Rime (wusong) forms on willows along the river when warm discharge from the Fengman Dam meets sub-zero air, producing frosted trees over several kilometres. It is one of China's four rime-ice wonders.
The Liushu rime viewing strip along the Songhua River in Chuanying District is the most accessible place in Jilin province to photograph wusong, the hoarfrost that coats willows and poplars on the riverbank. The effect occurs because water released from the Fengman Dam stays warm enough to remain unfrozen through winter, and the vapour rising from it condenses and freezes onto branches in sub-zero air. Jilin City is counted among China's four classic rime-ice sites, and the frosted trees line the embankment for several kilometres. The frame is essentially a long, linear composition: white-feathered branches in the foreground, the steaming dark river in the middle, and the city skyline or low hills beyond. The river runs roughly north through the city, so the embankment on the west bank faces east toward the rising sun, which makes sunrise backlight the signature look, with the rime glowing and the vapour turning gold. Side-lit light in the first hour after sunrise gives the most texture, and the rime begins to drop from the branches as the day warms, so the best window usually closes by mid-morning. The best season runs from late December to February, with the heaviest rime normally appearing in January after a cold, still, slightly humid night. Windy or very dry days produce thin frost. The strip is a public riverside promenade and is easy to reach, so it draws large crowds of amateur and professional photographers at dawn, especially on weekends and around the Spring Festival; arriving before first light secures a tripod spot along the railing. Temperatures commonly fall well below minus 20 degrees Celsius, so batteries drain quickly. The riverside walkway is generally free to enter, although fees at specific viewing platforms or parks can vary, so check locally. Tripods are usually tolerated on the embankment if they do not block the path. Drones are restricted in the urban area and generally require permission from local authorities, so visitors should not plan on aerial shots here.
| Best time | Sunrise before the rime melts, 06:30-09:00 |
|---|---|
| Best season | December to February |
| Address | Liushu Rime Viewing Strip, Songhua River, Chuanying District, Jilin City (吉林市松花江雾凇观赏带) |
Shooting notes
- Equipment
- 70-200 mm lens, Spare batteries, Warm gloves, Lens cloth
Location
Liushu Rime Viewing Strip, Songhua River, Chuanying District, Jilin City (吉林市松花江雾凇观赏带)
43.8600, 126.5700 View on map
Highlights
- Kilometres of frosted willows lining the Songhua River embankment
- Sunrise backlight turning rime and river vapour gold
- Steaming open water as a contrast to the white branches
- Easy urban access from central Jilin City
- Peak rime displays after cold, still nights in January
Tips for visiting
- Arrive before first light; the rime often falls once the sun warms the branches.
- A 70-200 mm lens compresses the rows of trees and isolates frosted branches.
- Add about +1 stop of exposure compensation so the white rime does not turn grey.
- Keep spare batteries inside a coat; cold drains them within minutes.
- Condensation forms on lenses indoors, so seal gear in a bag before entering a warm room.
When to visit
Late December to February, at sunrise after a cold, still night. Arrive before first light, as the rime often falls by mid-morning.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to see rime ice in Jilin City?
Rime is most reliable from late December to February, peaking in January. The best conditions follow a cold, still night, and the display is at its best around sunrise.
Why does rime form here and not along other rivers?
Water released by the Fengman Dam stays warm enough to remain unfrozen, so vapour rises and freezes on riverside trees in sub-zero air.
Is a tripod allowed on the riverside walkway?
Tripods are generally tolerated on the public embankment when they do not block pedestrians, though crowded mornings may limit space.
Can a drone be flown here?
Drones are restricted in the urban area and need permission from local authorities, so aerial photography is not generally practical.