Complete Jilin Travel Guide

Dear friends, if you haven’t been to Jilin yet, you must add it to your travel list! Here you’ll find the snow-covered rime ice, exciting and fun skiing activities, and the warm hospitality of the Northeastern people—each will make you unforgettable about this city~ Now, let me take you on this wonderful journey to Jilin! Preparation Documents ID card, student ID (don’t miss out on discounts), a small amount of cash (just in case). Clothing ● Tops: thermal underwear, thick sweaters, fleece-lined outdoor jackets, or long down coats. If you’re sensitive to cold, you can stick a heat pack on your body. ● Pants: fleece-lined thick long johns, down pants, or ski pants. ● Accessories: hat, scarf, gloves, and earmuffs are all essential. Waterproof gloves are best so your hands won’t get wet while playing in the snow; snow boots are also a must for warmth and slip resistance. Skincare Products Jilin winters are extremely dry, so bring moisturizing skincare products. Don’t forget face masks, hand cream, and lip balm. Other Items Thermos (having hot water anytime is pure happiness), camera (to capture the beautiful scenery), power bank (to keep your phone charged). Itinerary Day 1: Rime Ice Island — Hantun Folk Village Morning: Get up early and head to Rime Ice Island, a perfect spot to admire the rime ice. Stepping onto this small island feels like entering a fairy tale world, with jade-like trees and sparkling branches. Be sure to take plenty of beautiful photos, but keep your camera warm or it might stop working 😜. Noon: Enjoy an authentic Northeastern meal at a farmhouse on the island—iron pot stewed fish, chicken stewed with mushrooms, sticky bean buns—each dish is mouthwatering. Afternoon: Head to Hantun Folk Village to experience Northeastern folk culture. You can ride a horse-drawn sled and feel the joy of speeding across the snow; also visit traditional Northeastern houses to learn about local life. Evening: Stay overnight on a heated kang bed in the folk village, cozy and warm to relieve the day’s fatigue. Day 2: Vanke Songhua Lake Resort All day: This is a paradise for skiing lovers! Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, you’ll find suitable slopes here. No skiing experience? No problem, you can hire an instructor and learn quickly. Besides skiing, the resort offers many other fun activities like snowmobiling and snow tubing, so you can play to your heart’s content! Evening: Have dinner at the resort’s restaurant, enjoying the snowy view outside the window while savoring delicious food—simply delightful. Day 3: Changbai Mountain Morning: Set off for Changbai Mountain, Jilin’s iconic attraction. Take the eco-friendly bus and transfer bus to the summit to overlook the magnificent Tianchi Lake. The lake’s water is a deep blue, surrounded by pure white snow, like a sapphire embedded in the mountains. But the weather at Tianchi is unpredictable, so whether you see the full view depends on luck. Noon: Dine at a restaurant in the scenic area and try Changbai Mountain’s specialty dishes, such as hot spring boiled eggs, which are said to strengthen the body 😉. Afternoon: Visit Changbai Waterfall, Julong Spring, and other scenic spots to appreciate nature’s wonders. You can also soak your feet in some hot spring water to relieve fatigue. Evening: Stay at a hotel at the foot of Changbai Mountain and get a good rest. Day 4: Demon Realm Scenic Area — Return Trip Morning: Head to the Demon Realm Scenic Area, a paradise for photography enthusiasts. In the early morning, mist swirls over the river, and trees appear faintly through the fog, as if entering a mysterious demon realm. Noon: Have lunch nearby, then pack up and conclude this pleasant Jilin trip. Food Recommendations ● Cold noodles: sweet and sour, icy cold, very appetizing. ● Guobaorou (sweet and sour pork): crispy outside, tender inside, perfectly balanced sweet and sour—classic Northeastern dish. ● Barbecue: Jilin’s barbecue is distinctive, with various meats and vegetables grilled until sizzling and juicy. Pair it with a bottle of beer for an unbeatable combo. ● Snow Cotton Red Bean Paste: a dessert that looks like cotton candy, sweet and soft. Accommodation Suggestions Choose your accommodation based on your itinerary. If visiting Rime Ice Island, staying at Hantun Folk Village to experience the kang bed is a great choice; for Changbai Mountain, stay at a hotel at the foot of the mountain; in the city, opt for hotels with convenient transportation and complete facilities. Notes ● Jilin winters are very cold, so be sure to dress warmly to avoid frostbite. ● Prices in scenic areas may be high, so prepare some snacks and water in advance. ● Pay attention to safety when using transportation and obey traffic rules. ● Respect local customs and travel civilly. Friends, Jilin’s beautiful scenery and delicious food are waiting for you. Hurry up, pack your bags, and embark on a spontaneous trip! 💖