Harbin + Snow Town + Changbai Mountain + Yanji! 7-Day Travel Guide!

Who can resist the northern romance at minus 20°C! From Harbin’s ice sculpture castles to Snow Town’s mushroom wooden houses, from the magnificent Tianchi Lake at Changbai Mountain to the Korean cuisine feast in Yanji, this trip covers all your winter dreams❄️ 🧣 Essentials for the trip 1️⃣ Clothing: Quick-dry underwear + fleece + waterproof down jacket, thick thermal leggings + ski pants, high-top anti-slip snow boots + wool socks, Lei Feng hat + touchscreen gloves + scarf (warm from head to toe) 2️⃣ Must-haves: Heat packs (bring extra for phone/soles), sunglasses (to prevent snow blindness), ice cleats, 20,000mAh power bank, anti-fog camera bag 3️⃣ Others: Lip balm + moisturizing cream (to prevent dryness), small amount of cash (weak signal in mountain areas), swimsuit (for Changbai Mountain hot springs) 🚗 Transportation & Car Rental ✈️ Main transport: Enter via Harbin, exit via Yanji for the smoothest route, avoid backtracking 🚘 Intercity car rental: Prefer official platforms (SUV 500-800 RMB/day), local drivers familiar with snowy roads for peace of mind ❌ Avoid pitfalls: Reject roadside low-price carpool/illegal cars, clarify fuel and toll fees in contract, check operating qualifications 📅 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 from Yanji/Harbin/Changchun 🏨 Accommodation Recommendations 🏡 Harbin: Around Central Street, within walking distance to Saint Sophia Cathedral and Songhua River 🏡 Snow Town: Warm kang bed-stove homestays near Xueyun Street, book 3 days in advance, note independent bathroom + heating 🏡 Changbai Mountain: Erdaobaihe Town (cost-effective) or Wanda Resort Area (super relaxing hot spring hotels) 🏡 Yanji: Around Yanbian University, convenient for shopping and eating, great spots for photos at popular walls 🍜 Food List 🍱 Harbin: Old Chef’s Guobaorou (sweet and sour pork), Madie’er popsicles, iron pot stew, grilled red sausage 🍱 Snow Town: Iron pot stewed goose, frozen pears and persimmons, wild vegetable dumplings 🍱 Changbai Mountain: Hot spring eggs, Korean rice cakes, forest area barbecue 🍱 Yanji: Jeonju bibimbap, Soonhee cold noodles, Fengmao grilled skewers, rice sausage at Water Market ⚠️ Notes 1. Temperatures can drop to -30°C, fully cover head, hands, and feet; adjust clothing frequently due to large indoor-outdoor temperature differences 2. Changbai Mountain Tianchi Lake opening depends on weather; check park announcements in advance; shuttle bus tickets must be purchased separately 3. Ask prices before spending in Snow Town; avoid low-price self-paid projects; do not buy “wild” ginseng or deer antlers 4. Walk on snow with “penguin steps,” keep both hands out of pockets to prevent falls 5. Many accommodations are non-refundable during peak season; choose “pay at hotel” carefully to avoid price hikes Save this guide, grab your travel buddy, and set off for a snowy rendezvous in Northeast China~