Frozen Fantasy - Snow Town Trip

Prologue ^?_?^

Snowflakes fall one by one, clearly visible through the glass outside the plane window. At this moment, my mood enters a dreamlike world, imagining myself as Snow White, but will there be little dwarfs? Stepping off the plane, we encountered a heavy snowfall. Snowflakes scattered with melancholy, melting on the ground. Will the emotional bonds in our hearts be released? Our journey to the northern land thus began...

Harbin Taiping International Airport

A ray of winter sunlight lights up the earth

Harbin Taiping International Airport Terminal 2

Even the deicing trucks can't work fast enough

Crossing mountains, through forests, enjoying sun and sunset, seeing the sea, entering villages, the dream of pure white snow always lingered in my heart. The companions gathered for this trip left on a whim, just for that innocence. But preparing for the snow country still requires many items: 1. Hat, recommended thickened fleece Lei Feng hat, can cover ears, cute pom-poms add more cuteness. 2. Fleece-lined gloves, essential for skiing. Although it's about minus ten degrees Celsius, it's much better than the damp cold of Shanghai. Outdoors, I didn't feel freezing, instead, I loved this fresh chill. Don't be scared away by those frightening extreme cold "rumors." But walking on snow for long at night can still be a bit chilly. 3. Strongly recommend buying fleece-lined and thickened snow boots. There are plenty on Taobao, just for the snow country, practical and not expensive, can be thrown away directly without taking up luggage. 4. Wide wool or cashmere scarf, thick around the neck keeps the whole body warm like spring. 5. Thickened long socks, worn inside sweatpants with snow boots, also prevent cold. 6. Down jacket is essential. Though dry cold, down's warmth is well-known. Inside, just need thermal underwear and sweater or fleece hoodie to resist cold. Indoor temperature is completely different from outdoors. After preparing these, follow us to start a journey of wind, snow, and romance.

Romantic Encounter in Harbin...

As soon as we got off the plane, we took a taxi directly to the apartment. Due to heavy snow, the taxi couldn't speed; to the hotel on Central Street cost about 100 yuan. But the booked apartment had some issues: the price on that day was half of the booking price. The apartment for four people used an electric water heater, causing four girls unable to wash properly. Luckily, the landlady was understanding and compensated in other ways, allowing us to continue our journey in good spirits. Four southern girls, who had never seen such beautiful snowflakes in their lives, dropped their luggage and rushed out impatiently. The candied haw sticks at the street vendor immediately attracted us; we couldn't resist trying one.

What mood is it to eat "colorful" candied haw sticks in the snowy world?

Our hats were covered with snowflakes, at this moment we were like innocent girls meeting a charming man, extremely excited. At noon, we needed to fill our stomachs. Stepping on the snow all the way, we stopped and went on the road to Central Street. Instantly we became curious babies.

Searching for traces of snow...

The Russian-style overpass gives a foreign vibe

Hello, Brother Snow

I poke, poke, poke... Want to ask if the snowman feels pain?

Seeing you makes my mood so beautiful, heart throbbing. Finally, we chose our first meal near Central Street. The street was full of pot stews and Northeast dishes, too many to choose from. We picked one by feeling and it seemed pretty good. Every city has its unique food culture. In the Northeast, because of the cold environment, every household relies on burning fire for heating, thus a delicacy emerged: pot stew! For those who have never been to the Northeast, it's quite magical!

Pot stew chicken, Northeast hotchpotch... with cornmeal pasties, a full pot, eating warm! After eating and drinking, we continued on the road, strolling on Central Street, biting into Madeer ice pops, and there were many Russian merchandise stores.

Harbin's "mixed" culture is famous nationwide. Every year, countless tourists come to experience this blend of Chinese and Western styles. Eating a piece of Guobaorou (sweet and sour pork), biting a Madeer ice pop, walking on the Old Jiang Bridge, then feeding pigeons at Saint Sophia Cathedral, brings such an exotic feel. We were also immersed in it and couldn't extricate ourselves.

Walking to the end of Central Street, behind is the Flood Control Monument. Passing the monument square, we saw the famous Songhua River. The temperature was minus ten degrees Celsius at this time. Wearing snow boots and walking on snow for a long time, the soles of our feet felt a chill, but the novelty of this riverside city was enough to resist the cold. The Songhua River bank had frozen, but there were still people playing on the ice fearlessly. In the night when lights came on, our hearts were warm.

The frozen river surface looked like an ice amusement park from afar?

Yabuli Skiing ??

To catch the next day's snow country train on time, we chose a hotel-style apartment near the train station. I suggest that friends going to Yabuli skiing and Snow Town take the high-speed rail, which not only allows you to enjoy the scenery along the way but also saves four hours of driving. In case of heavy snow, cars can't move, but high-speed rail avoids that worry. We booked a two-day-one-night local tour for Yabuli and Snow Town online in advance, saving the trouble of chartering cars and buying tickets. If time permits, you can book a three-day tour. One hour and ten minutes later, we arrived at Yabuli Train Station. A bus was waiting early to pick us up. On the bus, the guide introduced the equipment needed for skiing: ski suit, helmet, and ski goggles each 80 yuan. If hiring a coach, 240 yuan, you can get a free helmet. It is suggested not to rent ski goggles; for beginners, it's not particularly necessary. Those with no skiing experience basically need a coach, otherwise, you can't even stand on the skis, feeling like you might fall at any moment.

Teammates ready at all times, experiencing the joy of skiing

A loving family

Riding the cable car, looking at such attractive scenery, I really wanted to take "you" home

Ski enthusiasts' track, called a wild trail

Look, am I standing steady?

After two rounds with the coach, my legs felt like they weren't mine anymore, numb. The tension of a beginner made both sides of my thighs extremely sore. Well, it's good to have participated. After three hours of effort, we were exhausted. In minus ten degrees Celsius weather, I actually felt hot all over, only wanting to take off these heavy ski boots quickly and drink a cup of instant noodles, which would be the happiest thing at that moment. After noon, Snow Town was beckoning to the sisters.

Snow ?? Town Affection

From Yabuli Ski Resort to Snow Town takes about half an hour by car. The scenery along the way, large patches of rime, adorned both sides of the road like cotton clouds, incredibly beautiful. Thus the curtain of the fairy tale world was drawn... The Snow Town Tourism Scenic Area in Heilongjiang National Forest Park, due to the frequent intersection of cold air from Lake Baikal and warm moist air from the Sea of Japan, as well as the influence of dense forests and small climate, creates the peculiar microclimate of "less than three sunny days in summer, snow in the forest all winter." Snow begins to fall every October and lasts until April the next year, a snow period of up to seven months, with snow thickness up to about 2 meters.

The clusters of cotton clouds along the way decorated elegantly. As a newcomer, I could only blink my eyes, feeling amazed, unable to describe at this moment.

Entering Snow Town, the first thing that comes into view is the snow eaves protruding from the roofs of every household, like huge "cream cakes," making one salivate. Mid-December, there weren't many tourists in Snow Town, so the companions' excitement was like butterflies breaking out of cocoons, releasing passionate emotions... Exploring the beautiful fairy-tale world.

Snow Town National Forest Park

Snow Town, magnificent and dreamy, we are here!

White snow, shaping with objects

At night, the piled ice and snow corridor appears exceptionally charming under the red lanterns. Inside Snow Town, you need a ticket to enter the Dream Home. Dream Home is a manor integrating accommodation, dining, entertainment, Errenzhuan (folk dance), and snow entertainment. It occupies prime location on Xueyun Street, with a large area. The yard almost covers all kinds of snow shapes. Originally left over from film crews, the set is more refined than ordinary farmhouses, with finishing touches like wells and small bridges, allowing for good photos. Climbing along the wooden plank road halfway up the hillside observation deck, you can overlook the manor and the panoramic view of Snow Town.

The mushroom-shaped snow piles in the night became a beautiful scenery, like a fresh poem, more like an elegant painting. Between poetry and painting, the vitality is manifested by the curling smoke rising from the small wooden houses.

Various peculiar mushroom houses became a beautiful landscape in the moonlight. At this moment, any chill is insignificant. The wooden houses, adorned with snow, resemble mushrooms, neatly arranged. After dark, it becomes dazzling and dreamlike, hence the name Dream. It got dark, and stomachs began to rumble. We chose this military-themed clubhouse. Thinking if it would overcharge, after rectification, the five-star shop in Snow Town did not disappoint. There are many Northeast delicacies, besides the well-known ones, there are so many more. Four female foodies felt like falling into a rice jar. Chicken with mushroom, Guobaorou, braised Liugen fish, pulled candy, all delicious. Especially braised Liugen, which is actually a tasty fish but hard to catch.

Doesn't this menu make people hungry?

The entire shop was decorated with military-related backpacks, water bottles, including the August 1st flag, creating a solemn atmosphere.

Though not good at drinking, we had to drink. Harbin Beer has a light taste, and on such a winter day, one can feel the pleasure of drinking heartily.

Russian-style old soda must be drunk. The flavors differ for men and women. After a full meal, we began our nighttime idyllic journey. It was said that the Yangge dance and bonfire party, starting at 7 PM, were unfolding. We looked forward to it.

At night, Snow Town was still cold. It was no exaggeration to say it was below minus ten degrees Celsius. Cold protection clothing, hats, and gloves are essential, because there are still many activities waiting for us.?

With the popularity of "Dad, Where Are We Going?" and various internet-famous videos, Snow Town transformed from an unknown forest farm in Northeast into a lively village full of worldly life. When night fell, young people's day just began. Bars, night markets, and Xueyun Street are the most lively places in Snow Town. Aromatic barbecue, various frozen goods on both sides, tempt the taste buds of visitors from all directions. At 9 PM, lively Northeast Errenzhuan performances with tickets. Northeast dialect popular sayings, singing while dancing, bringing the purest Northeast culture. The joyful and lively atmosphere will make you addicted after watching, and all worries vanish instantly. Every evening, a bonfire party is held in Snow Town Square, where people from all over gather joyfully.

Every evening, the Yangge dance performance on Xueyun Street has become a custom and habit for Snow Town to welcome guests from all directions. On the second day in Snow Town, we got up early to experience the thrill of splashing water into ice. In the early morning, holding full kettles of boiling water, the four sisters took turns splashing water wildly, not afraid of the cold, regardless of success or failure, just to fulfill a dream in our hearts. Finally, our hard work paid off. With joint efforts, we successfully took a satisfactory ice formation photo.

Needles of ice scattered into the sky

Snow Town in early morning was really cold, feeling like the white breath could instantly freeze. The ice needles on the eaves of wooden houses had a unique charm.

When facing the first ray of sunlight, we became so devout. All soul chariots crushed and collided in this fairy-tale world, with a European-American style. Under Snow Town's sunlight, we stopped and went, arriving at Bangchui Mountain. The sightseeing plank road is about 3,200 meters long, entering from three entrances. The first entrance is from Bangchui Mountain North Snow Town Square, going up to a 200-meter fork leading to the Snow Town Snow Scenery Photography Viewing Area. The main plank road continues winding upward, finally reaching the highest peak of Bangchui Mountain—the Scenic Viewing Platform, overlooking the whole Snow Town, very beautiful.

Close my eyes, quietly listen to the sound of snow falling

Snow??... Falling one by one

At this moment, excitement like yours...

The sightseeing plank road overlooks the farmhouse clusters covered with snow, as well as the red lanterns hanging high in the farmyards, curling smoke rising, yellow corn and red chili peppers hanging under the eaves.

Ice sledding, having great fun, happy faces like flowers

Climbing to the top and looking down, through the mottled branches, you can see the beautiful scenery of Snow Town.

String our hearts together...

Erlang River Scenic Area

After visiting Bangchui Mountain Sightseeing Plank Road, we headed to the next destination... Taking a sightseeing car through the forest and snow sea to enjoy the beauty of the icy world, then riding a snowmobile to the top to enjoy the windmills all over the mountains and the rare natural phenomenon "snow pines." Tips: The top is extremely cold and windy; you must rent a cold-proof coat. The reddish-brown coat might be bulky but feels nice rolling in the snow. The Snow Town windmills are located at Laotudingzi Sea Wave Wind Farm in Hailin City, Heilongjiang Province, at an altitude of 1,600 meters, the highest peak in Heilongjiang. With 40 wind turbines, each 80 meters high with 30-meter-long blades, it's magnificent!! The windmill snow mountain is also an excellent place to watch sunrise and sunset. Many photographers endure hardship, carrying equipment early and late, just to capture the amazing scenes of sunrise and sunset at the windmill snow mountain!

The huge windmills turn with the wind, playing grand movement after movement. Rime, snow pines, white grasslands, and countless other magical natural landscapes cover the mountains. White and varied, interweaving sound, color, and shape, forming a beautiful and unique scenery

Giant ferris wheel spins in cold, Sea Wave wind farm generates heat

Mountain snow and blue sky merge, laughter and joy intoxicated

Carefully cupping a handful of snow, scattering it to the world, blinding my eyes, boundless happiness.

Missing you...

We intended to perform a Thousand-Hand Guanyin, but ended up raising our hands high.

Ice and Snow Illusion - Ten-mile Gallery

After playing, we took the snowmobile down the mountain again, heading to the Ice and Snow Illusion Ten-mile Gallery Scenic Area. The Ten-mile Gallery has become a beautiful highlight of Heilongjiang's ice and snow tourism. Large-scale snow sculptures, ice icicles, rime, wildlife park, Mountain God Temple, Weihu Stockade, amusement park awaited us to enjoy and play. The ice and snow amusement park has large entertainment facilities: snow discs, snow dragons, skiing rings, ice spinning tops, and other ice activities. Amidst exciting cheers, we relaxed completely, enjoyed the beautiful time in the snow.

It felt like being taken back to childhood

Snow dragon, bumping and playing all the way in the snow, releasing our inner child, completely letting go in the snow world, seeking brave adventures and snowy romance...

As dusk approached, after playing for two days, we took the train back to the starting point, Harbin. On the last day, we had to see the legendary cathedral. Walking along Central Street to West 12th Street, then following West 12th Street to Sophia Square, the exotic building is the majestic Saint Sophia Cathedral. This cathedral is the best-preserved typical Byzantine building in China. Built nearly a century ago, it is grand, simple and elegant, full of charming colors. The entire square embodies the beauty of music and architectural wisdom. Inside the cathedral is a retrospective of Harbin's nearly hundred-year history. Looking carefully, you can see the past of the Northeast..

Saint Sophia Cathedral forms Harbin's unique exotic cultural landscape and city style. It is also a historical witness of the Tsarist Russian invasion of the Northeast and an important relic for studying the modern history of Harbin.

Saint Sophia Cathedral

A European-style cathedral, after years of sedimentation and weathering, has survived through hardships and been preserved to this day.

Saint Sophia Cathedral

Quietly looking up... On the return night and last night, we didn't forget to satisfy our taste buds. It is said that Harbin red sausage, Madeer ice pops, kebabs, Guobaorou are all on the food list. The Northeast chain brand "Xijiade" dumplings are particularly delicious. When we returned to Harbin that day, it was late, and many fillings were sold out. Fortunately, we managed to taste some, worth the trip. I was so hungry that I forgot to take photos... So we had skewers. The barbecue near the hotel attracted us with its five-star rating of old flavor. We ate there twice in a row, truly worthy of its reputation. Northern barbecue has smaller portions but wide variety, with many dipping sauces you can add. Though it's below zero, we felt warm. Drinking beer, eating various small skewers, the girls laughed heartily, very happy... In every city, integrating into the local culture and experiencing different folk customs might be the only way to truly say we have been there.

Posting food late at night is a bit sinful

Such skewers look extremely tempting. However, the trip was a bit tight; there were places we didn't reach, leaving many regrets. But precisely because of regrets, we can turn them into anticipation and expectations for the future, right? Finally, we had to pack up and go home, say goodbye to this beautiful snow-covered city. It's a city full of fantasy and temptation, especially for southern girls. Its Russian flavor and its floating romance often make people linger. When the snowflakes fall, looking up, I feel moved... The restless heart seems injected with a warm sedative, sprinkling a bright ray of sunlight in the gloomy mind. In my ears, the popular song "Moscow Nights" rings again, lingering for a long time...