Travel Guides & Tips in this video
- Tip 1Witness the magical Rime Frost along the Songhua River in Jilin City, a unique natural phenomenon that occurs when the river's warm water meets icy air, creating stunning ice formations on trees, most common in January. (2:14)
- Tip 2Try Jilin's iconic breakfast, Jianfen, a hearty soup with fried starch jelly, and Jitang Tofu Chuan, savory tofu skewers with a variety of sauces. These dishes offer a warm and flavorful start to the day. (3:21)
- Tip 3Don't miss trying Lengmian (cold noodles) in Jilin, even in winter. The refreshing sweet and tangy broth, combined with various toppings, provides a surprisingly satisfying meal, especially with the region's strong indoor heating. (7:14)
- Tip 4Experience the unique indoor climate of Dongbei, where central heating is set very high. Be prepared to dress in layers as you'll often transition from cold outdoor temperatures to warm indoor environments. (11:57)
- Tip 5Visit local pastry shops in Jilin, especially those with a long history like the one mentioned, for delicious handmade pastries at incredibly affordable prices. It's a great way to support local businesses and enjoy authentic treats. (15:13)
- Tip 6Indulge in the unique barbecue-hot pot experience, a multi-stage meal that starts with grilled meat and evolves into a flavorful soup with added ingredients like sauerkraut and noodles. It's a meal that truly keeps on giving. (19:20)
- Tip 7Understand the importance of sauerkraut in Dongbei cuisine. Historically, fermented vegetables like cabbage were essential for surviving long, cold winters when fresh produce was scarce. (22:00)
Embark on a Dongbei winter adventure with Blondie In China to Jilin City! Discover the magic of the unfrozen Songhua River, the stunning Rime Frost, and the surprisingly delicious cold noodles that defy the winter chill. Explore the world's largest meteorite, indulge in a unique barbecue-hot pot fusion, and savor handmade pastries with centuries of history. This journey through Jilin is a feast for the senses, celebrating authentic local flavors and unforgettable experiences.
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Blondie In China embarks on a cozy autumn day trip to Jilin City, nestled in the Dongbei region of Northeast China. Despite the looming winter and the rapid shift of seasons, evident by the ladybugs and sudden snowfall, the allure of Dongbei cuisine provides a warm embrace. The journey begins with a train ride to Jilin City, a place unique for sharing its name with the province. The city's name, derived from a Manchu phrase meaning 'along the river,' is intimately connected to the Songhua River, which remarkably remains unfrozen even in sub-zero temperatures due to a nearby hydroelectric plant. This phenomenon creates the stunning 'Wu Song' or Rime Frost, a breathtaking icy landscape on the riverbanks, though it's most common in January.
Breakfast in Jilin is a delightful exploration, starting with Jitang Tofu Chuan – soft tofu skewers coated in a medley of savory, sweet, garlic, and chili sauces, finished with fresh herbs. This is followed by Jianfen, a hearty breakfast soup featuring fried starch jelly in a rich, sesame-garlic broth that offers a comforting warmth. The video then takes an unexpected turn to the Jilin Meteorite Museum, housing fragments from the world's largest meteorite fall in 1976, including a colossal 1,700-kilo piece.
Lunch presents a culinary paradox: cold noodles (Lengmian) in the heart of winter. Despite initial hesitation and mixed reviews, Blondie In China dives into this century-old specialty at Da Leng Mian. The dish is served with a variety of toppings and a refreshing sweet and tangy sesame broth, which proves to be surprisingly satisfying even in the cold, thanks to the pervasive central heating in Dongbei apartments and public spaces that often makes one feel too warm indoors.
Amidst the exploration, the traveler discovers a charming handmade pastry shop with over 300 years of family history, offering a delightful array of unique pastries at an incredibly affordable price. A picnic in Beishan Park provides a moment of reflection, enjoying these sweet treats. The day culminates with an extraordinary dinner: a unique barbecue that transforms into a hot pot. This multi-stage meal begins with succulent, cumin-spiced grilled beef, followed by the addition of fermented sauerkraut, creating a rich, flavorful broth. The experience is further enhanced by the local tradition of combining dipping sauces. The traveler highlights the unique caramelized flavor of the sauerkraut, a testament to Dongbei's history of preserving vegetables for the harsh winters. The day concludes with a reflection on Jilin's unique attractions and culinary experiences, setting the stage for future adventures in Chengdu and Chongqing.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
- Q: What was the most surprising thing about Jilin's breakfast?
- A: The variety! From savory tofu skewers with multiple sauces to a hearty Jianfen soup with fried starch jelly, it was a flavorful start to the day.
- Q: Are cold noodles really a thing in winter?
- A: Yes! Even in the freezing cold, Jilin locals enjoy Lengmian. The refreshing, tangy broth is surprisingly satisfying, especially when you're dealing with the intense indoor heating.
- Q: What's the deal with the barbecue that turns into hot pot?
- A: It's an incredible multi-stage meal! You grill meat, then add sauerkraut to create a rich broth, and finally turn it into a hot pot with noodles and vegetables. It's a meal that keeps on giving!
- Q: What's so special about the pastries?
- A: They come from a shop with over 300 years of family history! And the best part? They're handmade, natural, and incredibly affordable – a true hidden gem.
- Q: What was the most memorable part of the Jilin trip?
- A: It's hard to pick just one! From the stunning Rime Frost on the Songhua River to the unique barbecue-hot pot and the historical pastries, Jilin offers an unforgettable culinary and cultural experience.
