Songhua River, Jilin (吉林松花江)

 

The rime along the Songhua River [Photo by oldPfans/xitek.com]

In northeast China's Jilin Province, there is a river that doesn't freeze in the wintertime. Thanks to a nearby power station, water in the Songhua River runs through the province even in the depths of winter. The region is also renowned for amazing hard rime scenery. After a sudden temperature drop in winter, both banks of the river are decorated in beautiful rime hanging on willow and pine trees. The region is regarded as one of China's four natural wonders, together with the Stone Forest in Yunnan, Mountains and Waters in Guilin and the Three Gorges on the Yangtze River. Around January each year, the Jilin International Rime and Snow Festival is held by local government. This year, the 17th annual festival will open on Dec. 27 and last till the end of February.

Getting there: Take train to Jilin City, or take a coach bus from Changchun to Jilin City.