8 Days Northeast China Panorama Tour: Jilin, Changbaishan, Yanji, Snow Town & Harbin

Nǐ hǎo! Welcome to Northeast China. Upon your arrival at the Changchun Longjia International Airport, your tour guide will greet you at the exit and escort you to your hotel in Jilin City for check-in (approx. 62 km). Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Located along the scenic Songhua River, Jilin City is one of Northeast China’s most charming winter destinations. The city is best known for its rime (雾凇) - a magical natural phenomenon where trees turn into sparkling crystal sculptures on cold winter mornings, earning Jilin the title “Home of China’s Rime Wonders.”

Free Time Ideas:

Take a relaxing walk along the Songhua River and enjoy the peaceful winter scenery.

Early this morning, you will take a scenic drive to Wusong Island (雾凇岛), one of the best places to witness Jilin’s magical winter rime landscape.

Located in Wulajie Manchu Town of Jilin’s Longtan District, Wusong (Rime) Island is a peaceful river island sitting in the middle of the Songhua River. The island’s low-lying terrain, combined with warm river sections that do not freeze in winter, creates the perfect conditions for rime to form. As the warm vapor rises and meets the cold northern air, it crystallizes into delicate layers of frost, covering every branch and tree along the riverbank.

When the rime appears, the entire island transforms into a fairy-tale world of ice and frost -trees sparkle like white crystal, soft mist drifts above the river, and the landscape glows in the morning light. Many visitors describe it as “walking into a winter dream.”

Best Time to View the Rime:

Peak Season: Late December to late February

Ideal Viewing Time: 7:00–11:30, when the frost is fully developed and sunlight enhances its beauty.

Travel Tips: The formation of rime is a natural phenomenon that depends heavily on weather conditions, including humidity, temperature, wind, and morning sunlight. While Jilin is the best place in China to witness this spectacular scenery, rime is not guaranteed every day.

In the afternoon, continue your journey with a 4-hour drive to Erdaobaihezhen, the gateway town to Changbai Mountain. Check into your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening.

Begin your day with a scenic drive to Changbai Mountain, or Changbaishan (长白山) in Chinese, whose name aptly means "Perpetually White Mountain" due to its snow-capped peaks visible throughout the year. Changbai Mountain is a dormant volcano that presents a dramatic coexistence of volcanic landscapes and glacial remnants, creating a spectacular "song of ice and fire." As the highest peak in Northeast China and the Korean Peninsula, it remains a sacred mountain deeply revered by the Manchu and Korean peoples.

Similar to Mount Fuji, Changbaishan’s conical summit was removed during a significant eruption, forming a funnel-shaped depression surrounded by 16 new peaks, with water collecting in the basin to create a lake. Heaven Lake (天池), situated at the top of the main volcanic cone of Changbai Mountain, is the deepest and largest crater lake in China. The lake's waters shimmer like a sapphire, making it a signature landmark of Changbai Mountain. Heaven Lake is also the source of the Three Rivers, including the Songhua River, Yalu River, and Tumen River.

Today’s itinerary focuses on the Northern Slope of the Changbai Mountain Scenic Area, providing straightforward access to the renowned Heaven Lake. Your exploration begins with a ride on an eco-friendly bus to the transfer center. From there, take a shuttle vehicle along the left road to ascend the main peak and view Heaven Lake, also known as Tianchi in Chinese. Situated at an altitude of 2,189 meters, it stands as the world's highest volcanic crater lake. The most awe-inspiring aspect of Tianchi is its waters are crystal clear and profound, resembling a green gem nestled among the mountain peaks. It is surrounded by 16 peaks, with the main peak, Baekdu Mountain, soaring into the clouds, its summit glistening with snow, creating a vivid contrast with the emerald green of the lake and forming a breathtakingly beautiful panorama.

The Heaven Lake's captivating color stems from its exceptional clarity and depth. Tianchi's pristine waters are untouched by pollution, boasting extraordinary transparency. As China’s deepest lake, it reaches an average depth of 204 meters, with its deepest point at 373 meters. This clarity, coupled with significant depth, allows the lake to scatter and reflect blue and violet light, similar to seawater, presenting a sapphire-like radiance that is unforgettable.

After soaking in the views at Heaven Lake, you'll head back to the transfer center and take the right-hand road towards Changbai Waterfall (长白瀑布) with its water melted from Heavenly Lake at a height of 68 meters, making it the world's highest volcanic lake waterfall. Overlook the grand waterfall at the viewing deck, you can see two strands just like two huge flying dragons above the ground. Continue your visit to the Small Heavenly Lake (小天池), a tranquil small pond whose mirror-like surface clearly reflects the surrounding trees. Next, visit Green Deep Pool (绿渊潭), named for its deep, emerald waters. It is a green water pool with a waterfall cascading down the cliffside. With its highest drop reaching 26 meters, the water splashes against large rocks before flowing into the deep, emerald pool below.

Your final stop is the Underground Forest (地下森林), a hidden primeval forest beneath the volcanic crater, where towering ancient trees and entwined vines create the feeling of stepping into another mysterious world. It is the lowest altitude attraction in the northern scenic area of Changbai Mountain. This forest was formed when seismic activity during a volcanic eruption caused the ground to sink vertically, creating a valley-floor forest. The forest's air is rich in negative ions, earning it the nickname "natural oxygen bar."

After the tour, you will be taken to the hotel in Erdaobaihe Town.

Optional Activity: Enjoy a relaxing hot spring experience in the evening. After a full day exploring the snowy volcanic landscapes of Changbai Mountain, soaking in a warm outdoor hot spring is the perfect way to unwind.

In the morning, head to the Mojie Scenic Area for a unique rafting experience. The water system of "Mojie" originates from the hot springs flowing from Changbai Mountain's Heavenly Lake and remains unfrozen all year round. In winter, when the temperature drops to -20 degrees Celsius, mist rises, forming rime ice and frost-covered trees. As you glide through the waters, you are surrounded by a mystical landscape where the air is thick with mist and the scenery is adorned with delicate frost formations on trees, creating a winter wonderland, as if stepping into a magical world. For this reason, photography enthusiasts have dubbed this place "Mojie," meaning "Magic World."

After this dreamlike rafting experience, drive about 2 hours (150 km) to Yanji, a charming border city rich in Korean ethnic culture.

Your first stop is the China Korean Folk Village (国朝鲜族民俗园), home to 40 traditional-style houses that vividly recreate scenes of Korean daily life. Stroll through the courtyards, explore cultural exhibits, and enjoy an immersive look into local customs.

Optional Activity: Try on colorful traditional Korean attire and take photos among the elegant Korean-style architecture (additional fee).

Continue to the lively West Market (西市场), beloved by locals for its authentic flavors and specialty goods. Here you can explore stalls offering fresh tteok (Korean rice cakes), kimchi, rice sausages, soybean paste stews, and a variety of homemade pickles. You can also browse regional specialties such as ginseng, pine nuts, and other Northeast Chinese products. Take your time to wander, snack, and savor the genuine street-life atmosphere of Yanji.

Stay overnight in Yanji City.

This morning, depart Yanji and enjoy a scenic 3.5-hour drive (approx. 250 km) to Jingpo Lake.

Formed around 10,000 years ago due to volcanic eruptions that blocked the Mudan River, Jingpo Lake (镜泊湖) is China's largest alpine lava barrier lake. Known as Mirror Lake, it is celebrated for its crystal-clear waters that reflect the surrounding forested mountains, mirroring a giant, pristine canvas - hence its name. In winter, the shimmering waters of summer are replaced by a thick layer of ice, transforming the lake into a vast, silvery mirror that reflects the snow-draped mountains and trees around it.

At the northern end of the lake, the Diaoshuilou Waterfall (吊水楼瀑布) stretches over 40 meters wide with a drop of more than 20 meters, making it one of Asia's widest waterfalls. In the cold of winter, the waterfall's flow freezes, forming a spectacular ice cascade that resembles a colossal silver dragon thundering down the mountainside, its grandeur a breathtaking sight to behold. If you're lucky, you might witness an exhilarating display of cliff diving. A man in his sixties named Di Huanran, with remarkable courage and perseverance, performs daring dives from the cliff, turning this extreme sport into his lifelong passion and career.

After the tour, drive to China Snow Town (中国雪乡) (approximately 160km, 2.5 hours by car).

As you step into Snow Town, the first thing that catches your eye is the vast, snow-covered landscape - mountains, houses, streets, and trees all blanketed in white, creating a picturesque winter wonderland. Strolling down Snowy Street (雪韵大街), you can not only feel the tranquility and serenity of Snow Town, but also immerse ourselves in the unique folk customs of Northeast China. The streets are lined with charming shops offering a dazzling array of local snacks and handmade crafts, making it feel like stepping into a captivating ice and snow market. You may come across some unique Northeast frozen delicacies, such as frozen pears and frozen persimmons, sticky bean bun (粘豆包).

As night falls, the Snow Town is illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere. From the observation deck, you can gaze upon the entire village, bathed in the soft glow of red lanterns. The snow, pure and white as jade, sparkles in the light, transforming the landscape into a dreamlike scene. It’s as if you’ve stepped into a real-life fairy tale, where every corner is filled with enchantment and beauty.

Stay overnight in China Snow Town.

Tips:

1. The hotel conditions in China Snow Town may be not as good as those with same classes in Harbin city.
2. You can opt to stay in family-run guesthouses to experience the local traditional "kang" rooms. A "kang" is a heated brick bed with a fire underneath, providing a cozy warmth during the cold winter months.
3. Some local guesthouses may not provide toiletries, so it's advisable to bring your own.
4. Accommodation can be very tight during peak season, so it's highly recommended to book in advance to secure your stay.

Start your day with a breathtaking sunrise at Yangcao Mountain (羊草山日出) if you're a photography enthusiast. Located in the northwest corner of Snow Town, Yangcao Mountain stands at an elevation of 1,350 meters, offering a superb vantage point to overlook the entire village. From the observation deck, you can watch the sun slowly rise from behind the mountains, its rays spreading across the sky and turning the snow-covered landscape into a golden orange hue. You may also be fortunate enough to encounter natural wonders like rime ice and snow hanging from the trees, showcasing the vastness, grandeur and wild beauty of the northern landscape. (Optional activity: hiking is free, or you can take a 4WD for 280 yuan per person.)

Alternatively, you can also choose to visit the Bāngchuí Mountain observation deck (棒槌山观景台). Here, too, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire Snow Town, with its scattered snow-covered houses and curling smoke rising from chimneys, creating a peaceful and serene landscape.

Then, you will visit the Dream Home (梦幻家园). In the snow-covered landscape, rows of houses are scattered in a charming arrangement, their roofs blanketed with thick snow. As you wander through this area, you can’t help but smile at the sight of these magical houses, their rounded, snow-covered roofs like plump little snow mushrooms or delicious cream cakes, making you feel as though you could almost take a bite. Every corner of this enchanting village exudes a sense of wonder, with each house and snow-dusted path drawing you deeper into this whimsical winter world.

This afternoon, it is time to say goodbye to this snow fairytale world. You will be driven to Harbin.

After breakfast, we will drive to the Siberian Tiger Park (东北虎林园), located on the north bank of the Songhua River in Harbin. This is the world's largest natural park dedicated to the conservation of the Siberian tiger, housing nearly 1,000 purebred Northeast tigers of various ages.

Unlike traditional zoos, the Harbin Siberian Tiger Park allows visitors to tour the grounds in cage-style sightseeing vehicles, which offer a safe yet thrilling way to observe tigers as they roam freely in a carefully simulated natural habitat. Imagine the excitement of moving among these majestic animals - sometimes catching sight of them strolling gracefully, other times watching them burst into sprints. Don't forget to capture these breathtaking moments, recording the perfect blend of wildness and beauty through your lens. For an even closer encounter, you’ll have the unique opportunity to feed the tigers yourself. Watch as they stand up on their hind legs, claws gripping the steel mesh as they beg for food from visitors. Note: The food for feeding the tigers is at your own expense. Besides Siberian tigers, the park also houses other large feline species, including lions, ligers (offspring of lions and tigers), and leopards, providing visitors with a valuable opportunity to learn about different feline species.

Afterward, we embark on a fantastical journey through ice and snow to Sun Island (太阳岛), home to the Sun Island International Snow Sculpture Art Expo - a highlight of the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival. Here, the magic of winter is taken to the extreme, with each snowflake imbued with life and sculpted into breathtaking works of art.

Stroll through this winter through paths lined with snow sculptures, and marvel at the exquisite snow sculptures that tower above you, crafted by talented artists from around the world. Capture the artistry and imagination that transforms the island into a snowy gallery under the open sky. These snow sculptures vary in form: some stand as majestic mountain ranges, others come alive as vivid animals, while yet others resemble dreamlike castles, inviting wonder and imagination. The most breathtaking aspect lies in the minute details - the nuanced expressions on characters’ faces, the delicate textures of animal fur - each element so meticulously rendered, the figures appear animated. In addition to the visual spectacle, Sun Island delights with a myriad of playful ice and snow activities.

Optional Activity: If you're interested in polar animals, you might want to consider visiting Harbin Polarland, located next to Sun Island. As the world's first polar amusement park, it features polar bears, penguins, sea lions, seals, and more. Please note that this activity is optional and can be enjoyed at an additional cost.

Next, we will head to the Ice and Snow World (冰雪大世界), the world-famous ice and snow theme park and the most dazzling highlight of the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival, celebrated for its spectacular ice sculptures.

Stepping into this fantasy space, meticulously crafted from tens of thousands of cubic meters of ice and snow, feels like instantly teleporting into a crystal-clear fairy-tale kingdom. As you wander through the park, an array of ice sculptures unfolds before you - from towering castles and elegant bridges to lifelike animals, modern buildings, and even imaginative sci-fi scenes. There are also unique ice bars and ice restaurants, offering you the extraordinary experience of dining or enjoying a drink in structures made entirely of ice.

As the last rays of the sunset quietly disappear over the horizon, the Ice and Snow World truly begins to reveal its magic. The entire park is transformed into a dreamlike setting, with thousands of colorful lights decorating the ice sculptures as if they were scenes straight out of a fairy tale, creating an enchanting world of light and shadow.

Moreover, Ice and Snow World offers a variety of ice and snow activities, such as snow tubing, ice go-karting, and ice biking. Among the most thrilling attractions is the winding super ice slide. Sliding down from a height, you will fully experience the speed and excitement that ice and snow can bring. The Snowflake Ferris Wheel offers a splendid view over the entire park, allowing you to fully appreciate the magnificent landscape of this icy domain. And for a unique winter celebration, join the ice disco, where children shriek with excitement and adults rediscover the joy of their youth, their laughter echoing through the cold air.

Travel Tips:

1. Dress Appropriately:Wear multiple layers of clothing to keep warm. Don’t forget hats, gloves, scarves, and thermal socks. Waterproof, insulated boots are essential, along with a mask for face.
2. Protect Your Electronics: Cold weather can drain battery life quickly. Keep cameras and phones close to your body to maintain warmth, and bring spare batteries or a portable charger.
3. Eye Protection: If you wear glasses, consider switching to contact lenses, as your warm breath can fog up lenses and obstruct vision. Sunglasses are recommended to protect against the intense glare from sunlight reflecting off the snow.
4. Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon is ideal for experiencing both daylight and the stunning nighttime illuminations of the sculptures and structures.
5. Prepare for Queues: Popular attractions like the giant ice slide and the Snow Ferris Wheel can have long wait times. Prepare for possible queues, especially during peak hours.

After the tour, return to your hotel in Harbin City.

In the morning, you will visit the Hongzhuan Street morning market (红砖街早市) to sample authentic northeastern Chinese snacks and experience the daily rhythm of local life. The market is filled with various stalls, each offering a wide array of handmade, local delicacies. You’ll find steaming hot northeastern flatbreads (东北大饼), fragrant tofu pudding (豆腐脑), and golden, crispy fried dough cakes (油炸糕), all reminiscent of childhood memories for many locals. Not far off, the aroma of hearty northeastern stews fills the air - tender pork stew with vermicelli (猪肉炖粉条) and chicken stew with mushrooms (小鸡炖蘑菇), each bite a perfect temptation for your taste buds. As you weave through the bustling crowd, you'll see locals carrying their vegetable baskets and chatting casually with familiar vendors. You'll hear their humorous, lively dialects, and the relaxed, easygoing atmosphere will give you a true sense of the unique humor, warmth, and open-hearted generosity that defines the people of northeastern China.

Next, head to the Snowman Pier at the Bund (外滩雪人码头) to witness the thrilling winter swimming performance, an unmissable winter feature activity. Despite the biting cold, winter swimming enthusiasts, clad in tight swimsuits, are eager to take the plunge. At the signal, they leap into the water like arrows from a bow, creating splashes all around. In the icy waters, these swimmers glide with ease, their graceful movements almost blending with the snow and ice. For the audience, the winter swimming performance is equally a soul-stirring experience. Every time someone completes a successful swim, the crowd erupts into enthusiastic applause and cheers.

Then, visit St. Sophia Cathedral (圣·索菲亚教堂), an iconic landmark of Harbin. This magnificent Russian Orthodox cathedral, with its distinctive green onion dome topped by a golden cross and intricate red brick façade, offers a glimpse into the city's unique blend of Russian and Chinese influences. Standing before the cathedral, you'll be awestruck by its grandeur and solemn atmosphere. Inside, the cathedral houses the Harbin Architecture Art Museum, which showcases the city's urban development history and architectural artistry. In winter, when snowflakes are gently falling, St. Sophia Cathedral in the snow resembles a fairytale castle, creating a truly magical and dreamlike scene.

Continue your day by visiting Zhongyang Pedestrian Street (中央大街), also known as Central Street, Harbin's bustling shopping and entertainment hub. This century-old street stretches over 1,450 meters and is lined with buildings in various architectural styles - Baroque, Renaissance, Eclecticism, and Art Nouveau - earning it the nickname "Outdoor Architectural Art Museum."

As you stroll through this vibrant central street, you'll encounter everything from local handicrafts to international brands. It's an ideal place to explore local shops, enjoy street performances, or simply soak in the city's unique atmosphere. Treat yourself to a blend of Chinese and Russian cuisines, including Harbin Sausages (哈尔滨香肠), Maidel Ice Cream (马迭尔冰棍), Russian bread (大列巴), and Qiulin Kvass (秋林格瓦斯), a Russian-inspired fermented beverage. In winter, Zhongyang Pedestrian Street becomes particularly enchanting, adorned with sparkling ice sculptures and strings of lights, complementing the nearby Harbin Ice Festival.

At the end of Zhongyang Pedestrian Street lies Stalin Park (斯大林公园), a beloved local park located along the banks of the Songhua River. Locals alike flock to its vast icy surface to enjoy activities like ice skating, ride sleds, and snowmobiling...

Conclude your tour with a visit to Lao Daowai (老道外), the birthplace of Harbin, gives visitors a taste of the city’s historical roots. It is home to the largest "Chinese Baroque" architectural district in the country. As you stroll through the streets of Laodaowai, you’ll see century-old buildings that have withstood the test of time. These structures feature Western-style exteriors, yet inside, they hide traditional Chinese courtyards, reflecting Harbin’s unique "Chinese Baroque" style, a fusion of Eastern and Western architectural influences created by the people of Harbin.

Here, besides exploring historical buildings, you can experience the nostalgic atmosphere of the city's past, with quaint shops selling local goods, traditional snacks, and artisanal crafts. The commercial atmosphere of Laodaowai is relatively traditional and localized, dominated by small shops and time-honored brands that have grown alongside the people of Harbin, making this area particularly suitable for tourists who enjoy exploring local culture.

It is time to end your 8 Days Northeast China Panorama Tour. Your guide will escort you to the airport or train station for your journey to your next destination.

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your China Tour. We are always here working for you and hope to see you again for your next trip to China/Asia. Safe journey!