This Harbin tour showcases the city’s rich blend of cultural heritage and winter wonders, with visits to iconic landmarks like Saint Sophia Cathedral, Stalin Park, and Central Avenue. The highlight is Harbin’s world-famous Ice and Snow World, where stunning ice sculptures illuminate the frozen landscape, creating a magical winter experience. Optional upgrades to Snow Town offer an immersive experience in China’s deepest snow regions, combining breathtaking scenery with traditional northern Chinese customs.
Harbin Accommodation
6 January 2025
Book your own flight. Upon arrival in Harbin, self-transfer to the hotel for check-in and enjoy free time.
Accommodation: Harbin 4-star Kyriad Hotel or similar
Full-day Harbin City Tour:
Visit Sophia Square, home to the Saint Sophia Cathedral, an iconic Byzantine-style Eastern Orthodox church built in 1907 and a symbol of Harbin. Explore the Flood Control Victory Monument, designed by renowned Harbin architect Li Guangyao in 1958 to commemorate the victory over the 1957 flood. Walk through Stalin Park, a summer retreat along the Songhua River, originally named “Riverside Park,” built to celebrate Harbin’s triumph over two major floods. Stroll down Central Avenue, where you’ll find 71 European-style buildings that showcase a rare blend of Renaissance, Baroque, Eclectic, and Modern architecture. Each guest will receive a traditional popsicle from the century-old Hotel Modern. Visit the Sun Island Snow Sculpture Expo (including an electric car ride), a festive winter celebration where art and nature meet in a magical snowy landscape.
Accommodation: Harbin 4-star Kyriad Hotel or similar.
Songhua River Winter Swimming Performance:
On the frozen Songhua River, winter swimming enthusiasts defy the cold in temperatures as low as -20°C. Watch as they plunge into the icy waters and swim, showcasing their endurance and bravery against the harsh winter elements.
Shangri-La Ice Palace Bar & Harbin Beer:
At the Shangri-La Hotel’s Ice Palace, the first of its kind in China, enjoy a unique experience by sipping Harbin Beer in an entirely ice-constructed setting. With 320 cubic meters of ice, this bar offers a one-of-a-kind winter wonderland experience in the hotel’s backyard garden.
Laodaowai China Baroque Street District:
This district is home to the world’s largest and most complete collection of China Baroque architecture. The courtyard-style commercial street integrates shopping, dining, entertainment, and cultural experiences. Situated in the heart of the city, Laodaowai is also renowned for its traditional eateries and local brands, blending rich cultural history with a modern shopping experience.
Ice and Snow World:
After dinner, head to Harbin Ice and Snow World. Established in 1999, this spectacular winter wonderland features stunning, colorful ice sculptures and illuminated ice buildings. Harbin’s Ice and Snow Festival ranks among the world’s top winter events, alongside Japan’s Sapporo Snow Festival, Quebec’s Winter Carnival, and Oslo’s Ski Festival.
Enjoy a full day of free activities in Harbin, known as the “Ice City of the North.” Take this opportunity to explore the city’s unique winter charm at your own pace, immersing yourself in its rich history, culture, and stunning ice architecture. Whether you choose to stroll through the snowy streets, visit local markets, or indulge in authentic northern Chinese cuisine, Harbin offers a captivating experience in the heart of winter.
Accommodation: Harbin 4-star Kyriad Hotel or similar.
Optional Upgrade: Two Days, One Night Trip to Snow Town – Additional NZD700 per person
Experience the breathtaking “Ten Miles of Snowy Gallery,” where the snow-covered forest glistens like a dragon’s palace, creating an enchanting and dazzling scenery. The diverse formations of snow, illuminated by sunlight, rival the famous snow-covered willows of Jilin. Walking through the gallery, you’ll be immersed in the magical beauty of the snow. Arriving at Erlanghe Snow Town, known for having the largest and most pristine snowfalls in China, you’ll marvel at the crystal-clear sunlight, towering peaks, dense forests, and thick snow.
In Snow Town, picturesque snow cottages and stunning landscapes await you, offering a true winter wonderland experience. Traveling along the beautiful Yaxue Highway, you’ll journey through a snow-covered forest in a “Snow Country” vehicle, entering a world of pristine white. The trip includes the possibility of a “Thousand People Disco” party in the evening (subject to weather conditions).
Includes: lunch, dinner, and accommodation at Erlanghe Boutique Homestay with traditional heated kang bed.
Free day in Harbin.
Accommodation: Harbin 4-star Kyriad Hotel or similar
Optional Upgrade Includes:
In the morning, immerse yourself in the local customs of Erlanghe Snow Town. Under the guidance of a professional Northeastern chef, learn to make traditional dumplings, frozen popsicles, and candied hawthorns. Dress in traditional Northeastern cotton-padded jackets and experience life like a local. Enjoy the unique winter fishing performance, “The Ussuri Boat Song Winter Fishing,” and each guest will have a special freshly stewed fish soup (lunch included).
View the historic Yabuli Train Station, built in 1900, originally named Yabloni Station, a key hub on the Middle East Railway, distinguished by its unique Russian-style architecture. In the evening, return to Harbin and be transferred back to your hotel for rest.
According to your individual flight schedules, proceed to the airport on your own and board your departure flight.
