Winter Snow Shows the Cold Season

Day 1: Gather in Harbin from all over the country.

Accommodation: Comfortable hotel (Harbin city center).

We check into a hotel in Harbin city. Harbin has two railway stations: Harbin West High-Speed Railway Station and Harbin Railway Station. Harbin West Station (the high-speed rail station). For those arriving early, you can take a stroll around the city; we recommend Laodaowai (Old Daowai District). 2-3 days in advance, a staff member will contact you regarding the assembly hotel and check-in tips.

Russian-style Western food: Maidel Russian cuisine, Huamei Russian restaurant, Portman Russian cuisine. Chinese food: Northeast iron pot stew (near Tongjiang Street), Harbin Dumpling King. Others: Maidel ice pops (a must-try), Harbin red sausage (Qiulin brand or Harbin Meat Union brand; children's sausage is best suited for southern tastes), Kvass, Harbin beer.

Tips for Ice and Snow World:

The Ice and Snow World usually opens around December 25 each year and closes around the fifteenth day of the first lunar month. Opening hours: 11:00-21:00. We can arrange a shuttle bus at a discounted price.

1. We provide 24-hour group airport/train station pickup service. Please wait about 50 minutes before and after. Please inform customer service of your flight or train number at least 2 days in advance; otherwise, it will be considered a waiver.

2. It is difficult to get a taxi in Harbin in winter, so it is recommended to use ride-hailing apps when going out.

3. There are many Russian goods stores on Central Street; we advise you to be cautious about purchases, as most are domestic knockoffs.

4. In Northeast China, sunset is around 4 PM in winter, so plan your playtime accordingly.

Day 2: Harbin – Yabuli stopover – Erlang River (Dumpling DIY) (240km, about 4.5h)

Accommodation: Erlang River Forest Farm quad room with private bathroom and heated kang (separated by gender)

Meals today: Breakfast included / Lunch not included / Dinner: Dumpling DIY (complimentary)

Highlights today: Yabuli hike, horse-drawn sleigh, snow drifting, snowball fights, snowman building, dumpling DIY

07:30 Have breakfast, then check out. Don’t forget your belongings and remember to get back your room card deposit. Set off for Yabuli, Asia’s largest comprehensive ski resort: overlooking dozens of ski slopes winding like giant dragons, the scenery is spectacular. Being there in person – the Davos of the East, a skier’s paradise! Prices at the resort are relatively high; we suggest an AA group meal at 30 RMB per person. Our exclusive guide will lead you to explore Yabuli. You can also experience skiing at Yabuli Ski Resort for 2 hours (cost not included). There are professional ski instructors at the resort. If you want to learn skiing systematically, hiring a reliable instructor is necessary (the cost is a bit expensive, about 280 RMB/2 hours). There is a bad practice of instructors asking for tips at Yabuli. If this happens, you can ignore it.

15:00 Gather and head to Erlang River for accommodation and room assignment. The most characteristic local farmhouse welcomes distinguished guests, letting you feel the New Year atmosphere of Northeast villages. Enter the house and first sit on the [Northeast large kang] to learn a few words of Northeast dialect and chat. Put on village-style floral cotton-padded jackets to pose for photos, play with old tobacco pipes and galaha (a traditional game). A long, long time ago, in the Northeast, transportation basically relied on walking, communication relied on shouting, security relied on dogs, and heating relied on shivering. Back then, having a horse-drawn cart was like owning a BMW today. You must experience the most primitive luxury transport in the Northeast – [horse-drawn sleigh]. The sky gets dark early in the Northeast; you can take the sleigh the next day. In the evening, stroll around the quiet snow village. At 8 PM, gather for dumpling DIY. A Northeast saying goes: dumplings with wine, the more you drink, the more prosperous you become. The next morning, experience the frozen dumpling culture.

1. Today’s focus is overlooking Yabuli Ski Resort to experience its grand scale. Jilin skiing and snow tubing are the paradise for beginners. Our exclusive guide leads you on a wild snow hike at Guokui Mountain, playing chu liu hua (sliding on ice), having snowball fights, building snowmen, and burying anyone you don’t like in the snow – that’s the happiest thing for Northeast people in winter.

2. Erlang River is influenced by the warm and humid air from the Sea of Japan and cold air from Lake Baikal all year round. From autumn to winter, wind and snow sweep the mountains, creating a unique natural landscape comparable to the snow scenery of the Snow Town scenic area, earning it the title “New Snow Town.”

3. The farmhouse kang room may be somewhat uncomfortable for some southerners. In addition, the northern air is dry, so bring a thermos of 1.5 liters or more, drink plenty of water, and keep a good attitude to experience the most rustic, original, and authentic Northeast folk customs.

4. Due to limited conditions, Erlang River does not provide disposable toiletries or hair dryers. Please bring your own.

5. During Spring Festival, Christmas, and New Year holidays, accommodation is a heated kang room for 4-6 people.

Day 3: New Snow Town (Erlang River) – Small crossing of Longjiang First Peak – Snow Town (80km, about 1.5h)

Accommodation: Snow Town farmhouse kang room for 4-6 people with private bathroom (separated by gender)

Meals today: Breakfast included / Lunch and dinner not included

Highlights today: Northeast farmhouse dawn, Ten-mile Ice and Snow Gallery, hiking Longjiang First Peak, internet-famous snowmobile, China Snow Town tour (Xueyun Avenue night view, Bangchui Mountain, Snow Town Museum, wood-carved houses, Snow Town bonfire, Northeast yangko dance)

07:30 Have breakfast: porridge, steamed buns, pickles, and delicious unique frozen dumplings you made last night. It is recommended to enjoy the dawn of Northeast farmhouses, watching smoke curl upward from chimneys, creating a peaceful and tranquil scene under the white snow. After breakfast, the exciting hike of the First Peak begins. Follow the Ten-mile Ice and Snow Gallery all the way to the Longjiang First Peak for a crossing adventure. Bring hot water and high-calorie food such as Snickers and chocolate in your backpack. Start [hiking the snowy mountain]. The total hike is about 3.5 kilometers, taking about 2-3 hours. Once you reach the top, you feel like you’ve entered a fairy tale kingdom. Enjoy the most pristine scenery of the North, the perfect combination of rime and snow-covered pines. After reaching the summit, we all take the thrilling [internet-famous snowmobile] downhill. Deeply experience the Northeast folk custom of horse-drawn sleighs crossing the forest and sea of snow.

After lunch, head to [Snow Town]. Unlike regular self-paid tour groups and outdoor hiking groups, we arrive early in Snow Town to have free time and meet the best version of yourself. This year, Snow Town added a 3.2-kilometer sightseeing plank road, “Viewing Xueyun Avenue Night Scene,” and “Bangchui Mountain Stockade,” including thatched cottages, fenced villages, corn buildings, wood-carved houses, and other uniquely forest-area landscapes, which will delight the guests endlessly!

In the Northeast, it gets dark around 4 PM, and Snow Town’s night view is the most dreamlike, as if entering an icy fairy tale world. The main street, “Xueyun Avenue,” is a commercial street in Snow Town. However, we advise cautious purchasing; always ask the price before buying. Every night, the scenic area holds a large bonfire party and a big yangko performance on Xueyun Avenue. Enjoy the Snow Town party to the fullest.

1. During the crossing, the mobile phone signal may be intermittent. Be sure to follow the guide’s command and do not leave the group without permission. You feel warm while walking, but after stopping for ten minutes, you will feel cold.

2. During the crossing, you can feel the snow in the northern primeval forest and enjoy the fun of crossing the primitive jungle in freezing cold. Many people worry about whether their physical strength is sufficient, but even a 5-year-old child can easily complete it.

3. Due to limited conditions, Snow Town does not provide disposable toiletries or hair dryers. Please bring your own.

4. During the Spring Festival holiday, Snow Town is extremely crowded, and the travel experience and meal quality drop significantly. Therefore, during the holiday and New Year, we do not stay in Snow Town; after viewing the night scene, we leave early and stay in Hailin or Mudanjiang.

5. Christmas/New Year/Spring Festival groups will be placed in shared rooms for 4-6 people.

6. The bonfire may be canceled due to pandemic or weather reasons.

Day 4: Snow Town – Jingpo South Lake Blue Ice Winter Fishing – Erdaobaihe Five-Star Hot Spring Hotel

Accommodation: Erdaobaihe Town boutique hot spring hotel standard room

(Includes hot spring ticket per bed)

Today’s drive: 485km, about 7 hours

Meals today: Breakfast included / Lunch and dinner not included

Highlights today: Snow Town sunrise, winter fishing, ten ice activities experience + internet-famous snow tube car + Changbai Mountain outdoor snow hot spring

6:00 We need to get up early today. The breakfast at Snow Town is simple: steamed buns, pickles, and porridge with a rich farmhouse flavor. Photography enthusiasts can get up even earlier to find a high point to take pictures of [Snow Town sunrise]. The red sun shining on the pure white snow makes for a masterpiece with just a casual snap. If you missed the Snow Town night view yesterday, you can go out in the morning; the smoke from chimneys in Snow Town is also very famous.

07:30 Depart on time. Jingpo South Lake Blue Ice Winter Fishing. Here, take the [internet-famous snow tube car], a unique vehicle on the icy surface of the Northeast – a very exciting activity. Winter fishing is a major feature of the Northeast, a craft passed down since the Liao and Jin dynasties. It is not only a fishing culture but also an ethnic culture. You can also participate and become a fish head! The Jingpo South Lake Head Ice Base will be arranged during the safe ice period from January 1 to February 10. Other times, it will be replaced by [Korean Folk Village], where you can wear Korean ethnic costumes, take photos, and play on swings.

15:30 Drive to today’s destination – Erdaobaihe. After arriving in Erdaobaihe, check into the hotel. Tonight, you can enjoy authentic Korean cuisine or soak in a snow hot spring. Sleep comfortably tonight and prepare for tomorrow.

1. Bring your own swimsuit for the hot spring. Do not soak immediately after a full meal, and do not soak for too long, or you may feel dizzy.

Day 5: Erdaobaihe – Magic World Drift – Changbai Mountain – Ice and Fire Hot Spring (Clash of Ice and Fire)

Accommodation: Erdaobaihe Town boutique hot spring hotel standard room

(Includes hot spring ticket per bed)

Today’s drive: 60km, about 1 hour

Meals today: Breakfast included / Lunch and dinner not included

Highlights today: Magic World Drift, Changbai Mountain North Scenic Area (Changbai Mountain Waterfall, Julong Hot Spring Group, Little Tianchi, Green Abyss Pool, Underground Forest), hot spring eggs, Changbai Mountain outdoor snow hot spring, Erdaobaihe night view

Today’s schedule: 06:00 Get up early to arrive at Magic World before sunrise for [Magic World Drift]. What is it like to drift on a snow-covered river in winter? It’s a feeling of “swimming in a painting.”

07:30 A relatively hearty buffet breakfast.

After breakfast, gather and head to the beautiful and mysterious [Changbai Mountain] to appreciate the cold-zone vertical landscape belt from low to high altitude. If the weather is good, you can pay 80 RMB for a shuttle bus (20 minutes) to reach the main peak parking lot of Tianchi, then climb for 5 minutes to the top to look for the often cloud-hidden Changbai Mountain Tianchi (keep a good attitude; whether you see it depends on luck). With good weather and good karma, the clear blue sky will make the entire scenery magnificent! If you encounter a snowstorm, it is also a rare experience. Free photography for 30 minutes. Take the shuttle bus back to the transfer station, then transfer to an eco-friendly car to [Changbai Waterfall] (about 10 minutes by car, then walk about 20 minutes to the bottom of the frozen waterfall for close-up photography). Visit [Julong Hot Spring Group], where hot spring eggs are sold nearby. Surrounded by white snow, the hot springs steam, creating a beautiful scene.

The main attractions in Changbai Mountain include: Tianchi, Green Abyss Pool, Changbai Mountain Waterfall, Little Tianchi, Underground Forest, etc. At the Changbai Waterfall lounge, instant noodles cost 10-15 RMB. Just outside is the naturally formed Green Abyss Pool. Or take an eco-friendly car to the filming location of “Flying Snow Fox” (Little Tianchi) for about 30 minutes. Then take a car to [Underground Forest] (20 minutes). This is a valley forest formed by volcanic activity and fault subsidence, with clearly visible crustal faults, very spectacular. Finally, gather and take an eco-friendly car (about 20 minutes) to the mountain gate, then drive about 30 minutes to Erdaobaihe town. In the evening, you can continue [outdoor snow hot spring soaking].

1. There is not much food inside Changbai Mountain scenic area. Besides the Lanjing restaurant, only instant noodles, sausages, hot spring eggs, etc., are sold.

2. Regarding hot spring eggs, corn, and sausages: it is recommended to only eat eggs; other items may not be fully cooked due to low temperature, risking an upset stomach.

Day 6: Erdaobaihe – Jilin Skiing – Jilin City

Accommodation: Jilin comfortable standard room

Today’s drive: 370km, about 6 hours

Meals today: Breakfast included / Lunch and dinner not included

Highlights today: Jilin skiing, snow magic carpet, internet-famous snow flying saucer

07:00 A relatively hearty buffet breakfast.

Gather at the hotel entrance and depart for Jilin on time. On the way, you can overlook Liuding Mountain and Lafa Mountain. Lunch at Jiaohe, Jilin.

This itinerary is upgraded to a ski resort with snow flying saucer or skiing for 3 hours of fun. After lunch, we go to the ski resort to play. Experience thrilling skiing (includes skis, poles, and boots). To enhance the experience and sense of ceremony, and for the safety of yourself and others, you must wear a helmet.

Return to the hotel to rest. For dinner, we recommend Manchu style Ula copper hotpot. You can also voluntarily pay to experience the famous Northeast Errenzhuan performance, appreciating this folk art that combines elegance and popularity. Nightclubs and KTV are also very cheap.

1. After getting your ticket at the ski resort, first go to get the ski equipment, check for any damage before using.

2. Never put the wrist strap of the ski pole around your wrist. Friends wearing glasses should avoid glass lenses, as falling may cause facial cuts or eye injury.

3. If you need to hire a coach to learn skiing, the cost is about 200 RMB/hour.

4. The ski resort requires helmets for skiing.

5. Tonight, prepare breakfast for the next day (seeing the rime gallery requires an early start; hotel breakfast is not available).

6. Importantly, the Jilin ski resort does not strongly recommend self-paid activities; beginners can try putting on the gear and taking photos, and play unlimited snow flying saucer.

Day 7: Jilin – Rime Corridor – Jilin City disband

Today’s drive: 30km, about 1 hour

Meals today: Breakfast included / Lunch and dinner not included

Highlights today: River city rime, one of China’s four great natural wonders; Changbai Island, a photographer’s paradise

07:00 Depart from the hotel entrance to the Rime Corridor. The hotel allows you to wait until after the rime viewing to check out (check out before 12 noon, so no need to bring luggage). Arrive at the Rime Corridor before 07:30. It is named because the abundant rime from the Fengman Hydropower Station makes it beautiful. In winter, tree rime occurs almost daily. The thick fog rising in winter often shrouds the river city. Under such weather, the rime on trees does not fall off, and another layer forms at night, creating a truly silver-clad world. If you cannot see the rime, we offer a secret attraction as a gift. 09:00 Take the car back to Jilin city. The disband point is near the train station. Today, our activity is coming to an end. Embrace and say goodbye. It takes ten years to share a boat, but a hundred years to travel together in the Northeast. There is no feast that never ends. Cherish the fate; I hope the entire group can meet again. Our company offers global private custom itineraries: winter Snow Town, May Day Inner Mongolia Desert, June Gannan Tibet, September Xinjiang Grand Loop, October Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop, Populus Euphratica Forest, all self-organized tours with designated guides.

1. The rime in Jilin does not appear every day. We drive to the Rime Corridor near the Fengman Dam on the upper Songhua River for viewing. This avoids the need to get up too early and increases the chance of seeing rime. For friends with a noon flight, there is no impact. This is the original intention of the design.

2. If you have a morning flight, you can skip this activity, get up and check out on your own, and head to the train station or airport bus stop early to avoid missing your flight time.

Return to Jilin city before noon. For those disbanding at Longjia International Airport on their own, please book flights after 15:00. For trains, book departures from Jilin City after 13:00. If you need to depart from Changchun Station or Changchun West Station, Changchun Station recommends trains after 15:00, and Changchun West Station after 15:30.