Going to Jilin wow!
I've been to Jilin a few times but the area I visit is more on the Yanji side, where most Korean-tribe/race people are. It is near the borders of Russian and North Korea. I go there a lot because my wife is from there and I have to visit my in-laws once in a blue moon. And yes, my wife is of Korean race. I will be headed there again this coming CNY.
The conditions in November is not as harsh as you hear. First snow is usually in early Oct. Nov will be cold in SG standards, but not the coldest in Jilin standard. Temperatures should be around -10. A lot depends on the weather systems also. The thing about white winters is, it is not as bad as you think it is. If the snow is not falling, you do not need to dress like you are going to climb Everest. A good down-feather jacket will be enough for most. For people who are really afraid of cold weather, it makes sense to get thermals (esp bottoms). You can get the wool ones, which are the warmest. Jeans is ok as bottoms as long as you have thermals inside.
The key in keeping warm is actually 3 things - Head, Ears and Feet. You can be wearing the thickest and warmest jacket and pants. If your shoes are lousy, and if you are not wearing anything to protect your head or ears, you are just asking for it. Get ear protectors, and a beanie, or a fur/cotton lined hat. And make sure your shoes are waterproof, with super thick socks. It is also advisable to wear winter shoes. Getting a pair there may be a good idea. Get those with faux(or real) fur lining inside. It is quite cheap in China. To give you an idea, I was in Jilin mid November and all I was wearing is a down jacket, jeans and Clark's hi-cut leather shoes. I never wore thermals in my life, because I am one of those that actually love cold weather (and detest hot). If you are afraid of the cold, wear more. Maybe a long sleeve T-shirt or thermals, with a wool sweater, thermal bottoms, jeans, and a down-feather jacket outside.
As for the views, Jilin's landscape is very much like those American landscapes you see in pictures and TV. Pine trees, sweeping mountains, wide lakes, and green pastures. Almost makes you feel like you are in USA or New Zealand. You will even see wool sheep there. You will also see lots of Ginseng farms high up in the mountains (they will look like blue tarps covering big portions of the mountains).
Food wise, please try Korean-tribe/race food there. It is real authentic there and IMHO I like it a lot more than South Korean food. Portions will be huge, so watch out when ordering. Prices will be very good though. And if you are eating with locals, remember, it is not polite to eat rice at the beginning of a meal. And they WILL make you drink. When you ask for steamed rice, it means you do not want to drink anymore. So be careful when you ask for steam rice. People usually do that near the end of the meal.
Here are some pics I took in June 2008. And yes, even in June, the temperature there was 7 deg C at night and around 20-23 in the day. Of course, I was in the mountains in the countryside.