First time in Harbin! Here's how to explore without any pitfalls!

Northeast Ice and Snow Loop Express Guide ❄️ 7 Days from Harbin to Yanji without any missteps! Budget-friendly at just 4k+ per person, covering Ice City, powder snow, Tianchi, and Korean cuisine. All the key details are sorted out for you—just follow this guide!

🎒 Essentials for the Trip (Survival Checklist)
🧥 Clothing: Thermal underwear + thick sweater + long windproof down jacket + waterproof fleece-lined pants + high-top snow boots
🧤 Must-haves: Touchscreen gloves, Lei Feng hat, hand warmers (for phone and insoles), anti-fog glasses, power banks (at least 2)
📱 Electronics: Camera cold-proof cover, avoid exposing your phone to the cold for extended periods

📅 Itinerary Overview
👉 Day 1: Arrive in Harbin → Central Street → Night photography at St. Sophia Cathedral → Stay in Harbin
👉 Day 2: Harbin → Yabuli Ski Resort (includes ski gear) → Hot springs → Stay in Yabuli
👉 Day 3: Yabuli Snow Road → Snow Town → Snow Charm Street → Stay in Snow Town
👉 Day 4: Snow Town sunrise → Jingpo Lake winter fishing → Changbai Mountain → Stay in Erdaobaihe
👉 Day 5: Changbai Mountain Tianchi → Green Deep Pool → Hot springs → Stay in Erdaobaihe
👉 Day 6: Magic World rime drift → Yanji Folk Park → Yanji University Food Street → Stay in Yanji
👉 Day 7: Yanji Morning Market → West Market shopping → Return trip

🚗 Transportation Guide
✈ Major transportation: Harbin Taiping Airport, Changchun Longjia Airport, Yanji Chaoyangchuan Airport
🚘 Local transportation: Harbin → Yabuli → Snow Town → Changbai Mountain → Yanji. Opt for small group tours or private car rentals (snowy roads are dangerous). Use eco-friendly buses within Changbai Mountain Scenic Area.

🏨 Accommodation Recommendations
🏡 Harbin: Near Central Street for convenient sightseeing and dining
🏡 Yabuli: Choose hotels with hot springs for a hot-and-cold experience
🏡 Snow Town: Stay in scenic area kang-style beds; bring disposable items
🏡 Changbai Mountain: Stay in Erdaobaihe Town near the North Slope Scenic Area
🏡 Yanji: Stay near Yanji University for easy access to local food

🍜 Food Recommendations
😋 Harbin: Shanhutun Iron Pot Stew, Madieer Ice Cream Bar, Russian-style Sausages
😋 Yabuli: Northeast Stew, Sauerkraut and Pork Hotpot
😋 Snow Town: Frozen Pears, Frozen Persimmons (try sparingly)
😋 Changbai Mountain: Ginseng Steamed Chicken, Matsutake Rice Cake
😋 Yanji: Da Pu Jia BBQ, Grandma Won’s Rice Wraps, Service Building Cold Noodles

⚠️ Tips and Reminders
1. Visit Ice and Snow World before 10 AM or after 4 PM to avoid crowds.
2. Best time to view Changbai Mountain Tianchi is between 12-2 PM; check the weather in advance. Rent windbreakers at the scenic area.
3. Food in Snow Town is expensive; try Iron Pot Stew in Harbin instead.
4. For photos at Yanji Folk Park, do makeup before noon; night shots at the trendy wall are more photogenic.
5. Carry hot water with you to prevent frostbite.