A winter escape to northern China
This Harbin winter vacation tour package is designed for travelers who would like to experience the awe and magic of the Harbin Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival.
You will visit highlights such as the Ice World, Snow World, the Sun Island Snow Sculpture Expo, and more. You will also have the chance to see an ice lantern show, experience ice fishing on Chagan Lake, observe winter swimming, go skiing in Yabuli, and soak in hot springs surrounded by fluffy white snow.
Lose yourself in a winter wonderland at the Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival and experience the magnificent culture of Northern China.
Services
Included:
- All first-entrance tickets to the tourist spots mentioned in the itinerary
- Private transfers between airports, hotels, and scenic spots while sightseeing during the trip by private air conditioned vehicle with a driver
- English-speaking guide and driver provided in each city; a new guide and a new driver will meet you at each city on your tour, to provide you with the best local knowledge available
- Hotel fees are based on 2 people sharing one room with twin beds. All hotels as listed in the above itinerary serve daily western or Chinese breakfast
- All meals as indicated in the itinerary (B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner)
- The tour cost includes planning, handling, operational, and communication charges
Excluded:
- International airfare or train tickets to enter or leave China
- China entry visa fees
- Excess baggage charges
- Medicine for sickness or accident while traveling
- Personal expenses of a purely personal nature such as laundry, drinks, fax, telephone calls, optional activities, sightseeing or meals which are not included in the tour itinerary
- Any meals not specified in the tour itinerary
- Single room supplement
- Please notice that the price will be much higher during the festival of Labor Day, National Day, spring festival
- Tips to tour guide and driver (recommended USD10-15/guest/day)
- Tourist accident insurance. You are strongly suggested to buy travel and health insurance before you start out from your home
Optional:
- No
Itinerary at a Glance
Harbin
Welcome to Harbin!
Harbin - Chagan Lake - Changchun
Visit a Vast Lake Used for Ice Fishing
Changchun - Lushuihe Hunting Ground - Erdaobaihe Town
Go Hunting and Ice Rafting
Erdaobaihe Town - Changbaishan - Dunhua
Encounter a "Heavenly" Lake
Dunhua - Snow Town - Yabuli
Soak in Hot Spring Pools Surrounded by Snow
Yabuli - Harbin
Tour the Iconic City of Harbin
Harbin
See Siberian Tigers and Masterworks of Ice Art
Harbin
Goodbye, Harbin!
Detailed Itinerary
Harbin
Day 1: Welcome to Harbin!
Today you will fly into Harbin, a historical and cultural city often referred to by the names of "Ice World," "Eastern Moscow," and "Eastern Paris." On arrival, you will be greeted and then the sightseeing tour of Harbin city will begin.
The first stop is Volga Manor. This magnificent example of Russian-style architecture will transport you to a fairytale world. With an area of six-hundred-thousand square meters, Volga Manor is infused with the Russian influence. In this area, you can also visit Pavlov Castle, St.Nicholas Church, and Puskin Salon.
Later, enjoy a traditional Russian song and dance performance, followed by dinner at a historic restaurant.
Harbin - Chagan Lake - Changchun
Day 2: Visit a Vast Lake Used for Ice Fishing
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, then set out for a drive to Chagan Lake.
Here, you will encounter a vast lake that covers an area of 307 square kilometers. The area was once a fishing and hunting resort for emperors from the Liao and Jin dynasties and is an excellent spot for winter fishing -- a method included in the list of China's National Intangible Cultural Heritage.
After lunch, go to Changchun. As the capital of Jilin Province, Changchun is the second largest city in Northeast China and the political, economic, and cultural center of the province. For over 70 years, Changchun Cultural Square has been a center of leisure activities and entertainment for the city's residents.
You will also visit the Manchukuo State Department and the "Eight Department" area, Manchukuo's government center, which features Japanese-style buildings.
Changchun - Lushuihe Hunting Ground - Erdaobaihe Town
Day 3: Go Hunting and Ice Rafting
Today we will be heading to the Lushuihe hunting ground. This region features a diverse ecosystem within a unique landscape. Here, we will have the opportunity to experience winter hunting.
Later, we will enjoy ice rafting across this vast white terrain. This is an unforgettable experience that will leave you feeling exhilarated. We'll also visit some other fascinating sights before settling in for the night at our wooden villa.
Erdaobaihe Town - Changbaishan - Dunhua
Day 4: Encounter a "Heavenly" Lake
After breakfast, go to Changbai Mountain. Located on the border between China and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Changbaishan in Jilin province is one of the great natural wonders of the northeast. Dormant since 1702, this volcano now holds the stunning Tianchi Lake in its crater. You will visit the north face of Changbai Mountain to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the forest, waterfalls, and this heavenly lake.
Dunhua - Snow Town - Yabuli
Day 5: Soak in Hot Spring Pools Surrounded by Snow
This morning leave Dunhua, and head to "Snow Town." Here, the snow is deeper than anywhere else in China, at an average depth of 2-meters. The powdery white views are simply stunning. Because of the heavy snowfall, all the buildings here are capped by different shapes of snow -- a fascinating look.
After you fully enjoy snow country, take a 2-hour bus ride to Yabuli, where you will overnight at the local the Hot Springs Hotel. You will have an unforgettable experience in the open-air hot spring pools surrounded snow. There are many different kinds of indoor and outdoor hot spring pools for you to enjoy.
Dongbei-style country dishes, including the iron-pot flavor-stew, are on the menu for tonight.
Yabuli - Harbin
Day 6: Tour the Iconic City of Harbin
Today's journey brings us back to Harbin, where we will visit several of the city's top sights, including St. Sophia Church Square. Built in 1907, this is the biggest Orthodox church in Asia. Continue to the Flood Prevention Monument Tower, Stalin Park on the banks of the Songhua River, and Central Street, which dates from 1900. This is one of the major business streets in Harbin. You'll find plenty of department stores, fashion shops, and restaurants along both sides of this bustling street. Don't miss Kanto Ancient Alley, which offers a good representation of the ancient culture of Harbin.
Harbin
Day 7: See Siberian Tigers and Masterworks of Ice Art
On your last full day in Harbin, you will get the chance to visit a unique place -- the Siberian Tiger Park. Established in 1996 as a preserve for the endangered Siberian tigers, this is the largest and best natural park for Siberian Tigers in the world. Spread over an area of approximately 1,440,000 square-meters, the park is located on the north bank of the Songhua River close to Sun Island.
In the evening, visit the biggest ice carnival in the world—Ice world. Here, you will encounter the essence of ice and snow art in Harbin. Marvel at magnificent ice art illuminated at night in vibrant colors.
Tonight's dinner will be enjoyed at a special restaurant, where you will experience local customs and taste Harbin cuisine.
Harbin
Day 8: Goodbye, Harbin!
Your 8-day North China adventure comes to an end today. At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to the airport in Harbin to catch your onward flight. We hope you have had an unforgettable experience and wish you pleasant travels.
