Jilin City Hot Springs

Insider tip — Jilin City in northeastern China is famous for its spectacular winter rime ice formations on the Songhua River, a natural phenomenon where steam from the Fengman hydroelectric reservoir coats riverside willows in crystalline white. The thermal resort facilities here leverage that winter tourism draw, offering silica-rich hot spring pools that feel especially restorative after hours spent photographing the frozen scenery at minus 20 degrees. The spring water quality is notably clear with a silky texture attributed to its silica content. January is the prime month for combining the rime ice spectacle with thermal bathing.