First time traveling to Harbin! Regret not reading this guide earlier!

This winter, you must visit the Northeast at least once! Walking on the streets at -20°C while munching on candied hawthorn Rolling in the snow, watching your eyelashes form white frost From the fairytale-like Snow Town to the magical frost-covered landscapes, from the frozen Heavenly Lake to the delicious food in Yanji Every moment feels like shooting a movie 🎬 Essential Packing List 🧳 ✅ Warmth Trio: Thick down jacket + ski pants + waterproof and non-slip snow boots ✅ Accessory Essentials: Lei Feng hat + touchscreen gloves + scarf + thick socks (life-saving necessities!) ✅ Heat Packs: Stick one on your phone, soles, and waist (iPhones lose power quickly in the cold!) ✅ Skincare: Oil-based cream + lip balm + hydrating face masks (the northern dryness is real!) ✅ Others: Power bank, sunglasses (to prevent snow blindness), thermos (for outdoor hydration) 🚥 Transportation Guide ✈️ Major Transportation: • Recommended to fly to Harbin Taiping Airport (many domestic routes available) • For return, you can choose Changchun Longjia Airport or Yanji Chaoyangchuan Airport 🚘 Car Rental Recommendations: • For Harbin-Snow Town-Changbai Mountain, a 5-7 seater vehicle with snow tires is suggested • Daily car rental costs around 600-800 RMB • Book through a reputable travel agency! Driving in snow requires experienced drivers 📝 Itinerary Overview 👉 Day 1: Gather in Harbin → Central Street → St. Sophia Cathedral → Stay in Harbin 👉 Day 2: Harbin → Yabuli Ski Resort → Horse-drawn sled → Stay in Yabuli 👉 Day 3: Yabuli-Snow Town Highway → 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: Magic World Drift → Yanji Folk Park → Internet-famous Bullet Wall → Stay in Yanji 👉 Day 7: Yanji → Water Market → Return from Yanji/Harbin/Changchun 🏨 Accommodation Guide • Harbin: Stay near Central Street (super convenient for food and shopping) • Snow Town: Experience a traditional heated bed in a local homestay (super cozy) • Changbai Mountain: Ski resort hotels in Wanda Resort or hot spring hotels in Erdaobaihe Town • Yanji: Homestays near the university area (around 100 RMB per person, located in the food hub) 🍜 Food Highlights 🔥 Harbin: Sweet and sour pork + Madieer ice cream bar + iron pot stew 🔥 Snow Town: Frozen pears + candied hawthorn + farmhouse chicken stew with mushrooms 🔥 Changbai Mountain: Hot spring boiled eggs + Korean rice cakes 🔥 Yanji: Water Market breakfast + Jeonju bibimbap + spicy chicken feet (Yanji requires a 512GB stomach! Five meals a day minimum) ⚠️ Tips 1️⃣ Phone warmers are a must! iPhones shut down outdoors in 5 minutes 2️⃣ Book Snow Town accommodations 30 days in advance! Heated bed rooms sell out quickly during peak season 3️⃣ Whether Changbai Mountain Heavenly Lake is open depends on the weather (check announcements in advance) 4️⃣ Internet-famous spots in Yanji have long queues (visit during off-peak hours or order takeout) 5️⃣ All activities have clear pricing! Avoid roadside black cars or low-cost tours This winter, embark on a snowy fairytale adventure with your loved ones ❤️