Everyone should come to Jilin to see the rime ice at least once in their lifetime!

If there is a place that can fulfill all the snow fantasies of kids from the south, it must be Sifangding in Jilin.

🌡️ Formation process (scientific version):

1. Supercooled water mist: In winter, the water temperature of the Songhua River is above 0°C (the water downstream of the Fengman Hydropower Station does not freeze), and the water vapor evaporated from the river surface meets air below -20°C, forming a widespread low-temperature mist (water droplets remain unfrozen in a "supercooled" state).
2. Deposition crystallization: When the supercooled water mist contacts tree branches or grass below freezing point, it instantly deposits from gas directly into solid ice crystals, attaching to the surface of objects.
3. Layered accumulation: Water vapor continues to condense, ice crystals keep growing, eventually forming fluffy white ice flower structures, which is the rime ice.

❄️ The uniqueness of Jilin rime ice:

Special water source: The "warm current" of the Songhua River in winter provides a continuous supply of water vapor (rivers in other regions mostly freeze in winter, making large-scale formation difficult).
Terrain advantage: Jilin City is located in a basin, where cold air sinks and accumulates at night, making the low temperature more stable in the early morning.
Best viewing area: About 30 kilometers along both banks of the Songhua River from Fengman Dam to the urban area (such as Rime Ice Island, Ashhada, Beidahu), most likely to appear daily from 6 to 10 AM.

Rime ice = water vapor from the unfrozen Songhua River + air below -20°C + calm, windless weather
The romance of nature is an ice crystal love letter written by water vapor to pine branches on a cold night 💌—this is Jilin’s exclusive miracle.

Jilin Sifangding Rime Ice Wonder · Ultimate Guide

📍 Core destination: Sifangding Scenic Area, Jilin (within Huinan County, about 2 hours’ drive from Jilin City, requires self-driving or chartered car) ⏰ Best season: Late December to early February (coldest period, highest chance of rime ice) 🌡️ Weather key: Be sure to choose a clear morning with extremely low night temperatures (below -20°C), high humidity, and no or light wind. 🌅 Golden time: 1-2 hours around sunrise (about 6:30-8:30 AM), when mist rises and condenses, sunlight colors the scene, rime ice is at its peak, and light and shadow are stunning.

🚗 Trip essentials:

1. Arrive early: It’s recommended to stay overnight in Jilin City or Huinan County and depart at 4-5 AM to ensure arrival at the summit before sunrise.
2. Transportation: Strongly recommend self-driving or chartered car (4WD preferred), as mountain roads in winter have snow accumulation and require careful driving. Navigate to “Sifangding Scenic Area.”
3. Extreme cold protection: Wear professional-grade cold-weather gear! Down jacket + windproof shell, thick fleece/wool pants, snow boots, thick gloves, hat and scarf (cover your ears), face mask. Bring plenty of heat packs!
4. Light hiking: After parking, a short hike to the summit is required (about 15-30 minutes). Wear anti-slip crampons and bring a thermos with hot water.
5. Fully immerse: The summit offers a wide view, with mountains covered in jade-like frost and ice flowers, like a fairy tale world. Take plenty of photos (keep your camera warm) and quietly enjoy this fleeting icy romance.
6. Descend timely: When sunlight becomes strong or wind picks up, rime ice may quickly fall off. Consider descending after 9-10 AM.

📌 Key reminder: Rime ice is a natural wonder and seeing it depends on luck! Closely monitor local weather forecasts (humidity, low temperature, wind speed) in advance. Prepare for the cold, but what you see will be unforgettable for life! ❄️

✨ In short: Choose a cold, clear morning, drive to the top of Sifangding at dawn, fully gear up against the extreme cold, wait for the sunrise rime ice wonderland, and keep your shutter button hot! Totally worth the trip!