Trip across Jilin

Skiing is now the hottest winter sport in China. Just one hour's drive out of the city of Changchun, we find the Lian Huashan Ski Resort. It's time for some fun in the ice and snow.

Lian Huashan claims to be the closest ski resort to a city in China. It's just an hour by road from central Changchun. It's a pretty small resort – a run down its longest piste lasts only a few minutes. The resort is attempting to cash in on the burgeoning love of skiing among China's younger generations. All the equipment and clothing you’ll need is available for hire, since, after all, only the most devoted skiers own their own gear. And professional coaches are also on hand to give you some pointers. A group of youngsters are having their winter camp here. The youngest among them is just six years old.

It's early morning, and we're here to see the special phenomena of Wusong. On Wusong Island.

It's a scene that's unbelievable and unforgettable. In the bitter cold, the river flows slowly and quietly, shrouded in mist. All in all, there's a tremendous air of mystery about the water. For this reason, there's no better place than the island to see the scene of frost on the trees, a sight that is called Wusong.

Frost doesn't form easily. It depends on the conditions: the temperature, the wind, and the moisture in the air. The temperature of the Songhua River is the key to the frost that forms on the little island. On this stretch, the river has just passed through the Songhua River Hydro-power Plant. After spending some time among all the machines, the water's temperature is quite warm - between 3 and 6 degrees above zero. That’s why this section of the Songhua River never freezes, whatever the time of year.

It's as if it's been touched by magic. The place has been transformed into a frosty wonderland. Wherever you rest your eyes, you see a world that is gently frosted. People in the city of Jilin are so proud – and so serious – about their particular wonder of nature that some years ago they held a public debate – which by all accounts got pretty heated – on what to call it. In the end, they settled for Wusong, a name that has appeared in ancient records.

This calls to mind all the fairy tales I ever knew. For example, if the seven dwarves had wanted to find a place to hide Snow White, that building over there would be the perfect choice.

I never imagined that ice and snow could be so romantic. They have a special power to move you, which reaches into the tenderest corner of your heart and awakens all the innocence and fantasies of your childhood. The white snow seems to purify everything around it, making the world simpler and more friendly. Whichever direction you look, you see a serene, peaceful and benevolent paradise.

We're really lucky; this phenomena doesn't happen every day. Some people come here several times and stay for days, but they don't see it.

Thanks to the Songhua flowing around it, Wusong Island is considered the ideal place to witness Wusong – hence the island's name. Among the most regular visitors are photographers, who come in their droves to immerse themselves in this icy world, in the hope of capturing on film its pure beauty outlined by the whiteness of the frost.