Harbin Travel Essentials!

One guide to cover food, accommodation, and transportation!

Winter joy must come from the Northeast! From Harbin's Russian romance to the fairytale cabins of Snow Town, the frozen Heavenly Lake of Changbai Mountain, and the Korean-style vibes of Yanji, this trip is packed with winter romance✨ Here's a nanny-level guide to get you started!

🧳Travel Essentials
👕Core Warmth: Over-the-knee thick down jacket, fleece-lined ski pants, waterproof high-top snow boots, and two pairs of wool socks to keep your feet dry.
🧤Detail Protection: Touchscreen waterproof gloves, ear-protecting hat, thick scarf, and stock up on hand warmers/foot warmers for your phone and body.
👜Other Essentials: High SPF sunscreen, lip balm (the North is extremely dry), two power banks, and a snowproof camera cover.

🚥Transportation Guide
✈️Major Transportation: Fly into Harbin Taiping Airport (many flights available) and depart from Yanji Chaoyangchuan Airport for the most convenient route.
🚘Intercity Transportation: Opt for private car rentals or small group tours. Roads can be slippery in snowy conditions, so avoid self-driving. Harbin to Snow Town takes about 4 hours, and Changbai Mountain to Yanji takes about 1 hour. Negotiate prices in advance and confirm that highway tolls and snow chains are included.

📅Itinerary Overview
👉Day 1: Gather in Harbin → Central Street → St. Sophia Cathedral → Stay in Harbin
👉Day 2: Harbin → Yabuli Ski Resort → Horse-drawn sled ride → Stay in Yabuli
👉Day 3: Yabuli to Snow Town Road → Datudingzi Mountain → Ice and Snow Gallery → Stay in Snow Town
👉Day 4: Snow Town → Snow Charm Street → Jingpo Lake Winter Fishing → Stay in Erdaobaihe
👉Day 5: Changbai Mountain Heavenly Lake → Green Deep Pool → Hot Springs → Stay in Erdaobaihe
👉Day 6: Mysterious World Drift → Yanji Folk Park → Internet-famous Bullet Wall → Stay in Yanji
👉Day 7: Yanji → Water Market → Return from Yanji/Harbin/Changchun

🏨Accommodation Recommendations
🏡Harbin: Choose Anning Street/Aijian Road for cost-effective options close to the subway, quieter than Central Street.
🏡Snow Town: Book hotels within the scenic area in advance. Snow Charm Holiday Hotel is in the core area, right by the snow mushrooms.
🏡Changbai Mountain: Stay in Erdaobaihe Town near the North Slope for convenience in dining and shopping.
🏡Yanji: Stay near Yanbian University, where you can walk to All States Bibimbap and Grandma Won's Rice Wrap.

😋Food Recommendations
🍱Harbin: Lao Chu Jia's sweet and sour pork (crispy outside, tender inside) and Madieer ice cream at -20°C for the ultimate experience.
🍱Snow Town: Iron pot stewed goose with corn pancakes and sticky bean buns dipped in sugar.
🍱Changbai Mountain: Ginseng chicken soup to warm up and iron pot stewed cold-water fish that's incredibly fresh.
🍱Yanji: Street-side grilled cold noodles, army stew, and freshly made rice cakes at the West Market are must-tries.

⚠️Tips and Reminders
1. The wind at Changbai Mountain's Heavenly Lake is strong, so hold on tight. Check real-time weather before heading out as the mountain often closes in winter.
2. Confirm prices before purchasing in Snow Town, and shop for souvenirs at Yanji's West Market for better deals.
3. Beginners should hire a ski instructor (around 200 RMB/hour) to avoid injuries.
4. Electronic devices lose power quickly in low temperatures, so stick hand warmers to your phone and camera.