," and fully experience the harmony between man and nature.
After visiting Hulin Park, we visited the Painters' Village and the Middle East Railway Locomotive Museum. This museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the history and culture of the Middle East Railway. The museum showcases a variety of historic locomotives, including steam, diesel, and electric locomotives. Through these exhibits, we can explore the history of railway development and technological advancements.
We arrived at Erlanghe Forest Farm in the evening. The journey was about 110 kilometers and took 2 hours.
Erlanghe Forest Farm, under the jurisdiction of the Dahailin Forestry Bureau in Hailin City, Mudanjiang City, Heilongjiang Province, is located in the middle section of the Zhangguangcai Mountains, northeast of Laotudingzi, 43 kilometers from China's Snow Town and 40 kilometers from the renowned tourist town of Yabuli. Erlanghe, at an altitude of 723 meters and a peak of 1,600 meters, boasts a climate similar to that of China's Snow Town. The snowy season lasts seven months, from mid-October to late April. The annual snowfall is substantial, with accumulations reaching depths of up to two meters. The exceptional snow volume, quality, and viscosity create spectacular spectacles such as snow hangings and rime, rivaling the snowscapes of Snow Town.
It happened to be New Year’s Eve, so we made dumplings and danced the yangge with everyone and felt the atmosphere of the New Year.
Get up early and take pictures of the Erlang River countryside, watch the sunset glow and see the curling smoke.
After breakfast, we'll first head to Fengche Snow Mountain. The distance is 13 kilometers and takes about 20 minutes. Fengche Snow Mountain, located at the Laotudingshan Hailang Wind Farm in Heilongjiang Province, stands at 1,600 meters above sea level, making it the highest peak in Heilongjiang Province. It houses 40 wind turbines, each 80 meters tall and with a 30-meter-long rotor. The rotating rotors, combined with the natural wonders of rime, cedar trees, and white grass, create a stunning landscape.
We arrived at China's Snow Town in the afternoon, which was 60 kilometers away. The roads were all icy and snowy, and the driving was very difficult. It took us 1.5 hours to arrive.
China Snow Town, also known as China Snow Town National Forest Park, is located near Xueyun Street, approximately 1.4 kilometers south of Zhengbeigou in Hailin City, Mudanjiang City, Heilongjiang Province, China. It is affiliated with the Dahailin Forestry Bureau. The scenic area, located at the intersection of the Zhangguangcai and Laoye Mountains in the Changbai Mountains, covers 17,916 hectares and stands at an altitude of 1,100 meters.
Due to the frequent intersection of cold air from Lake Baikal and warm and humid air from the Sea of Japan, as well as the influence of the microclimate of high mountains and dense forests, there is a situation where there is no sunny day for three days in summer and the forest is covered with snow in winter. Snowfall starts in October every year and lasts until April of the following year, with a snowy season lasting for 7 months. The thickness of snow can reach about 2 meters. The amount of snow is the largest in China, and the snow is of good quality and high viscosity. It is known as the "Snow Town of China".
The night view of Xuexiang is particularly beautiful. At first glance, the world is a silvery white, dotted with red lanterns, which is very beautiful. In addition, there are vast forests and snowy plains here. Along the way, you can also admire the wonders of rime and snow, and enjoy the scenery of the northern country covered in silver.
After breakfast, we will head to Jingpo Lake, the largest alpine barrier lake in China and the second largest in the world. The distance is approximately 160 kilometers and the journey will take 3 hours.
Jingpo Lake is a volcanic lava-dammed lake. This unique geographical structure creates a wide expanse with winding shorelines. Surrounded by mountains, it possesses a unique beauty. Furthermore, the lake's waters are crystal clear, and its scenery changes with each season. In spring, the lake is emerald green, in summer, lotus flowers bloom, in autumn, the water and sky merge into one, and in winter, it is blanketed in a blanket of snow, resembling a kingdom of ice and snow.
Jingpo Lake also boasts abundant aquatic resources, such as carp, crucian carp, and silver carp, offering visitors a delicious delicacy. Furthermore, the Jingpo Lake area is one of the birthplaces of the Manchu people, boasting a rich history and cultural heritage. Numerous historical sites and cultural attractions, such as Jin Dynasty stone carvings and the ruins of the Bohai Kingdom, offer visitors a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage while appreciating the natural scenery.
After enjoying a delicious fish feast from Jingpo Lake, we sat on snow rings on the more than one-meter-thick ice of Jingpo Lake, watching the fish being caught and enjoying the tranquility of the afternoon.
Continue to Erdaobaihe Town to check in. Erdaobaihe is approximately 270 kilometers from Jingpo Lake, and the journey takes 3.5 hours.
Erdaobaihe Town is located in the southwest of Antu County, Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture, Jilin Province. Nestled at the foot of Changbai Mountain, the town boasts stunning natural scenery and is a popular tourist and holiday destination. Erdaobaihe Town is also rich in Korean culture, with residents preserving traditional customs and practices such as Korean dance, music, and cuisine. Visitors to Erdaobaihe Town can enjoy authentic Korean cuisine, enjoy beautiful Korean song and dance performances, and delve into the history and culture of the Korean ethnic group.
The cuisine of Erdaobaihe Town is famous for its unique Korean flavor. Here are some common Erdaobaihe dishes:
Dagao: A traditional pastry made from glutinous rice, it has a soft and sticky texture and can be eaten with honey or syrup.
Naengmyeon: A smooth, cold noodle dish made from buckwheat noodles, usually served with beef broth.
Dog meat hotpot: A traditional Korean delicacy, it uses dog meat as the main ingredient, accompanied by various vegetables and seasonings, and tastes delicious.
Kimchi: A traditional Korean kimchi made with cabbage as the main ingredient, it has a spicy and sour taste.
Bibimbap: A traditional Korean delicacy, it is made by mixing rice, vegetables, meat and chili sauce together, and tastes spicy and delicious.
Korean Brazier: A traditional Korean delicacy, named because it is grilled on a brazier during the preparation and consumption process.
Rise early to photograph the "Demon World." Changbai Mountain's Demon World is 35 kilometers from the Changbai Mountain North Scenic Area's main gate. This scenic area is unique for its magical, "magic world"-like scenery, created by the Nitou River, which flows down from Changbai Mountain's Tianchi Lake. The water system here is not only abundant but also ice-free year-round. In winter, when temperatures drop below -20°C, rime and icicles appear, and the thick, lingering mist creates a fairyland-like atmosphere.
The Changbai Mountain Magic World Scenic Area comprises a wetland conservation area, a wildlife viewing area, a waterfall viewing area, a forest oxygen bar leisure area, a magic world photography area, a rafting experience area, and a forest picking area. Not only does it offer a wealth of activities such as rafting and photography, but you can also admire rare tree species and wild vegetation, and experience the magical charm of nature.
After the tour, we'll travel to the beautiful and mysterious Changbai Mountain. Located in southeastern Jilin Province, China, Changbai Mountain is a renowned mountain range in Northeast China and the highest peak in the region. A dormant volcano, Changbai Mountain has erupted several times to form its present form. Rich in ecological resources and plant and animal species, Changbai Mountain is known as a "natural museum" and a "gene bank." Changbai Mountain's climate is a continental monsoon with distinct seasons and significant vertical variations. Changbai Mountain is not only a treasure trove of natural beauty, but also rich in cultural heritage and historical sites. The Changbai Mountain region is one of the birthplaces of the Manchu people and has had a significant influence on their culture.
Tianchi Lake in Changbai Mountain forms the border between China and North Korea. Oval in shape, it measures 4.4 kilometers from north to south, 3.37 kilometers from east to west, and has a circumference of 13.1 kilometers. Its area is 9.82 square kilometers, and its maximum depth is 373 meters. At 2,189.1 meters above sea level, Tianchi Lake is the highest point in Changbai Mountain and the highest volcanic lake in China. It is one of China's ten most famous mountains and one of the country's most beautiful lakes.
The water of Tianchi Lake, primarily sourced from groundwater and rainwater, is crystal clear and emerald green, making it feel like spring year-round. Even when the lake freezes over in winter, the ice remains remarkably clean and transparent, earning it the nickname "Jade Plate Ice Mirror." Tianchi Lake is also renowned for its miraculous climate and natural landscapes. Natural wonders such as "Buddha's Light" and "Rainbows" are common sights in the Tianchi area of Changbai Mountain.
In addition, the climate here is unpredictable, sometimes clear skies, sometimes shrouded in clouds and mist, which brings great surprise and mystery to tourists.
The wind in Tianchi is very strong and cold. It takes about 20 minutes to take a small car up the mountain from the transfer station, and then go down from the top of Tianchi to continue visiting Changbai Mountain Waterfall, Julong Hot Spring Group, Luyuantan and other attractions.
After breakfast, we went rafting on the Lushui River, which was 40 kilometers long and took 1 hour.
Lushuihe National Forest Park is located in Fusong County, Baishan City, Jilin Province, within the Changbai Mountain region, along the northwest slope tourist route. Comprising four zones, the Lushuihe National Forest Park boasts a primeval forest viewing area (including a primeval Korean pine forest), a hunting area, the Biquan Lake Resort, and an ecological viewing area. Boasting a vibrant blend of rivers, streams, waterfalls, rime, and snow, the park boasts a unique blend of dramatic beauty, richness, mystery, and tranquility. It is a multifunctional, comprehensive forest park offering activities such as forest exploration, enclosure hunting, leisure vacations, and winter swimming and rafting.
Look at the mist on the water surface and the trees on both sides of the bank are covered with snow-white mist. It is a good place to drift down the river in a kayak and enjoy the quiet time given by nature.
I happened to encounter a pet roe deer. It was so cute and its eyes were full of wisdom.
Depart from Lushui River and head to Jilin's Wusong Island. The journey is approximately 360 kilometers and takes five hours. Wusong Island, a small island located in Wula Street Manchu Town, Longtan District, Jilin City, Jilin Province, China, is renowned for its unique natural landscape: rime flowers. The best viewing season is from late December to late February. Wusong Island gets its name from the abundance and beauty of the rime flowers. The trees here are peculiarly shaped, and the weeping willows along the river are covered in white, shimmering frost flowers. The river breeze rustles the silvery silk, creating a wild and beautiful scene.
The mornings and evenings on Wusong Island have a unique flavor. After dinner, fireworks were set off in the town.
We have to get up early today, finish breakfast early, and set off to Wusong Island to watch the rime. At sunrise, the sun shines on the island, which has a unique winter charm.
We then traveled to Yingtun to photograph golden eagles, large, wild birds of prey that we'd become acquainted with thanks to frequent feedings by local residents. After photographing the eagles, we headed to Changbai Island, home to a large population of Ruddy Shelduck and other wintering waterfowl. Finally, we headed to Jilin Railway Station to conclude this fantastic Northeast China snow and ice adventure. Wusong Island is approximately 40 kilometers from the train station, about an hour's drive. Because the area surrounding Wusong Island is inhabited by Manchus, accommodations aren't as good as those in the city. Those interested in seeing the rime flowers should stay in the city and depart early in the morning.
Travel is a journey of the soul and a feast for the senses. Throughout this journey, we have witnessed the magnificent beauty of nature and experienced the unique charm of different cultures. Finally, let us express our gratitude for the wonderful memories and insights this journey has brought us. May we always maintain our love and yearning for travel, continue to explore this beautiful world, and fill our lives with color and vitality.
