First time visiting Harbin! Must-see travel guide!

Who knows? From Russian-style charm to the fairytale Snow Town, from Changbai Mountain's Heavenly Lake to Yanji's food street, the winter in Northeast China is so healing! Here's a super practical guide for beginners to follow directly 👇

🧳Travel Essentials
🧥Clothing: Windproof down jacket + fleece-lined pants + snow boots (anti-slip is key!). Bring knee and hip pads to prevent injuries from falls on the snow.
👓Must-haves: Stick warmers on your phone and in your pockets, sunglasses to prevent snow blindness, moisturizing skincare products for dry skin, and a camera with a cold-proof cover to avoid malfunctioning.
🛒Others: A thermos is a must to keep warm with hot water anytime; keep your ID and passport photos stored separately.

📅Itinerary Overview
👉Day 1: Gather in Harbin → Central Street → Night photography at Saint Sophia Cathedral → Stay in Harbin
👉Day 2: Harbin → Yabuli Ski Resort (includes ski equipment) → Hot springs → Stay in Yabuli
👉Day 3: Yabuli to Snow Town Road → Snow Town → Snow Charm Street → Stay in Snow Town
👉Day 4: Snow Town sunrise → Winter fishing at Jingpo Lake → Changbai Mountain → Stay in Erdaobaihe
👉Day 5: Changbai Mountain Heavenly Lake → Green Deep Pool → Hot springs → Stay in Erdaobaihe
👉Day 6: Rime drifting in the Magic World → Yanji Folk Park → Yanji University Food Street → Stay in Yanji
👉Day 7: Yanji Morning Market → West Market shopping → Return trip

🚥Transportation Guide
🚘Between cities: Arrive at Harbin Taiping Airport. It's recommended to rent a car or join a small group tour. For the return trip, you can choose Yanji Chaoyangchuan Airport, Changchun Longjia Airport, or Harbin Taiping Airport.
🚍Within scenic areas: Snow Town is walkable, and it's recommended to take the eco-friendly buses in Changbai Mountain.

🏨Accommodation Recommendations
🏡Harbin: Stay near Central Street, within walking distance to Saint Sophia Cathedral, convenient for sightseeing and dining.
🏡Yabuli: Highly recommend staying in a homestay within the scenic area, where you can borrow ski suits and traditional Northeastern floral jackets for free, and sleep on a warm kang bed.
🏡Snow Town: Choose a local guesthouse within the scenic area, where you can stargaze and see snow mushrooms at night. Make sure the host confirms the accommodation details in writing.
🏡Yanji: Stay near Henan Street, close to major food spots, perfect for late-night food hunts.

🍜Food Recommendations
😋Harbin: Pair red sausage with Russian bread, enjoy a Madieer ice cream bar, and try the old-style sweet and sour pork.
😋Snow Town: Must-try Northeastern stews, warm sticky rice cakes dipped in sugar, and corn pancakes.
😋Changbai Mountain: After soaking in hot springs, try hot spring-boiled eggs with soft, runny yolks.
😋Yanji: Refreshing cold noodles with icy broth from Shunji, fragrant crispy rice in Jeonju bibimbap, and sweet rice wine to balance the spice and warm the stomach.

⚠️Tips and Precautions
1. Stay warm and avoid slipping: Don't expose your ankles outdoors, choose snow boots with ice grips, and wear helmets and protective gear for skiing.
2. Avoid scams: Don't join low-cost tours; choose travel agencies with proper credentials, and ensure contracts specify accommodation and additional costs.
3. Payment tips: Pay to the travel agency's official account, request receipts, and call 12345 to report any forced consumption.
4. Others: Respect Korean customs, ask for permission before taking photos; check the weather for Heavenly Lake and scenic area announcements before heading out.

Northeast China's winter holds so many surprises. Get ready and set off!✨