A travel guide to Harbin showing you how to have fun

Winter in Northeast China is like a real-life ice and snow fairy tale🌨️ European-style churches, snow mushroom cabins, frozen Tianchi Lake, Korean-style streets all in one stop. This practical guide helps you avoid pitfalls and missteps～ 🧳Travel Essentials (Survival Checklist) 1️⃣ Clothing: Windproof down jacket + quick-dry shirt + sweater + down pants, sandwich layering is super practical 2️⃣ Warmth: Touchscreen gloves, Lei Feng hat, thick scarf are must-haves, warm patches on ankles (don’t put on soles!), heated insoles as needed 3️⃣ Others: Anti-slip snow boots + snow spikes (must-have for Changbai Mountain), lip balm + body lotion (very dry), sunglasses to prevent snow blindness, 2 power banks enough for the whole day 🚗 Transportation & Car Rental ✈️ Long-distance: Prefer high-speed train/plane direct to Harbin, return from Yanji is super convenient, book tickets 7 days in advance during peak season 🚘 Intercity travel: Carpooling/car rental is most flexible! Harbin → Snow Town, Snow Town → Changbai Mountain scenic stops anytime, choose a reputable licensed company, contract should clearly state toll fees and driver’s food and lodging💰 🚍 City transport: Taxis in Harbin and Yanji are very cheap, Yanji city attractions are close, walking + taxi is enough to explore 📅 Itinerary Overview 👉D1: Central Street → Saint Sophia Cathedral → Ice and Snow World → Stay in Harbin 👉D2: Harbin → Yabuli Skiing → 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 Park → Popular Bullet Screen Wall → Stay in Yanji 👉D7: Yanji → Water Market → Return from Yanji/Harbin/Changchun 🏨 Accommodation Recommendations 🏡 Harbin: Choose near Central Street, Huazhu Group hotels offer great value, walking distance to Saint Sophia Cathedral is super convenient 🏡 Snow Town: Avoid old kang rooms! New hotels like Lanting Snow have floor heating + smart toilets, offline booking is cheaper, snow mushrooms right outside the window 🏡 Changbai Mountain: North slope choose Blue View/Crown (includes volcanic hot springs + Tianchi VIP access), with kids choose West Slope Wanda Resort 🏡 Yanji: Homestays near Yanji University, 200+ RMB for smart king rooms, owners also provide food guides 🍜 Food List 🍱 Harbin: Madieer popsicles, red sausage with kvass, sweet and sour Guobaorou (fried pork) 🍱 Snow Town: Iron pot stewed ribs + corn cakes, warm and satisfying (scenic area prices are high) 🍱 Changbai Mountain: Hot spring eggs (3 for 10 RMB), ginseng milk, Korean cold noodles 🍱 Yanji: Grilled pork belly, stone pot bibimbap, spicy stir-fried rice cakes, must try rice sausage at Water Market ⚠️ Notes ✅ Don’t stay outdoors too long, brush off snow before entering indoors to avoid catching a cold from temperature difference ✅ Walk with small steps on ice, don’t run or jump, keep away from ice spikes in Snow Town ✅ Check clear pricing in Snow Town, don’t buy overpriced snow gear from roadside vendors ✅ Tianchi Lake opening depends on weather, check scenic area announcements in advance, bring student ID for discounts Winter in Northeast China is really cold, but the romance is doubled! Stay warm and enjoy freely～