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With the completion of the Yunding Palace and the opening of the Ice and Snow World, Northeast China is booming again! Those who want to enjoy the snow skating scene can't wait to go!
Don't worry, I've compiled a Northeast China travel guide for you, including must-see attractions and tips for preventing falls on ice surfaces, so you can feel warm and comfortable even in the far north of our motherland.
The cold in Northeast China has surpassed the dispute between dry and wet cold in the north and south. It is pure cold, with temperatures as low as minus 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. If you are not careful, you will really get frostbite!
So friends from the south, before coming to Northeast China, you can buy thick clothes and equipment online in advance to avoid being caught in the wind and snow as soon as you get off the plane.
1. Innermost layer:
This layer is mainly for perspiration, so quick-drying clothes are recommended. Don't buy clothes made of cotton, otherwise when you enter a well-heated room or walk outdoors, the sweat will not be discharged, and your body will feel very damp and uncomfortable, and you will be prone to illness.
2. Middle layer:
This layer is mainly for keeping warm. Recommended clothes include polar fleece/German fleece/cashmere/down vests, and recommended pants include autumn trousers/thick cotton trousers/down trousers. Try to bring as many clothes of different materials as possible, and flexibly add or remove clothes in layers according to the weather forecast and the perceived temperature.
3. Outermost layer:
This layer must be cold-resistant and windproof. Invest in a high-quality, over-the-knee down jacket from the Extreme Cold series, even down to the ankles. Once you reach Northeast China, you'll realize how wise this decision was! For pants, choose fleece-lined, waterproof trousers.
Image source @乐一
Shoes: High-top, thick-soled, waterproof and snow-resistant snow boots. Pay attention to these key words when buying! You can also buy some thick wool insoles to match them.
Socks: Long wool socks are warmer, so you can bring a few pairs. If you plan to ski, you can prepare 2 more pairs of ski socks.
Hats: The most recommended is the Lei Feng hat. Although it is not very attractive, it is windproof enough. You can also bring two or three thick plush hats to make it easier to pose in photos.
Scarf: Get a thick cashmere scarf that looks good in photos and keeps you warm. Avoid knitted scarves with large mesh sizes.
Gloves: You can wear two layers of gloves, one thick layer and one slightly thinner layer for touching the screen to avoid cold hands when taking pictures.
Sunglasses: Look good in photos and prevent snow blindness.
If you don't bring enough clothes, don't panic. After landing in Northeast China, you can buy inexpensive down jackets/padded jackets there. If you're coming for skiing, you can also consider buying a ski suit.
Changbai Mountain can be said to be the highlight of a trip to Northeast China. It also has an irresistible charm in winter, with rime forests, icy waterfalls and springs, and clouds and mist, which are holy and beautiful.
Those who have read "Grave Robbers' Chronicles" must be familiar with this place. In the book, Wu Xie came here when he chased his little brother to Changbai Mountain.
In reality, Erdaobaihe is actually a small town at the foot of Changbai Mountain and a gathering place for tourists. The "Yunding Tiangong" ice sculpture opened on December 26, 2024. It covers an area of more than 10,000 square meters, is more than 20 meters high and more than 60 meters wide. It is magnificent. There is also the Yunding Market and Rice Station, which are very suitable for rice check-in and souvenirs.
We have specially arranged a hot spring hotel in Erdaobaihe for everyone. After playing outside for a day, it is most comfortable to come back and take a bath in the hot springs. It can dispel the fatigue and coldness of the journey and relax you to your heart's content.
We can first take the scenic bus to Tianchi transfer station, and then change to the return bus to Tianchi (80 yuan/person), and sign up for the Xueyun Northeast tour. This fee will be covered by us, so you don’t have to spend any extra money. The mountain road to Tianchi has many bends and is a bit bumpy. Friends who are afraid of motion sickness can prepare motion sickness medicine in advance.
In winter, the blue water of Tianchi Lake appears pure and flawless against the backdrop of the surrounding ice and snow, like a sapphire, making for excellent photographic opportunities.
However, you really need a bit of luck to see Tianchi in winter. When there is too much snowfall and the weather is bad, Tianchi will not be open. If it is sunny a few days before the trip, there is a high probability that Tianchi will be open.
Take the scenic shuttle bus to the Changbai Mountain Waterfall. The waterfall isn't completely frozen in winter, with transparent wisps of icicles and icy blue springs surging beneath the surface. Follow our experienced photography team leader to get the best camera positions and clever layouts, and capture National Geographic-style photos in minutes.
Not far from the Changbai Mountain Waterfall is the Changbai Mountain Hot Spring Group, named Julong Hot Spring. The hottest spring can reach 82℃. The hot spring eggs in the scenic area are 10 yuan for three or four, which are inexpensive and of good quality. Compared with boiled eggs and steamed eggs, they have a different delicious taste. Xiaoxia strongly recommends you to try it.
The hot springs are steaming, and when they meet cold air, they become even more misty and fairy-like. In relatively stable weather, rime grows on the grass and trees nearby, like thousands of pieces of glass fallen on the branches, crystal clear.
Changbai Mountain is so beautiful that it would be a pity to just experience it for a short while, so we will stay in Erdaobaihe for another night and take you to explore more secluded secrets the next day.
The Pumice Forest, located 6 kilometers southeast of the Changbai Mountain Gate, was shaped by the debris from the Changbai Mountain eruption nearly a thousand years ago and the erosion of wind and rain. In winter, it has a quiet and primitive beauty: the snow is knee-deep, the branches of trees "block the road", and the gurgling stream flows at your feet. Here we will take a 3km hike through the canyon.
After the hike, you can enjoy the fun of making tea around the fire in the snow. Next to it is the "Changbai First Spring" ice water spring. The spring water is sweet and refreshing and can be drunk directly. If you are not sure, you can also collect some and boil it to drink. It is very elegant to use it to make tea.
Xiaoxia has something to say: Next to the shoe-changing hall in Pumice Forest, there is a 6-story observation tower. You can see the main peak of Changbai Mountain from the top. The magnificent view is unparalleled. Pick up your mobile phone camera, strike a pose and take a photo with Changbai Mountain to freeze the beautiful moments of this trip~
Xueling is another great place to play in the snow at the foot of Changbai Mountain. You need to take a snowmobile up the mountain. It is thrilling and fun to drive fast all the way. When you reach the top of the mountain, you can overlook the vast forest, snowfield and Changbai Mountain.
Xueling is the largest rime belt in Yanbian. There's a reindeer farm on the mountain, where the sleek reindeer are so docile and friendly. Grab some dry moss and you'll get a closer look at the reindeer.
Here you can also enjoy horse-drawn sleigh rides, snowmobile self-driving, snow tubing and other activities. Call your friends and family to come and have fun together!
The Ice and Snow World opened on December 21, 2024. Its main tower, "Asian Unity," resembles a blooming flower from above. Other ice sculptures include the Century Clock and the Yadong Flying Star, perfect for photo opportunities. At night, the park is illuminated with dazzling lights, creating a fairytale-like beauty.
Image source: @Harbin Ice and Snow World official account
This year, Harbin has taken its pampering for tourists to a higher level. The number of super ice slides has been increased to 24, and a nearly 300-meter-long greenhouse with heating equipment has been built in the waiting area, which is very thoughtful and considerate.
There are many things to do in the Ice and Snow World. You are welcome to experience the ice and snow Ferris wheel, ice bikes, snow ring drifting, curling and other projects. There is also the "One Ice and Snow One World" immersive AI digital culture and art museum, which combines technology with ice and snow themes and is also very charming.
Guide to preventing falls on ice
Northeasterners seem to have a natural hip-axis stabilization system, allowing them to stroll effortlessly on the ice. However, southerners who rarely see snow should be careful to prevent slipping and falling on the ice when visiting Harbin in winter. Otherwise, a fall on the ice and snow could have serious consequences.
Please keep this anti-slip guide
Tips:
1. Be careful on thick ice and be even more cautious on thin ice.
2. Don’t play with your mobile phone at this time, and avoid walking with your hands in your pockets.
3. When walking across the ice, tighten your core, lower your center of gravity, bend down slightly, and keep your arms slightly open to maintain balance. Imagine yourself as a penguin, and walk forward in small steps with full concentration.
4. White zebra crossings and other painted areas are very slippery, so you need to drive carefully and slowly.
5. Be careful and walk slowly when entering the room. The snow on your shoes will melt into water under the heater and the tile floor is also very slippery.
Jingpo Lake is the world's largest volcanic lava-dammed lake with a slightly S-shaped surface. The most stunning feature is the Diaoshuilou Waterfall at the north end, which is more than 100 meters long and has a drop of more than 20 meters. In winter, the swift water flow turns into ice cones like pillars and bamboo shoots, making it another excellent place to take photos.
Vanke Songhua Lake Resort has 50 high-quality ski slopes, including the 21km "Romantic Avenue" suitable for beginners, where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of rime all the way; there is also an "ALL-BLACK" area for professional athletes to challenge; V-PARK Park is more suitable for showing off skills and unlocking various ways to play on the ice.
Our itinerary includes beginner and intermediate ski slopes (3 hours), one alpine cableway ride, and a 2-hour snow tubing experience, making it easy for even beginners to master the experience.
The snowy season in Xuexiang lasts for 7 months, and the amount of snowfall is the highest in China, creating a soft and dreamy fairy tale-like atmosphere here: the wooden houses are covered with thick snow, round snow mushrooms can be seen everywhere, the red lanterns and yellow corn are brighter against the backdrop of white snow, and the house of Bald Qiang in Boonie Bears has come true.
Note: For the sake of everyone's viewing experience, please do not remove the snow from the roof or damage it.
You can go to see the free float parade, have a snow disco from 7:20 to 8 pm, and then watch the gorgeous fireworks bloom in the sky.
We have specially arranged a stay at a boutique B&B in the Xuexiang scenic area. After a tiring day, you can have a sweet dream on the warm kang at night.
Tips:
Things to note when sleeping on a Kang:
1. The indoor temperature in Northeast China is generally above 20℃. It is sometimes so hot on the kang that you sweat, so you can wear thin clothes indoors, usually a half-sleeved shirt is enough.
2. It is relatively dry indoors. To avoid waking up with a dry and flaky face overnight, you can apply moisturizing cream, place a basin of water in the room to increase the humidity, or place wet clothes on the radiator.
3. Eat some frozen pears and drink plenty of hot water to replenish water.
Wusong Island is a small island on the Songhua River. The large amount of water vapor from the Songhua River and the extreme cold in Northeast China in winter make it one of the most beautiful destinations for rime flowers.
Best viewing period: December to February
Shooting time: Get up early to greet the sunrise and capture a group of beautiful morning rime. 10-11 am is also a golden period for photographing rime. The rime will gradually disappear at noon.
Rime is highly influenced by the weather, so if you miss it, don't be discouraged! There's plenty of photography to be had here! Take a guess: where was the photo below taken?
The answer is revealed! This is an ordinary iron railing on Wusong Island. Due to the low temperature, long icicles and even icicles have formed, enveloping the railing, forming an ice cave about the size of two 2L bottles of mineral water. This photo was taken in this ice cave by our experienced photography team leader. His superb framing and composition, as well as his lighting and color matching, often receive unanimous praise from the team members. He also thoughtfully helps everyone take beautiful photos of life!
Listen to the sound of snow falling and start a dreamy snow-playing trip in Northeast China~ Xiaoxia is waiting for you in Northeast China!
