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Harbin Ice Festival Express

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6 days

Let it snow! Celebrate the New Year at the Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival, home to the world's largest and most elaborate ice sculptures. Experience the magic and otherworldly beauty of Sun Island Park and Ice and Snow World on New Year's Eve, making this a holiday like no other.

For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes

Tour Overview

Duration

6 days

Starts

Beijing

Ends

Beijing

Range

Signature

Tour Guide

Yes - escorted by a tour guide

Group Size

Min 2 / Max 24

Minimum age

12 yrs, accompanied by an adult

Departs

28 December

Hotel Rating

4 star

Countries

China

Arrival Transfer

Yes

Departure Transfer

No - bookable for a supplement

Meals included

Breakfast: 4, Dinner: 2
Save 35% today
Per Person From
$3,975.00
NZD$2,583.75
Deposit From
Final payment
NZD$1,000.00
$4,167.50

Tour Highlights

Harbin - Explore the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival, including Sun Island International Snow Sculpture Art Expo, Harbin Ice and Snow World and Harbin Ice Lantern Show at Zhaolin Park
Huanghuacheng Great Wall - A section of the Great Wall of China, unique for its partially submerged and picturesque portion of the wall
Beijing - Wander the capital of China, with free time to explore at your leisure

Included

4 breakfasts and 2 dinners
4 nights 4 star hotels
Economy Flight: Beijing – Harbin
1 overnight train: Harbin - Beijing (4-berth soft sleeper cabin)
Touring of Beijing, Great Wall area, and Harbin Ice Festival
Escorted by an experienced English speaking Chinese Tour guide
Airport arrival transfer from Beijing Capital Airport on day 1
All relevant transfers and transportation in private heated vehicles
English speaking specialist guides at some sites

Not Included

International flights and visa
Tip for your tour guide. We recommend you allow USD$5 - 7 per day, per traveller as a tip for your guide. Tipping your guide and driver is an entirely personal gesture
Entrance Fees: USD$120-130pp, paid in local currency
Tipping Kitty: USD$35-45pp, paid in local currency
Tipping is not a natural part of many Western cultures and many of us feel uncomfortable, or unsure, about when, or how much, to tip. However, in the places you will visit, tipping makes up a significant part of many people's wages so it's important that we get it right. For this reason we've developed a very simple system to take all the hassle out of tipping. With our 'tipping made easy' policy, a nominal pre-determined amount is collected from all group tour participants to cover tips en route. This then saves you the hassle of when and how much to tip bellhops, luggage handlers, local guides and other support staff through the tour. Our 'tipping made easy' doesn't include a tip to your group tour leader. Naturally, though, the amount is up to you as tipping is an entirely personal gesture.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Welcome to Beijing

28 December. Huang ying, welcome to China and the start of your holiday! Upon your arrival at Beijing Capital Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in.

The day is yours to explore Beijing, the captivating capital of China, renowned for its blend of history, contemporary skyscrapers, and iconic cultural sites such as the Great Wall of China.

Overnight: Beijing

Day 2 - The Great Wall of China

Today, prepare for an exciting journey to the iconic Great Wall of China. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Great Wall stands as an enduring symbol of Chinese civilization and ingenuity. Initially constructed for defensive purposes, it snakes an impressive 6,700 kilometers across diverse terrains and towering mountains.

We'll be visiting the Huanghuacheng section of the Great Wall, known as the "Yellow Flower Great Wall." Its name originates from the vibrant yellow wildflowers that bloom along the wall during specific seasons. What sets Huanghuacheng apart is that a portion of the wall is partially submerged underwater. We'll embark on a scenic hike along the wall, offering breathtaking views and a deeper understanding of the structure's historical significance.

This evening will be spent at your own leisure.

Overnight: Beijing
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 - Hello Harbin!

Beijing - Harbin. After breakfast at the hotel, we'll transfer to the airport for our flight to Harbin. Known as the "Ice City," Harbin is famous for its stunning ice and snow sculptures, particularly showcased during the annual Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival—the highlight of your visit!

Upon arrival in Harbin, we'll head to the hotel, where you can settle in and relax amidst the city's unique blend of Russian and Chinese architecture.Later in the evening, we'll head to a local restaurant for dinner. One of the highlights on the menu is "Fried Pork in Scoop" (Guo Bao Rou), a beloved dish from northeastern Chinese cuisine. This dish features thinly sliced pork coated in a crispy batter and served with a delightful sweet and sour sauce. Enjoy this delicious introduction to Harbin's local tastes, as we kick off our journey in this vibrant city.

Overnight: Harbin
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4 - Harbin International Ice & Snow Sculpture Festival

We begin the last day of the year at the bustling Hongzhuan Local Market, celebrated for its diverse offerings and tasty local flavours.

Next, we venture to Sun Island Park for the China Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival. While the official opening is on January 5th, the festival welcomes visitors from mid-December, offering a perfect opportunity to witness sculptors putting final touches on their masterpieces.

After breaking for lunch, our journey continues to the enchanting Harbin Snow and Ice World. Imagine gliding down a massive ice luge resembling the Great Wall of China or ascending a replica of the Emperor’s Summer Palace in Beijing, complete with towers, a guardhouse, and a moat with a seven-arched bridge. Here, you can even sail on Empress Dowager Cixi’s ice marble boat. The creations at Snow and Ice World defy imagination, enchanting, inspiring, and sometimes wonderfully bizarre—what surprises await this year are anyone’s guess!

Dinner awaits at a local restaurant with a specialty dish, "Northeastern Braised Chicken in Iron Pan," known for its hearty flavours. We'll end the day at our hotel bar, ringing in the New Year with festive lights and local 'Maitai firewater.' It's a perfect way to welcome the coming year in Harbin's enchanting atmosphere!

Overnight: Harbin
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5 - Happy New Year - Harbin Ice Lantern Show

Harbin - Beijing (Overnight train). Happy New Year! Today, we begin with a visit to the Chinese Eastern Railway Bridge, a historic landmark that has defined Harbin's identity for a century. We'll then explore Stalin Park, a serene riverside park stretching 1,750 meters. Our tour also includes an exterior visit to the Russian Orthodox Church of St. Sophia, originally built in 1907 once the largest Orthodox church in the Far East.

A highlight of our day awaits at Zhaolin Park, the birthplace of the enchanting Ice Lanterns and host to the renowned Ice Lantern Art Fair. Here, we'll marvel at spectacular ice sculptures illuminated by traditional Chinese lanterns and neon lights. Since its first Ice Lantern party in 1963, the park has set seven Guinness World Records for its impressive creations.

Afterwards, we'll leisurely stroll along Central Street, celebrated for its historic charm and elegant architecture. At the Modern Hotel, a landmark dating back to the 1910s and often likened to the Palace of Versailles, we'll indulge in ice popsicles. Lunch will be at your leisure, followed by a drive through East and West Dazhi Street to admire old churches, such as the Eastern Orthodox church and the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

After returning to the hotel, enjoy the afternoon with a late check-out until 6:00 PM. Dinner will be at your leisure in downtown Harbin. Later, we'll transfer to the train station for our overnight journey back to Beijing.

Overnight: Soft Sleeper Train to Beijing
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 - Beijing - your way

02 January. After arriving in Beijing by overnight train, you'll be transferred to our tour start hotel where your tour comes to an end. Please ensure your flight departs from Beijing after 2 PM to accommodate any potential delays. Post-tour accommodation and a departure transfer to the airport (at an additional cost) can be arranged if you require.

Extras and add-ons

If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.

Pre and Post Tour Accommodation

Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.

Pre-Tour Accommodation - Beijing (From price)

Double

$105per passenger

Twin

$105per passenger

Single

$215per passenger

Post-Tour Accommodation - Beijing (From price)

Double

$105per passenger

Twin

$105per passenger

Single

$215per passenger

Additional Excursions

Enhance your tour with these optional extras, helping you to get the most from your adventure.

Daytime Beijing Airport (PEK) Departure Transfer (max. 3 pax)

$295

per passenger

Nighttime Beijing Airport (PEK) Departure Transfer (max. 3 pax)

$375

per passenger

Hotels

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.

If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.

Dong Fang Hotel Beijing
Beijing

Dong Fang Hotel Beijing, nestled in Beijing's Cultural Tourism District, offers a rich cultural experience with its proximity to historical attractions. Comprising of three distinct buildings from 1918, 1953, and 1985, this Republic of China-themed hotel seamlessly blends nostalgia with classic charm. Guests can savor traditional Shandong cuisine at the 'Flavor 1918 restaurant'.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Harbin Nangang District Government Atour Hotel
Harbin

The Harbin Nangang District Government Atour Hotel is strategically situated for travelers eager to explore the city. Located just 2km from Binjiang Railway Station, it offers convenient access to transportation options. Within close proximity are attractions like the Temple of the Holy Virgin, Gogol Street, and The Russia Heyuan, ensuring plenty to see and do. After a day of exploring, guests can unwind in the hotel's comfortable accommodations. Renowned for its excellent facilities, the Harbin Nangang District Government Atour Hotel offers a restaurant, 24 hour lobby, and a fitness centre.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel

Prices & Dates

All dates are guaranteed to operate when there are 4 persons booked on the tour. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers or anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. Room sharing is not available on this tour.

We welcome families with teens 12 years of age and over on this tour.

2024
Twin/Double
Single
28 Dec - 2 Jan
Save 35%
$3,975$2,584
$4,875$3,169
2025
Twin/Double
Single
28 Dec - 2 Jan
Save 35%
$3,975$2,584
$4,875$3,169

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