5 Days Classic Harbin and Snow Town Winter Tour

Summary

Itinerary Highlights

Day1 Arrive in Harbin: St. Sofia Church, Central Street, Zhaolin Park

Day2 Harbin-Snow Town: Xueyun Street, Dream House, Errenzhuan

Day3 Snow Town: Yangcao Mountain Sunrise Watching

Day4 Harbin: Sun Island, Siberian Tiger Park, Ice and Snow World

Day5 Harbin Departure

Day 1 Arrive in Harbin

Pick up service is arranged at Harbin train station/airport, our friendly local guide will be waiting to greet you with a welcome signage reading "Your Way Holiday". After a warm introduction, the guide will assist with your luggage and escort you directly to your first exciting destination. your adventure begins right away! The guide will ensure you have a seamless and enjoyable experience as you explore the highlights of Harbin, making the most of your time in the city.

Your first stop in Harbin is the impressive St. Sophia Church, one of the city's most iconic landmarks. Located in the Daoli district, this former Russian Orthodox cathedral was built in 1907 and is a stunning example of Russian architectural style, with its grand green dome and intricate design. As you enter, your guide will share the fascinating history of the church, once a center for the Russian community in Harbin. The guide will explain how the church reflects the city’s multicultural heritage, blending Russian, Byzantine, and local Chinese elements. Inside, you’ll marvel at the beautifully restored frescoes and vibrant stained glass windows. The guide will also provide insight into the role of St. Sophia in Harbin’s past and the cultural connections between China and Russia.

Next, you will take a leisurely stroll along Harbin’s historic Central Street, also known as Zhongyang Street. This bustling pedestrian avenue is often referred to as a "gallery of European architectural art" due to its impressive collection of Western-style buildings. As you walk, your guide will point out the unique blend of architectural styles, including Russian, Baroque, and Renaissance influences, which reflect the city's rich cultural history. The street, stretching over 1.4 kilometers, is lined with beautiful buildings, vibrant shops, cafes, and restaurants, offering a European charm right in the heart of Harbin. Your guide will share interesting stories about the street’s past, from its origins as a Russian commercial hub to its role in shaping the city’s identity. Whether you’ve visited Moscow, Paris, or Rome, Central Street offers a glimpse of their architectural grandeur, making it a must-see for every visitor to Harbin.

During your sightseeing break, get ready to enjoy a delicious meal at a cozy local restaurant or scenic spot, based on your preferences. Your guide will take you to a charming eatery where you can taste the bold and hearty flavors of Harbin's unique cuisine. Try the famous crispy fried pork, with its crunchy outside and tender inside, or enjoy the smoky, savory Harbin red sausage, a beloved street snack that captures the local flavor. For a traditional experience, your guide may suggest a hotpot with tender pork and pickled cabbage, perfectly cooked together. Whether you’re enjoying a refreshing bowl of cold noodles in the summer or a warm, comforting chicken stew with mushrooms in the winter, each dish will be packed with rich, satisfying flavors. Throughout your meal, your guide will share interesting stories and insights about the local food culture, making sure your dining experience is not just a meal, but a memorable part of your journey in Harbin.

At around 7:00 PM, you will visit Zhaolin Park to enjoy the mesmerizing Ice Lantern Art Show, one of the main attractions of Harbin’s Ice and Snow Festival. Zhaolin Park is famous for its spectacular ice sculptures and has been the site of ice lantern displays since 1985. Your guide will share that the tradition of creating ice lanterns in Harbin dates back centuries, with the modern festival growing from a small event in 1999 to become the largest winter festival in the world. As darkness falls, the park comes alive with beautifully illuminated ice sculptures, showcasing intricate designs and vivid colors. Your guide will lead you through the park, explaining the significance of the lanterns and the skill required to create these stunning works of art. Many sculptures depict traditional Chinese themes, animals, and famous landmarks. This enchanting display is a must-see and a perfect way to experience Harbin's winter wonderland.

Day 2 Harbin-Snow Town

Check out from your hotel in the morning. Our guide will meet you in the hotel lobby, then drive to Mudanjiang city directly, where Snow Town located (around 5 hours). Upon your arrival at China Snow Town, check in and have lunch at local restaurant first. After lunch, taking you to walk around the China Snow Town (Xuexiang). China’s Snow Town, is located in Mudanjiang city, Heilongjiang Province, at the north end of China. In winter, heavy snow covers everything and makes the farm a white wonderland. In spite of the cold weather, the beautiful snow scenery attracts more than 500 thousand tourists annually. In Xuexiang, you have three attractions to visit.

Xueyun Street, a lively 500-meter-long street that comes alive at night. Located in the heart of the town, your guide will take you through this vibrant area, lined with grocery stores, restaurants, theaters, and hotels. As you walk, the guide will introduce you to the local snacks, such as refreshing ice sticks, sweet Bing Tang Hulu (sugar-coated hawthorn on a stick), and savory kebabs. For those with a taste for local specialties, you can also find freshly picked mushrooms and nuts sold by friendly locals. Your guide will share insights into the street's history and the cultural significance of these foods, ensuring you have a truly immersive experience as you explore this bustling part of China Snow Town.

Next, you will visit the Dream House (Meng Huan Jia Yuan Studio), a must-see attraction in Snow Town, especially for photography enthusiasts. This charming area is famous for its whimsical little wooden houses, which, during winter, are completely covered in thick snow, creating a magical and dreamlike landscape. The houses are transformed into enchanting shapes, resembling white horses, rabbits, turtles, and even giant mushrooms. The scene is further enhanced by red lanterns hanging under the eaves, adding a touch of warmth and festivity to the snowy setting. Your guide will explain that the Dream House is not only a popular spot for tourists but has also been featured in several TV shows, including the famous reality program "Where Are We Going, Dad?" As you explore this fairy-tale-like village, you'll have the opportunity to capture some unforgettable photos and enjoy the peaceful, picturesque atmosphere that makes this place a photographer's paradise.

In Snow Town, get ready to savor a delicious meal at a cozy local restaurant or scenic spot, depending on your preferences. Your guide will take you to a charming eatery where you can enjoy the bold and hearty flavors of Harbin's unique cuisine. Try the famous crispy fried pork, with its crunchy exterior and tender interior, or taste the smoky, flavorful Harbin red sausage, a popular street snack that captures the essence of local flavors. For a traditional experience, your guide may suggest a hotpot with tender pork and pickled cabbage, perfectly simmered together. Whether you’re enjoying a refreshing bowl of cold noodles in summer or a warm, comforting chicken stew with mushrooms in winter, each dish is full of satisfying, rich flavors. Throughout your meal, your guide will share fascinating stories and insights about the local food culture, ensuring that your dining experience becomes a memorable part of your Harbin adventure.

After dinner, you will enjoy a local performance known as Errenzhuan (Two-People Rotation), a traditional folk dance and song form from Northeast China. This lively performance typically features a boy and a girl, who both sing and dance while interacting with each other. They use props like folded fans or red square handkerchiefs, which they twirl in time with the music, adding an extra layer of charm to the dance. The performance is well-known for its humorous dialogue and lively sketches, which often involve playful interactions and witty exchanges between the performers. The amusing and relatable content has made Er Ren Zhuan highly popular, even surpassing traditional dances and songs in the region. Your guide will provide insight into the significance of this folk art, ensuring you understand its cultural roots while enjoying this fun and engaging experience.

Day 3 Snow Town - Harbin

You will be picked up from your hotel by our guide, and the day begins with a visit to the nearby Yangcao Mountain. Located on the northwest side of Snow Town, Yangchao Mountain is the highest in the area, standing at 1,200 meters. The best way to fully appreciate its stunning snowy landscapes is by hiking up to the summit, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding winter scenery. This peaceful mountain offers a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Arriving early in the morning, you'll be in time to witness a breathtaking sunrise, a highlight of the trip (the hike takes approximately 3 hours). Afterward, you’ll return to Snow Town and enjoy a simple, refreshing lunch before continuing your adventure. The hike provides a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature and experience the beauty of the snow-covered landscape in its purest form.

After you explore Yangcao Mountain, your guide will lead you to local eateries where you can sample an array of Northeast China’s distinctive dishes. Enjoy hearty specialties like Russian-style borscht, spicy hot pot, fragrant stews, and savory dumplings, all offering a taste of the region’s rich culinary heritage. Your guide will introduce you to traditional flavors and cooking methods that reflect the unique fusion of Manchu, Russian, and local influences. Whether you’re seeking warming comfort food or flavorful snacks, your guide will recommend the best dishes to try, ensuring there are options for all dietary preferences. This stop offers not just a chance to savor authentic food, but also an opportunity to appreciate the cultural importance of these dishes, each with its own backstory. It’s the perfect way to experience the flavors of Northeast China while immersing yourself in the region’s natural beauty.

After lunch,drive back to your hotel in Harbin.

Day 4 Harbin

Pick you up at your hotel lobby. The first stop is Sun Island, Sun Island International Snow Sculpture Art Expo, also known as Sun Island International Snow Sculpture Art Fair, is the birthplace and leader of the international snow sculpture art. Together with Harbin Ice and Snow World, Harbin Ice Lantern Fair at Zhaolin Park, it is known as one of the most important three theme parks of the Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival. And due to its long exhibition period (60-70 days), high quality, various cultural themes, large scale and interesting activities, the expo is also known as "the world's largest ice and snow carnival". Snow Wonderland, a 3D snow-light show applying modern sound, light and digital technologies has been displayed at Sun Island International Snow Sculpture Art Expo recent days.

After lunch, you'll head to the Siberian Tiger Park, the most thrilling part of the tour. Located on the northern side of the Songhua River, near Sun Island, the park spans an impressive 1,200,000 square meters. It is the only place in the world where you can see the rare and endangered Siberian tiger, also known as the Manchurian tiger, one of the top 10 most endangered species globally. As you explore the park, you’ll have the opportunity to get up close to these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Your guide will explain the conservation efforts in place to protect these incredible tigers. Visitors can even feed the tigers meat and, for the brave, take photos with them under safe conditions. This experience offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to observe one of the world’s most elusive and powerful animals.

Dive into a culinary adventure as you explore Harbin's iconic landmarks and vibrant food scene. This journey is as much about flavors as it is about history, guided by a local expert with a passion for the city’s rich gastronomic heritage. No trip to Harbin is complete without experiencing its signature dishes. Savor the famous Harbin-style Sausage, smoked to perfection with a rich, savory flavor, or indulge in hearty, warming dishes like Russian-style borscht with tender beef and tangy beets. Discover the city’s beloved snacks, from "guo bao rou" (Pot-fried pork) to "pao mo" (steamed bread in lamb broth), which reflect the fusion of Russian, Manchu, and local influences. For a communal and warming meal, enjoy a traditional "shuan yang rou" hotpot, where thinly sliced lamb and fresh vegetables are cooked in a bubbling broth. With options for vegetarians and halal diets, this tour caters to all, ensuring every meal is a celebration of Harbin’s culinary legacy.

In the evening, you will visit the Harbin Ice and Snow World, a breathtaking winter wonderland located in the middle of the Songhua River. This incredible park stretches 1030 meters in length, with a maximum width of 25 meters, covering nearly 200,000 square meters. It uses 60,000 cubic meters of ice to create magnificent sculptures and structures. Founded in 1999 by the Harbin Municipal Government to celebrate the Millennium and the "Shenzhou Century Tour," it has become a major winter attraction. As your guide, I will lead you through this magical ice kingdom, explaining the artistic techniques behind each ice sculpture and sharing the history of this iconic festival. The park is a perfect fusion of natural beauty and human creativity, offering a unique chance to experience the magic of Harbin’s winter season.

Day 5 Harbin Departure

You will have free time to explore the city at your own pace, allowing you to visit any attractions or enjoy local shopping and dining. This part of the tour offers flexibility, giving you the freedom to customize your day according to your interests. When you're ready, your guide and driver will escort you to the train station or airport for your next destination, marking the end of our service.

Price Per Person in US Dollars