A travel guide to Harbin: How to enjoy your trip

❄️ A winter journey to the Northeast: Experience the romance of Harbin, the dreamy Snow Town, the sacred Changbai Mountain, and the vibrant Yanji, all in one trip. Here's a practical guide for you!

🧳 Essentials for the trip
👔 Clothing: A down jacket with over 300g filling + windproof jacket, fleece pants layered with waterproof pants, and essential down knee pads.
🥾 Gear: High-top waterproof snow boots, heated insoles, waterproof ski gloves, and ski goggles to prevent snow blindness and capture great photos.
📱 Gadgets: Stock up on hand warmers (use them to keep your phone from shutting down), a 500ml+ thermos, and bring an Android backup phone if you're an Apple user.

🚥 Transportation tips
✈ Major transportation: Fly into Harbin Taiping Airport and depart from Yanji Chaoyangchuan Airport for the most convenient route.
🚘 Local transportation: Rent a car with a driver! They know the roads well and can act as guides. Self-driving is not recommended on icy roads.

📅 Itinerary overview
👉 Day 1: Gather in Harbin → Central Street → Night photography at Saint Sophia Cathedral → Stay in Harbin
👉 Day 2: Harbin → Yabuli Ski Resort (gear included) → Hot springs → Stay in Yabuli
👉 Day 3: Yabuli Snow Road → Snow Town → Xueyun Street → Stay in Snow Town
👉 Day 4: Snow Town sunrise → Winter fishing at Jingpo Lake → Changbai Mountain → Stay in Erdaobaihe
👉 Day 5: Changbai Mountain Tianchi (Heavenly Lake) → Green Deep Pool → Hot springs → Stay in Erdaobaihe
👉 Day 6: Rime drifting in the Magic World → Yanji Folk Culture Park → Yan University Food Street → Stay in Yanji
👉 Day 7: Yanji → Water Market → Return trip

🏨 Accommodation recommendations
🏡 Harbin: Stay near Central Street, within walking distance to Saint Sophia Cathedral.
🏡 Yabuli: Club Med (includes ski equipment and instructors) or budget-friendly options in Yabuli Town.
🏡 Snow Town: Warm kang-style rooms near Xueyun Street; avoid shared kangs.
🏡 Changbai Mountain: Hot spring hotels in Erdaobaihe Town, close to the North Slope scenic area.
🏡 Yanji: Stay near Yan University, within walking distance to the popular wall and food street.

🍲 Food recommendations
😋 Harbin: Lao Chu Jia sweet and sour pork, Madieer ice cream bars, Tadao's stewed beef.
😋 Yabuli: Sauerkraut and pork hotpot with frozen tofu, outdoor grilled red sausage.
😋 Snow Town: Snowfield copper pot hotpot, molten hot spring eggs.
😋 Changbai Mountain: Korean-style kimchi fried rice, stir-fried wild vegetables with meat.
😋 Yanji: Fengmao skewers, Jeonju bibimbap, Soonhee cold noodles, and Laoding Bunsnow ice.

⚠️ Notes
1. Check the "Changbai Mountain Scenic Area" official account for Tianchi's opening status. The North Slope is well-developed, while the West Slope requires climbing 1,442 steps.
2. Avoid low-cost dog sledding in Snow Town; negotiate for official rides at around 30 yuan per lap.
3. Visit the rime drifting area before 8 AM and wear the scenic area's waterproof clothing to avoid ice.
4. Rent Korean costumes in Yanji for around 200 yuan; better deals are available further inside.
5. Keep your phone warm in your pocket after taking photos to prevent it from shutting down in the cold.