Snow-capped ridges adorned with frost and jade-like branches, a winter poem awaits in Shangzhi's rime-covered landscape

Walking through snow in search of winter, arriving at Shangzhi Yabuli, one realizes that the ancient phrase "jade branches and crystal trees" is no exaggeration. This hidden icy wonderland in Northeast China transforms the harshness of winter into a poetic gift through a spectacular rime scene, inviting travelers to a romantic encounter with nature’s creation. Stepping into the snowy ridge at dawn, the first sight is the "Rime Corridor." The trees on both sides have shed their autumn colors, wrapped in a thick layer of ice crystals. When the wind shakes the branches, the falling "silver flakes" resemble shattered snow or starlight. Touching them lightly, the ice crystals melt into cool mist on the fingertips, revealing that these "jade trees" are masterpieces of fog and frost. The snow beneath the feet reaches above the ankles, each step crunching with a "creak creak" sound, harmonizing with occasional bird calls from the forest, creating the clearest winter melody. Sunlight pierces the thin fog, casting light on the branches, where ice crystals refract scattered rays. Looking up, it feels as if a sky full of stars has fallen onto the branches, weaving a tangible "Milky Way." Following the snowy trail leads to the reindeer park. A few reindeer with their iconic antlers either nibble on dry grass or gaze at visitors. Their amber eyes reflect the snow, gentle as if elves from a Nordic fairy tale. Offering a basket of moss, they approach, their furry noses brushing the palm with a chill of snow, instantly dispelling travel fatigue. Crouching down for a photo, the antlers still dusted with unfrozen rime, the shutter click captures this winter tenderness forever. Climbing the mountain road to the summit viewing platform, though breathless at times, the moment of reaching the top makes it all worthwhile. Gazing afar, the rolling mountains covered in rime resemble a silver-white dragon winding between heaven and earth. Smoke curls from village chimneys at the foot of the mountain, mingling with the mist, blurring the line between the mortal world and a fairyland. The cold wind brushes the cheeks, yet one can’t help but spread arms wide, wanting to embrace this magnificent scene—revealing that winter’s beauty is not desolation or loneliness, but grandeur and delicacy intertwined. By afternoon, find a warm villa to rest. Opening the wooden door, warmth mixed with the aroma of coffee greets you. Holding a hot drink by the window, watching the rime outside gradually edged with gold in the slanting sun, one finally understands the pleasure of "gathering around the stove to enjoy the snow." If hunger strikes, try Shangzhi’s specialty iron pot stew. Ribs and potatoes bubble in the iron pot, the rich broth flavorful, paired with soft, sweet sticky bean buns. One bite spreads warmth from the tongue throughout the body, driving away all cold. Looking back when leaving, the rime of the snowy ridge stands quietly in the dusk. This encounter with ice and snow is not only a feast for the eyes but also a healing for the soul—revealing that in this biting winter, the world holds such gentle poetry, waiting for us to tread the snow and quietly meet it.