Everyone should see the rime ice on the Songhua River at least once in their lifetime

🔥3 days 2 nights rime ice chasing itinerary (suitable for both self-driving and non-driving) 📍Core area: Jilin City (Ash Small Rime Ice Island, Songhua Riverbank, Rime Ice Corridor) 🎫Tickets: Ash Small Rime Ice Island is free (less crowded than the paid main Rime Ice Island scenic area!), Rime Ice Corridor is free, Songhua River cruise 50 RMB/person (optional) Recommended duration: 3 days (just enough to catch the rime ice and fully enjoy Jilin’s snowy scenery) Day 1: Head straight to the “lesser-known rime ice spot” — Ash Small Rime Ice Island + Songhua River night view 1. Transportation: - Self-driving: Navigate to “Jilin Ash Small Rime Ice Island,” about 40 minutes from Jilin Station, free roadside parking available (don’t park in private spots, trap!) - Non-driving: Taxi from Jilin Station costs 25 RMB, mornings can be congested, recommend leaving 1 hour early (for sunrise shots, take a taxi at 5 AM!) 2. Activities: Arrive before 6 AM at Small Rime Ice Island (the light around sunrise is soft, the rime ice looks like it’s covered in sugar frosting). Wear bright-colored jackets and stand on the willow trees by the riverbank for photos, with the unfrozen Songhua River as the background—every shot looks magical! In the afternoon, stroll along Songjiang Middle Road, where the river breeze blows the rime ice gently. Stand on the river bridge to capture “rime ice + city buildings.” At dusk, go to Linjiangmen Bridge to watch the sunset, where orange twilight dyes the silver-white branches—breathtaking! 3. Accommodation: Stay near Jilin Station (e.g., Tianjin Street), off-season prices start at 150+ RMB for heated homestays. At night, enjoy a steaming hot sauerkraut and pork hotpot. Day 2: Deep rime ice chasing — Rime Ice Corridor + Songhua River cruise 1. Activities: Rush to the “Rime Ice Corridor” (from Songjiang Middle Road to Songjiang East Road) at 7 AM. The rime ice here is denser, and you can see locals winter swimming in the river (super impressive!). Capture contrast photos of “rime ice + winter swimmers” for a social media hit! For lunch, try Jilin’s specialty “Guobaorou” (recommend “Old White Meat Restaurant,” 38 RMB per serving, crispy outside and tender inside). In the afternoon, optionally take the Songhua River cruise (50 RMB/person) to see rime ice on both banks, like traveling through a snowy fairy tale. 2. Tips: After 10 AM, the rime ice falls off (commonly called “tree rime falling”), so get up early to capture the full rime ice! Day 3: Local experience — Manchu Ethnic Village + return trip 1. Activities: In the morning, visit “Hantun Manchu Ethnic Village” (1 hour drive from the city center, self-driving navigation available; non-driving take a bus from Jilin Station for 15 RMB/person). The village’s earthen houses and corn storage are all covered in snow. Buy freshly frozen pears and persimmons on a stick (10 RMB/portion), learn to make sticky bean buns with Manchu locals for a full cultural experience! Return before 11 AM to avoid highway traffic peaks. - Rime ice chasing tips: Follow the “Jilin Rime Ice” official WeChat account, which updates the “Rime Ice Index” daily at 6 AM (five stars means must-go, three stars or below suggest changing plans to avoid wasted trips!) - Pitfall warnings: Don’t buy “rime ice tour guides” at the scenic area entrance; 200 RMB tours only take you to free spots; avoid wearing light-colored shoes as melting snow easily stains them. - Warmth essentials: Down jacket + fleece pants + snow boots are basic. Be sure to wear a “fleece-lined Lei Feng hat” (ears get painfully cold!). Stick a warm pack on your phone (low temperatures can cause it to shut down). Stop asking “Is Jilin rime ice worth visiting?” When you stand by the Songhua River, watching sunlight filter through the rime ice casting “golden sparkles,” and the river breeze stirs the silver-white tree rime, you’ll understand how worthwhile this journey is~ Are you ready to come to Jilin for this “ice and snow rendezvous”?