First time visiting Harbin? This guide has everything you need!

Finally, I've captured the romance of a Northeast winter! From the dreamy ice city to the fairytale snow village, from the sacred Changbai Mountain to the vibrant Yanji, this loop route is a must-try with no disappointments. Here's a detailed guide 👇

📝 Itinerary (No backtracking version)
👉 Day 1: Arrival in Harbin｜Stay in Harbin
👉 Day 2: Harbin → Yabuli Ski Resort → Snow activities｜Stay in Yabuli
👉 Day 3: Yabuli → Rime on Yaxue Highway → Snow Village｜Stay in a warm kang bed in Snow Village
👉 Day 4: Snow Village → Blue Ice at Jingpo Lake → Erdaobaihe｜Stay in a hot spring hotel
👉 Day 5: Full day at Changbai Mountain North Scenic Area → Hot spring bath｜Stay in Erdaobaihe
👉 Day 6: Rime drifting → Yanji Folk Culture Park → Instagram-worthy wall｜Stay in Yanji
👉 Day 7: Explore and eat in Yanji → Return

❄️ Must-visit highlights (Capture the essence of each place)
⭐ Harbin: First impressions of the Ice City
✅ Central Street: Stroll along the century-old street covered in snow, grab a Madieer ice cream and some red sausage
✅ Saint Sophia Cathedral: Take snow-covered photos before 9 AM, listen to the bell tower chime in the evening
✅ Songhua River: Ride a sled across the frozen river, experience throwing water into ice

⭐ Yabuli: Snowy fun
✅ Must ski! Beginners can choose the beginner slopes, with ski poles, boards, and boots included
✅ Try snowmobiles to the summit, take a cable car to see the sea of forests
✅ Experience a rustic horse-drawn sleigh, join a lively bonfire dance in the evening

⭐ Snow Village: A fairytale world
✅ Walk the Bangchui Mountain boardwalk during the day for a panoramic view of snow mushroom clusters
✅ Stroll along Snow Charm Street at night, where red lanterns and white snow create breathtaking views
✅ Try DIY pot dumplings, and stay in a cozy 2-person kang bed for the ultimate atmosphere

⭐ Changbai Mountain: A sacred destination
✅ The North Slope is a classic! Covering Tianchi Lake, waterfalls, and Green Deep Pool
✅ Best time to see Tianchi Lake is between 10 AM and 12 PM, wear anti-slip shoes and windproof jackets
✅ Soak in outdoor hot springs! Bathing in hot water while surrounded by snow at -20°C is incredibly soothing

⭐ Yanji: A feast for the taste buds
✅ Activities: Wear traditional Korean attire and take photos at the Folk Culture Park (30 RMB entry, very photogenic), take night shots at Yanbian University’s Instagram-worthy wall
✅ Shopping: Visit the Water Market morning market for authentic local food, and buy kimchi specialties at the West Market
✅ Nearby: Visit the Tumen Border to see the boundary line, and enjoy views of two countries from Sunlight Mountain

🍜 Food recommendations (Local hidden gems that won’t disappoint)
🍛 Harbin: Lao Chu Jia sweet and sour pork, Qiulin Red Sausage
🍛 Snow Village: Iron pot stewed goose, sticky bean buns
🍛 Changbai Mountain: Hot spring boiled eggs, Korean cold noodles
🍛 Yanji: Barbecue, Korean cuisine, street snacks

🏨 Accommodation suggestions
🏡 Harbin: Stay near Central Street for convenience
🏡 Snow Village: Choose a homestay near the Folk Culture Park, with snow views from your window
🏡 Changbai Mountain: Stay at a hot spring hotel in Erdaobaihe, perfect for relaxing after skiing
🏡 Yanji: Stay at Hongju Hotel (near the Instagram-worthy wall) or a Korean-style homestay

💡 Tips to avoid pitfalls & must-haves
1. Transportation: Opt for a small group tour with all transfers included, so you don’t have to wait in the freezing cold
2. Gear: Bring a fleece-lined jacket, snow boots (anti-slip!), and hand warmers (for your phone and body)
3. Changbai Mountain: Check the weather in advance, as Tianchi Lake may close due to snow; pack high-calorie snacks
4. Snow Village: Don’t buy overpriced snow covers, purchase them online beforehand; confirm prices before making purchases
5. Yanji: Don’t over-order barbecue, portions are very generous; choose a Korean attire rental that includes makeup and styling

This winter, embark on an icy adventure in Northeast China! Every stop is breathtaking, and your photo album won’t have enough space for all the stunning shots!