Do You Still Remember That Rendezvous with Snow?
I remember when I was a child, winters were very cold and snow was heavy. We didn't care about our cold hands and feet, and loved to frolic outside. Later, as we grew up, we never saw such heavy snow again, nor did I ever see such a gentle you again. I don't know if I've changed or the world has changed. This winter, I am going to find you.
I have been to many places and would label each one differently. When I saw St. Sophia Cathedral under heavy snow, I defined this place as winter romance. Built in 1907, St. Sophia Cathedral has stood for a hundred years. How many beautiful love stories has it witnessed? 'Two lovesick souls share the snow; in this life, we'll grow old together.' No matter how those love stories ended, I believe that when they embraced and made wishes in front of the cathedral, they were sweet.
I stayed in Heilongjiang for a total of five days. The first evening I arrived in Harbin. As soon as I got off the plane, the cold made me refreshed and wide awake. I quickly went to the hotel, took a hot shower, and slept. The next morning I set off for Yabuli Tourist Resort, about 190 kilometers, a 3.5-hour drive. The road was covered in white snow, as if entering a fairy tale world. No chatter along the way. I arrived at noon. Hungry, I quickly had a Russian feast: red sausage, meat patty, borscht, big loaf, milk tea, Russian-style fried rice, etc. I also learned a standard 'хорошо' (halashao) from a hospitable Russian, took a gulp of vodka, got tipsy, then changed into European court attire and danced and sang. Outside it was icy and snowy, inside we toasted and feasted.
After dancing until tired, I had some Russian desserts and candies, then went to ride a horse-drawn sleigh. Whip cracking, horses galloping, bells jingling, laughter echoing through the snowy forest. My mind was full of Yang Zirong's bandit slang: 'Why is your face red? Spirited and vigorous. Why has it turned yellow? It's waxed to keep out the cold!' Hahaha.
After playing for about an hour, I went to the 5S-level ski resort, Melia Sun, the pioneer of ski tourism in China. It has the most ski trails and the longest length, with trails for all levels. So whether you are a beginner or an expert, you can enjoy yourself. There are also one-on-one advanced instructors, guaranteeing you can learn to ski.
Speaking of winter companions, the best match for skiing is hot springs. After skiing, soaking in a hot spring not only relieves fatigue but also drives away the cold. Then go to the hotel to sleep, and that fulfilling day passed.
On the third day, after waking up and having breakfast, I bid farewell to Yabuli and continued to seek snow and traces. I first went to Yaxue Post, then climbed Datuodingzi Mountain, experiencing a snowmobile ride—thrilling and exciting, speed and passion colliding! I walked to the top to view the alpine snow scenery, overlooking the Zhangguangcai Mountains. The majestic view will definitely make you exclaim in delight! Sweeping away the hustle and bustle of the world!
Then I visited the Ice and Snow Gallery, which includes the Ten-mile Gallery, Ice River Snow Valley, Ice Snow Deer Garden, Pastoral Snow Village, Weihu Stockade, and a Yangge dance festival. At the Deer Garden, you can take photos with deer; at Weihu Stockade, you can put on a dog-skin coat, sit on a tiger-skin chair, and experience the folk customs of bandit culture. Then I had a meal called 'Yearly Surplus Fish,' an old Northeast fish feast.
In the afternoon, I took a bus to China Snow Town, about a two-hour drive, passing the Hundred-mile Rime Ridge. Rime, commonly called tree hangings, is a meteorological phenomenon where fog freezes on tree branches and leaves, a gift from nature in winter. Upon arriving at Dreamland Home, I saw adorable snow mushrooms and snow houses glowing with strange lights under the night sky and red lanterns, like pieces of cream about to melt. I really wanted to taste if they were sweet. I strolled through the Snow Rhyme Street's New Year's goods fair, joined a float parade, a bonfire party, and encountered cute short-legged deer. Jumping and laughing, I forgot all worries. Dinner was a Snow Rhyme feast at the five-star Snow Rhyme Pavilion restaurant. After dinner, I strolled on the snowy roads of the town, calming my heart to feel the night. Walking through farmyards, looking up at the starry sky, the white snow was like clouds scattered on the earth, endlessly changing. Snow Town's night grows warmer and more enchanting.
On the fourth day, I went to Erlang River. It's a name not flashy or prominent, but it quietly hides a scenic landscape beyond the Great Wall. Due to late development, it still retains the characteristics of old Northeast China: piles of firewood, wicker fences, pure wooden cabins, and heated brick beds. At noon, I ate a dumpling feast. In the afternoon, I skied a bit more and then returned to Harbin.
On the fifth day, I toured around Harbin city. I made a wish at St. Sophia Cathedral, strolled along Central Street, visited the Flood Control Memorial Tower, then went to the Songhua River Century-old Bridge, and finally visited Harbin Ice and Snow World (opens after December 25th). It's a must-visit for winter trips to Harbin, featuring various ice sculptures, snow entertainment activities, and themed performances. The annual Ice and Snow Carnival and Ice Lantern Banquet make you linger and forget to return.
After five days, I was fully satisfied. Whether it was Harbin's various snacks, authentic and generous Northeast cuisine, or Russian feasts, all were memorable. Winter happiness is simple: just snow is enough. Including airfare, cost 3000+ yuan.
