The acclaimed Ice Festival in Harbin in the far north east of China is the feature of this snow and ice experience. See the massive and complex ice carvings for which the festival is famous, plus visit other winter wonderland spectacles – the Great Wall seen under pristine snow is memorable indeed. You will need to come prepared for some extreme cold at times, but good company, delicious food and comfortable, warm hotels will bring out the best of this winter wonderland adventure.
Day 1 – Arrive Harbin
Arrive Beijing and connect with a domestic flight on to Harbin in the far north east of China and home of the famous Ice Festival. The city is the capital of Heilongjiang Province and a major trading centre in the area. The Songhua River flows across the city, nicknamed “Ice City” or “Snow city” because it lies under ice and snow for as long as four months in winter. You will be met on arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
Stay two nights at the Holiday Inn Harbin City Centre.
Day 2 – Harbin
Visit Sun Island Park to see the glittering ice sculptures. Massive blocks are carved into intricate shapes, some lit from within by coloured lights, providing an impressive display. Then travel to the Siberian Tiger Park and tour the park in a specially caged bus to perhaps see the rare tigers playing in the snow. In the afternoon visit St Sophia’s Church, a magnificent example of Byzantine architecture, and then you a free to wander along Central Street. In the evening see the Lantern Show in the icy wonderland of Zhaolin Park. (B,L,D)
Day 3 – Harbin – Beijing
In the morning watch or take part in some of the special winter activities such as sledding, winter swimming or ice sailing. In the afternoon fly south to Beijing
Stay three nights at the Qianmen Jianguo Hotel in Beijing.
Day 4 – Great Wall excursion
Travel north from the city to the Great Wall of China where you can walk on top of the wall and appreciate the scale of this remarkable structure as it snakes down valleys and along ridge lines as far as the eye can see. This is a rare opportunity to see Great Wall and the surrounding mountains and valleys under the grip of the northern China winter. On the way back to Beijing stop at the Ming Tombs and stroll along the Sacred Way lined with animal statues. This evening be entertained by a Kong Fu Show. (B,L,D)
Day 5 – Beijing
Today you will visit the famous sights of Beijing including the majestic Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, the Temple of Heaven, and the Olympic Green to see the “Bird’s Nest” and “Water Cube”. In the evening enjoy a Peking Duck Dinner. (B,L,D)
Day 6 – Depart Beijing
In the morning tour the Hutongs, Beijing’s ancient, narrow streets. Stop at one of the courtyard homes for lunch. See the panda house at Beijing Zoo, then visit the Summer Palace, the summer retreat of the imperial court set in beautiful gardens with lakes and pavilions. Transfer to the rail station to board the overnight train to Xian.
Stay one night on the overnight train. (B,L)
Day 7 – Arrive Xian
Arrive Xian early this morning and transfer to your hotel for breakfast. Visit the Shaanxi Provincial Museum, one of the best museums in China, the Muslim Quarter, the Great Mosque, and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, built to house Buddhist scriptures.
Stay two nights in Xian the Grand Dynasty Culture Hotel. (B,L)
Day 8 – Xian
Today you will see another amazing sight; the Terracotta Warriors and Horses still standing in battle formation as placed 2000 years ago. Visit the large exhibition halls where excavation and restoration work is on-going. Later walk along the top of 500 year old City Wall. This evening try a Dumpling Banquet and see the colourful Tang Dance Show. (B,L,D)
Day 9 – Xian to Suzhou
Transfer to the railway station for the high speed train (0929/1604) to Suzhou, a city famous for its exquisite gardens and traditional canal living. Visit the old town and take a boat ride on the small canals.
Stay two nights at the Suzhou Holiday Inn Express Hotel. (B)
Day 10 – Suzhou
Visit the classical Lingering Garden then learn about silk production and see highly skilled textile work at a silk factory. Visit Tongli, the ancient water town, in the afternoon. (B,L)
Day 11 – Suzhou to Shanghai
Travel back to Shanghai. Take a guided stroll along the Bund, enjoy a panoramic view over the city from the sightseeing floor in the 2nd Sphere of the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, and see the thriving waterfront on a Huangpo River cruise.
Stay one night at the Bund Riverside Hotel in Shanghai. (B,L)
Day 12 – Depart Shanghai
Time at leisure until transfer to the airport for the flight home. (B)
Ski Add On – Nights at Yabuli Ski Resort can be added at the beginning of this tour. Situated 3 hours drive from Harbin, Yabuli offers ski runs for all levels, cable car rides, long downhill slides, dog sledding, and other winter activities.
Why stop there?
We offer our China Essentials tour combined with some great add-ons. See our website or call us for details.
China Essentials plus Yangtze – 14 days. Enjoy a relaxing three night cruise on the 5* Century Sun.
China Essentials plus Huangshan & Hangzhou – 14 days. Explore misty mountains and tranquil lakes.
China Essentials plus Guilin – 13 days. Includes the unforgettable Li River cruise.
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Prices are per person, in Australian dollars. Please confirm prices when booking.
Price Excludes:
Tour prices and inclusions based on a minimum of 2 passengers. Hotel surcharges may apply during local holidays and events.
Surcharge for two berth compartment on overnight train Beijing-Xian: $132 pp
Surcharge for first class seat on high speed train Xian-Suzhou: $135 pp
