Just returned from Harbin!

I'm absolutely thrilled with my travel plan! Finally, I've mastered this treasure route in Northeast China! From the Russian charm of Harbin to the Korean ethnic flavors of Yanji, the snowy landscapes along the way were full of surprises. I've compiled super practical tips—grab them and start your adventure! 🧳 Travel Essentials 🧥 Clothing: 300g+ down jacket + windproof shell jacket, fleece pants layered with waterproof shell pants, thermal snow boots with heated insoles. 👓 Accessories: Ear-covering Lei Feng hat, ski goggles, waterproof touchscreen gloves, and plenty of hand warmers (stick one on your phone to prevent shutdown). 👜 Others: 500ml+ thermos, 2 fully charged power banks, and Apple users are advised to bring an Android backup phone. 🚥 Transportation Guide ✈ Major Transport: Fly into Harbin Taiping Airport (hub for many flights), and for return, depart from Yanji Chaoyangchuan Airport or Changchun Longjia Airport for a more convenient route. 🚘 Intercity: Opt for private car hire or join a small group tour; self-driving on snowy roads is risky. 🚍 Scenic Areas: Stay in Erdaobaihe for Changbai Mountain North Slope, and use the scenic area's eco-friendly buses to get to and from attractions. 📅 Itinerary Overview 👉 Day 1: Arrive in Harbin → Central Street → Night photography at Saint Sophia Cathedral → Stay in Harbin 👉 Day 2: Harbin → Yabuli Skiing (gear included) → Hot springs → Stay in Yabuli 👉 Day 3: Yaxue Highway → 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: Moguai Rime Drift → Yanji Folk Park → Yan University Food Street → Stay in Yanji 👉 Day 7: Yanji → Water Market → Return 🏨 Accommodation Recommendations 🏡 Harbin: Around Central Street, within a 5-minute walk to Saint Sophia Cathedral. 🏡 Yabuli: Club Med (includes ski gear and instructor) or Yabuli town guesthouses for better value. 🏡 Snow Town: Warm kang rooms near Snow Charm Street; choose official guesthouses to avoid secondary entry fees. 🏡 Changbai Mountain: Erdaobaihe hot spring hotels, prioritize outdoor hot spring pools. 🏡 Yanji: Near Yan University, convenient walking distance to the popular wall and food street. 🍲 Food Recommendations 😋 Harbin: Lao Chu Jia sweet and sour pork, Madieer ice cream bars, Tadaosi stewed beef. 😋 Yabuli: Sauerkraut and pork hotpot with frozen tofu, street-style grilled red sausage. 😋 Snow Town: Snowfield copper pot hotpot, molten hot spring eggs. 😋 Changbai Mountain: Erdaobaihe Korean-style spicy kimchi fried rice, stir-fried wild vegetables with meat. 😋 Yanji: Fengmao BBQ skewers, Shunji cold noodles, Wu's rice wraps, Laoding Buns and Snow Ice. ⚠️ Notes 1. Check "Changbai Mountain Scenic Area" official account for Heavenly Lake opening times; best viewing is between 10 AM and 1 PM. 2. Avoid roadside "cheap dog sled rides" in Snow Town; official rides cost around 30 RMB per lap and are negotiable. 3. For rime drifting, go before 8 AM (when the mist is thickest), and wear the scenic area's waterproof suit to avoid getting wet. 4. Rent a hanbok at Yanji Folk Park and head inside; packages including makeup and hairstyling cost around 200 RMB. This winter, embark on a magical snow adventure! ✨