6 Days Beijing Harbin Winter Ice Festival Tour

Winter in China: From Beijing Imperial City to Harbin Ice City

If you’ve been dreaming of witnessing the spectacular Harbin Ice and Snow Festival but aren’t sure how to get there, Beijing is the perfect starting point for your winter adventure. With numerous international flights and a highly convenient high-speed train connection, it takes about 5-6 hours to travel from Beijing to Harbin. Spending a few days in Beijing allows you to gradually adjust to the cold northern climate, preparing you for the extreme winter weather in Harbin.

Our 6-Day Beijing Harbin Tour will take you from the majestic Imperial City of Beijing to the snow-covered streets of Harbin. With carefully arranged transportation and seamless connections, we ensure a smooth and unforgettable winter journey.

Beijing Winter Tour

As China’s capital, Beijing is a treasure trove of cultural and historical heritage. Stroll through snow-covered Tiananmen Square, experience its grandeur, and explore the mysteries of the Forbidden City. Immerse yourself in its profound cultural depth amid historic red walls and yellow tiles. Enjoy panoramic views of Beijing’s winter landscape from Jingshan Park, and visit the majestic Mutianyu Great Wall, where its beauty is enhanced by the winter sun. At the Summer Palace, find peace by Kunming Lake and admire the elegance of the royal gardens.

Harbin Ice Festival Tour

Take a high-speed train to Harbin for the spectacular Ice Festival, where giant ice sculptures and intricate snow art transform the city into a winter wonderland. Experience the thrill of seeing Siberian tigers, explore the enchanting Snow Sculpture Art Expo on Sun Island, and marvel at the illuminated ice castles at Ice and Snow World. Stroll through Harbin’s Central Street, lined with Russian architecture, to savor authentic street food.

You Can Experience “Must-see & Must-do” with This Tour

Highlight 1: Forbidden City

Walk and explore the largest imperial capital city still existing in China. The Forbidden City was the imperial palace of China for about 600 years and was home to 24 emperors in history — 14 from the Ming Dynasty and 10 from the Qing Dynasty.

Highlight 2: Mutianyu Great Wall

Hike on the magnificent Mutianyu Great Wall, one of the best-preserved sections. Less crowded than other parts of the Wall, it offers spectacular views, like a traditional Chinese painting scroll, especially when dusted with winter snow.

Highlight 3: Harbin Ice City

Venture to Harbin’s “Ice City,” home of the Annual International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival. Immerse yourself in dazzling ice artistry and indulge in a one-of-a-kind winter wonderland experience. Towering sculptures sparkle under colorful lights, and every corner offers a new icy marvel.

Highlight 4: Sun Island Snow Sculpture Art Expo

Visit Sun Island Snow Sculpture Art Expo, where you'll be mesmerized by intricate, towering snow sculptures. These shimmering masterpieces, carved by international artists, create a frozen gallery that you can walk through and admire.

Highlight 5: Ice and Snow World

Step into the Ice and Snow World, a fantastical realm made of thousands of cubic meters of ice and snow sculptures. It feels like entering a sparkling fairy tale where ice castles and intricate designs transport you to a magical, frosty world.

Highlight 6: Winter Sports Fun

Enjoy the endless fun of winter sports! Try unique winter activities like Snow Tubing, Snowball Fighting, Ice Sliding, and Ice Biking, and experience the thrill of speed and excitement that ice and snow bring.

Highlight 7: Siberian Tiger Safari

Take a thrilling safari ride through the Siberian Tiger Park. Experience the exhilarating sensation of being up close and personal with Siberian tigers, as they pace just feet away, their amber eyes tracking your every move.

Highlight 8: St. Sophia Cathedral and Russian Charm

Explore St. Sophia Cathedral, marveling at its Byzantine architecture. Stroll along Central Avenue to Stalin Park, where Russian-style charm and history blend together. Explore the Old Daowai district to discover the unique allure of “Chinese Baroque” architecture.

Highlight 9: Hongzhuan Street Market

An early morning visit to the Hongzhuan Street Market lets you taste authentic Northeast snacks and experience the rhythm of local life, where you can truly feel the unique hospitality and witty charm of the Northeast people.

Highlight 10: Winter Swimming Performance

Don't miss this one-of-a-kind local winter specialty sport! Head to the Harbin Bund Snowman Pier to witness an exhilarating winter swimming performance. Feel the courage and endurance of the locals as they dive into icy waters.

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Itinerary at a Glance

Beijing (3 Days)

• Tian’anmen Square
• Forbidden City
• Jingshan Park
• Temple of Heaven
• Mutianyu Great Wall
• Summer Palace

Harbin (3 Days)

• Siberian Tiger Park
• Sun Island
• Harbin Ice and Snow World
• Hongzhuan Street Morning Market
• Winter Swimming Performance
• St. Sophia Cathedral
• Stalin Park
• Central Street (Zhongyang Pedestrian Street)
• Lao Daowai District

Day 1: Arrival in Beijing | Airport Pick-up and Hotel Check-in

Nihao! Welcome to Beijing, the capital city of China! Upon arrival at Beijing Airport or Train Station, your guide and driver will be there to greet you. They will escort you to your well-selected hotel in downtown Beijing, where you can check in and settle down.

Free Time:

• You can relax and recover from jet lag, or if you’re feeling energetic, you may explore nearby attractions at your own pace. If you need suggestions, ask your tour guide for local recommendations.
• Beijing’s public transport is extensive, so you can take a brief walk or ride to places like Wangfujing Street, a major shopping and dining area, or just enjoy the local ambiance around your hotel.

Accommodation:

• Overnight stay in Beijing.

Day 2: Beijing City Tour | Tian’anmen Square, Forbidden City, Jingshan Park, Temple of Heaven

Today, embark on a journey through Beijing's historic sites that showcase its imperial grandeur.

Morning:

1. Tian’anmen Square – Begin your day by visiting Tian'anmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world. It is a symbol of China's modern history and has witnessed countless significant events. You can take iconic photos of the grand Tiananmen Gate, which is seen daily on CCTV news broadcasts.
2. Forbidden City – Walk across the square to the Forbidden City, the former home of China’s emperors. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this vast palace complex consists of over 8,700 rooms and spans nearly 180 acres. It served as the political center of China for over 500 years. As you stroll through the central axis, you’ll pass by majestic halls and courtyards, learning about the stories of Chinese emperors and their court life. Don’t forget to visit the Imperial Garden, filled with beautiful trees and pavilions.

Afternoon: 3. Jingshan Park – Just a short walk from the Forbidden City, climb to the top of Jingshan Park for a stunning panoramic view of Beijing. Here, you can enjoy a great view of the Forbidden City with the city skyline in the background.

1. Temple of Heaven – In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Heaven, where Chinese emperors once prayed for good harvests. The temple complex features brilliant architecture and interesting structures, such as the Echo Wall and the Triple Sound Stones. It’s a great place to relax and watch local people practice Tai Chi or other traditional exercises.

Dining:

• Breakfast and lunch included.

Accommodation:

• Overnight stay in Beijing.

Day 3: Beijing Great Wall Tour | Mutianyu Great Wall, Summer Palace

Today, venture beyond the city to explore two of China’s most iconic attractions: the Great Wall and the Summer Palace.

Morning:

1. Mutianyu Great Wall – Depart for the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, located about 1.5-2 hours north of Beijing. Mutianyu is less crowded compared to other parts of the Wall and offers stunning views and well-preserved sections. You can take a cable car to the 14th watchtower and enjoy a peaceful hike along the western route of the wall, where you’ll be surrounded by picturesque landscapes of green forests and rugged mountains. If you're up for a challenge, continue climbing up to the 20th watchtower for even better views.

Afternoon: 2. Summer Palace – After lunch, visit the Summer Palace, a royal retreat during the Qing Dynasty. This imperial garden offers spectacular landscapes, with its man-made Kunming Lake surrounded by majestic pavilions, bridges, and temples. Take a leisurely walk around the area, stopping to admire the ornate Hall of Benevolence and Longevity, the Long Corridor (a covered walkway with painted artwork), and enjoy a boat ride on the lake if the weather permits.

Dining:

• Breakfast and lunch included.

Accommodation:

• Overnight stay in Beijing.

Day 4: Beijing to Harbin by High-Speed Train | Train Station Transfers and Hotel Check-in

Say goodbye to Beijing and board a high-speed train to Harbin, China’s "Ice City" in northeastern Heilongjiang Province.

Morning:

• You will be escorted to the train station for your high-speed train to Harbin, a journey that takes approximately 5-6.5 hours.

Afternoon:

• Upon arrival in Harbin, your tour guide and driver will meet you at the train station and escort you to your hotel in downtown Harbin. Once you’ve checked in, take some time to rest or venture out for a brief exploration of the local area.

Free Time:

• If time permits, enjoy the winter atmosphere of Harbin's pedestrian streets, perhaps visiting Zhongyang Street or the famous Saint Sophia Cathedral.

Accommodation:

• Overnight stay in Harbin.

Day 5: Harbin Ice and Snow Festival Tour | Siberian Tiger Park, Ice and Snow World, Sun Island

Harbin is famous for its winter festivals, ice sculptures, and unique winter wildlife. Today, you will experience the magic of Harbin in winter.

Morning:

1. Siberian Tiger Park – Begin the day with a visit to the Siberian Tiger Park, the world’s largest natural reserve dedicated to the conservation of the Siberian tiger. In this park, you can observe these majestic creatures up close. The park allows you to ride in cage-style sightseeing vehicles, where you can safely watch tigers in a simulated natural habitat. For an even more thrilling experience, you can feed the tigers (at your own expense), an unforgettable moment as these magnificent creatures reach up on their hind legs to grasp the food.

Afternoon: 2. Sun Island – Next, visit Sun Island to explore the Sun Island International Snow Sculpture Art Expo, a winter wonderland filled with massive snow sculptures crafted by artists from around the world. The details in these sculptures are breathtaking, from animals to castles and abstract shapes, all carved out of snow. Enjoy the beauty of the winter landscape and participate in some ice activities if you like.

1. Harbin Ice and Snow World – After Sun Island, head to the Ice and Snow World, the highlight of Harbin’s Ice and Snow Festival. This is a dreamlike world made entirely of ice and snow, where you can see towering castles, animals, and even entire buildings, all illuminated with colorful lights. If you’re adventurous, try out some thrilling activities like ice tubing, ice go-karting, or even ride the Snowflake Ferris Wheel.

Dining:

• Breakfast and lunch included.

Accommodation:

• Overnight stay in Harbin.

Day 6: Harbin Local Tour & Departure | Winter Swimming Show, St. Sophia Cathedral, Stalin Park

Your last day in Harbin will be filled with local experiences and cultural immersion.

Morning:

1. Hongzhuan Street Morning Market – Visit the Hongzhuan Street morning market to sample local snacks and get a taste of daily life in Harbin. Try northeastern specialties like flatbreads, tofu pudding, and fried dough cakes. The market is vibrant and gives you a chance to observe the hustle and bustle of local culture.
2. Winter Swimming Show – Head to the Snowman Pier at the Bund to witness the daring winter swimming performance. Watch as enthusiastic swimmers dive into the frigid waters and glide gracefully through the ice-cold river, an experience unique to Harbin’s winter culture.

Afternoon: 3. St. Sophia Cathedral – Visit this beautiful Russian Orthodox cathedral, one of Harbin’s most iconic landmarks. Its stunning architecture, with a green onion dome and intricate red-brick façade, stands out against the winter backdrop.

1. Zhongyang Pedestrian Street – Stroll along this historic street, lined with buildings in a mix of Baroque, Renaissance, and Russian-inspired styles. It's a great place to shop for local handicrafts or try some traditional Harbin sausages.
2. Lao Daowai – End your day at Lao Daowai, Harbin’s historical district known for its “Chinese Baroque” architecture. Here, you can explore old shops, sample traditional snacks, and experience Harbin’s unique blend of Eastern and Western cultures.

Departure:

• In the late afternoon or evening, your guide will escort you to the airport or train station for your departure.

Service included

• Hotel Accommodations for 0 Harbin
• Hotel breakfasts and Lunch
  Daily Lunch Location Options (choose one): A: Dumplings at famous Harbin dumpling restaurant: The Oriental King Dumpling B: Self-serve hot pot restaurant C: Barbecue buffet restaurant
  Lunch Drink Options (choose one): A: Harbin Beer B: Juice)
• Private air-conditioned vehicle with skilled driver
• English speaking tour guides
• Entrance fees listed in the itinerary
• Government taxes and service charges

Service excluded

• Airfare, tax and fuel surcharge.
• Round trip international airfare or train tickets
• Early check-in and late check-out at hotels, if not mentioned in the itinerary
• Meals and services other than mentioned in the itinerary
• Optional tours
• International Travel Insurance
• All tips to guides and drivers
• Excess luggage charges
• Personal expenses
• Visa fees

Note:

The quotation is different for China Public Holidays. For instance, Chinese Spring Festival,Tomb-sweeping Festival, Labor Day, Dragon-boat Festival, Mid-autumn Festival, China National Day, etc. Please note that we reserve the right to make some necessary alterations caused by accidental forces. In this case, any increase or reduction of the tour cost will be calculated and we will deal with it accordingly.

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Included & Excluded

Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary;

Meals as listed in the itinerary;

Accommodations: hotels based on twin occupancy as specified(Except day tours);

Sharing English-speaking tour guide;

Sharing vehicle for transfers & sightseeing with skilled driver;

Service charge & government taxes;

Luggage transfers between airports and hotels;

Domestic train tickets of soft sleeper.

Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;

Chinese visa fees;

Excess baggage charged by Airlines;

Single room supplement;

Tips to guides and drivers;

Personal expenses and gratuities to service staff;

Personal travel accident insurance;

All optional programs.