Comprehensive Harbin Travel Guide

Just returned from Harbin and got ripped off! If I can persuade even one person, it's worth it! Who understands? In Northeast China, the pitfalls are as numerous as the beautiful sights... I've compiled this super comprehensive guide covering all the key points—newbies can just follow it step by step! 🧳Travel Essentials 🧥Clothing: Dress in three layers: "quick-dry underwear + fleece/cashmere + long down jacket." Choose a down jacket with over 200g filling, windproof, and waterproof. 🧤Accessories: Waterproof touchscreen gloves, a thick hat that covers your ears, fleece socks, paired with non-slip waterproof snow boots. 🛒Others: Hand warmers for phone/camera (to prevent shutdown in low temperatures), power bank, crampons (a must for Changbai Mountain). 📅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: Yaxue Highway → Snow Town → Xueyun Street → Stay in Snow Town 👉Day 4: Snow Town sunrise → Jingpo Lake winter fishing → Changbai Mountain → Stay in Erdaobaihe 👉Day 5: Changbai Mountain Tianchi → Lvyuantan → 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 🚥Transportation Guide ✈Major transportation: Fly to Harbin Taiping Airport; for return, you can depart from Yanji Chaoyangchuan Airport for a smoother loop. 🚘Local transportation: It's recommended to hire a car or join a small group tour for pure sightseeing, allowing stops for snow scenery photos. Self-driving is not advised on icy roads. 🏨Accommodation Recommendations 🏡Harbin: Hotels near Central Street for convenient shopping and travel. 🏡Snow Town: Book a kang bed guesthouse on Xueyun Street in advance to experience Northeast folk culture. 🏡Changbai Mountain: Hotels in Wanda Resort (includes skiing privileges) or near the North Slope. 🏡Yanji: Guesthouses near Yan University or Burhatong River, close to food hubs. 😋Food Recommendations 🍱Harbin: Red borscht at Huamei Western Restaurant, sweet and sour pork at Laochujia, Madieer ice cream. 🍱Snow Town: Iron pot stew (can add cold-water fish). 🍱Changbai Mountain: Hot spring boiled eggs, Korean cold noodles. 🍱Yanji: Jeonju bibimbap, Soonhee cold noodles, spicy intestines, rice wine. 📢Tips 1. During peak season (December-February), book accommodations and transportation tickets in advance. Ice and Snow World tickets should be secured early. 2. In Snow Town, confirm prices before purchasing; bringing some snacks can save costs. 3. Respect Korean customs when visiting Yanji; renting a hanbok at the Folk Park costs about 50 yuan/hour. 4. The opening of Changbai Mountain Tianchi depends on the weather, so be prepared for the possibility of not seeing it.