吉林市

Why this place

Jilin City is the only place in China where the Songhua stays unfrozen in midwinter, because of the hydroelectric dam upstream. The result is rime ice: the trees along the river freeze into white lace every January, which is a nationally famous spectacle.

What to see

• The Songhua riverside in January for rime ice on the willows — the reason most visitors come
• Beishan Park, with temples on the hillside
• The Ming and Qing shipyards site, when this was the northeast's naval base

What to eat

• White fish from the Songhua River
• Northeast dumplings and pickled cabbage stews

Best time

Late December–February for rime ice; June–September otherwise

Practical tips

• Rime ice needs a clear, freezing, humid morning — check the forecast and go early, it burns off by mid-morning