Just got back from Harbin! Super satisfied with my own travel plan!

Who understands! A trip combining ice sculpture castles, fairy-tale snow mushrooms, the magnificent Tianchi Lake, and Korean cuisine hits is the ultimate winter romance✨ I've compiled a super comprehensive guide, just follow it for a worry-free trip! 🧣 Essentials for travel 1️⃣ Outfit: Therma wool underwear + wool sweater + long waterproof down jacket + fleece-lined snow pants, layering is key to staying warm 2️⃣ Must-haves: Non-slip snow boots, touchscreen gloves, Lei Feng hat, heat packs (for body + phone), sunglasses (to prevent snow blindness), 20,000mAh power bank 3️⃣ Skincare: High SPF sunscreen + moisturizing mask + lip balm, snow is dry and reflective, very harsh on skin 4️⃣ Others: Ice grips (for traction), swimsuit (for Changbai Mountain hot springs), small amount of cash (weak signal in mountain areas) 🚗 Transportation guide ✈️ Major transport: Enter via Harbin, exit via Yanji for the smoothest route, no backtracking! There is a high-speed train from Harbin to Yanji (3.5-4 hours), and a 2-hour direct high-speed train from Changbai Mountain to Yanji 🚘 Intercity car rental: Choose a reputable snow tire fleet, recommended to rent a car from Harbin → Snow Town and Snow Town → Changbai Mountain, daily cost 500-800 RMB, experienced drivers provide peace of mind ❌ Avoid pitfalls: Sign contracts clearly stating fuel and toll fees, refuse illegal roadside taxis 📅 Itinerary overview 👉D1: Central Street → Saint Sophia Cathedral → Ice and Snow World → Stay in Harbin 👉D2: Harbin → Yabuli Ski Resort → Horse-drawn sled → Stay in Yabuli 👉D3: Yaxue Highway → Datudingzi Mountain → Ice and Snow Gallery → Stay in Snow Town 👉D4: Snow Town → Xueyun Street → Jingpo Lake Winter Fishing → Stay in Erdaobaihe 👉D5: Changbai Mountain Tianchi Lake → Green Pool → Hot Springs → Stay in Erdaobaihe 👉D6: Demon Realm Rafting → Yanji Folk Culture Park → Popular Bullet Screen Wall → Stay in Yanji 👉D7: Yanji → Water Market → Return to Yanji/Harbin/Changchun 🏨 Accommodation recommendations 🏡 Harbin: Around Central Street, within walking distance to Saint Sophia Cathedral and Ice and Snow World 🏡 Snow Town: Official heated kang bed-stove homestays inside the scenic area, prioritize those near Xueyun Street, book 1 month in advance 🏡 Changbai Mountain: Wanda Resort Area (skiing and hot springs combined) or Erdaobaihe Town (cost-effective) 🏡 Yanji: Around Yanji University, very convenient for visiting the popular wall and eating late-night snacks 🍜 Food list 🍱 Harbin: Guo Bao Rou (sweet and sour pork), Madie’er popsicles, iron pot stew, Russian borscht 🍱 Snow Town: Chicken stewed with mushrooms, frozen pears and persimmons, sticky bean buns 🍱 Changbai Mountain: Hot spring boiled eggs, ginseng chicken soup, Korean ethnic rice cakes 🍱 Yanji: Jeonju bibimbap, Fengmao grilled skewers, cold noodles, West Market rice sausage ⚠️ Notes 1. Large temperature difference indoors and outdoors, don’t take off your hat when sweating to avoid catching a cold 2. Put heat packs inside your pocket with your phone, low temperatures can cause shutdowns 3. Ask prices before spending in Snow Town, book accommodation and car rental early during peak season 4. Changbai Mountain Tianchi Lake opening depends on weather, check official website announcements in advance 5. Wear ice grips when walking on snow, take small slow steps to prevent slipping The romance of the North is hidden in every snowflake, keep this guide safe and make an ice and snow date this winter~