Harbin Ice Festival - 11 day tour

After breakfast, our first stop today will be the iconic Tiananmen Square, where Chairman Mao’s tomb lies and various monuments to the people are located. While we won't enter the tomb, we will get to view the exterior.

Following this, we'll enter the *Forbidden City, a magnificent palace complex which served as the seat of power for Chinese emperors over five centuries. With over 800 buildings and 9,000 chambers, this is one of China's best preserved historical treasures. *Tickets to the Forbidden City are limited, see trip notes for more information.

In the afternoon, delve into Beijing's hutongs, a maze-like network of ancient alleyways that form the city's historical core. Wander through these charming lanes, where generations of families have lived, and discover traditional courtyards and compact houses. Afterward, you'll take a leisurely stroll along Wangfujing Pedestrian Street, a renowned shopping avenue at the heart of the city.

In the evening, enjoy a Beijing dining experience by savouring a Peking roast duck dinner, typically enjoyed wrapped in thin pancakes, with spring onions and hoisin sauce!
Overnight: Beijing  |  Breakfast, Dinner

Beijing - Luoyang. After breakfast this morning, we'll head to the railway station for a comfortable 2nd class high-speed train journey to Luoyang, which will take approximately 4-4.5 hours. Luoyang is one of the four ancient Chinese capitals, renowned for its magnificent peony blooms and the celestial Longmen Caves.

After meeting our local guide and enjoying lunch at a local restaurant, prepare to be captivated by the Longmen Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site. These remarkable caves are perched densely along the cliffs lining the Yi River, and they house the world's most extensive collection of celestial art treasures, boasting the largest array of statues to be found anywhere on Earth. This enduring art form, etched into the stone, has not only withstood the test of time but has also borne witness to the reign of over 10 dynasties spanning more than 1,400 years.

In the evening, we'll take a stroll through Old City Shizi Steet, a renowned food street in old city Luoyang. Here, you'll have the chance to follow tantalizing aromas and sample a wide variety of local flavours.
Overnight: Luoyang  |  Breakfast, Lunch

Our day begins with a visit to the awe-inspiring Terracotta Army and Warriors, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This remarkable collection of terracotta sculptures depicts the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China. These life-sized figures were meticulously modeled after actual soldiers of the Qin Army, displaying incredible attention to detail. The army consists of an astounding 8,000 life-size soldiers, 100 chariots, and 600 horses, and each figure is unique. The purpose of this vast army was to guard the remains of Emperor Qin Shihuang, entombed within a massive mausoleum complex.

Next, you'll have the opportunity to visit a Terracotta Warrior Factory. Here, you can delve deeper into the intricate production process, which remains unchanged since the time of the Qin Dynasty. Gain insights into the techniques behind these captivating artworks, adding a layer of appreciation to these ancient treasures.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we'll return to the hotel. From here, enjoy time at leisure to explore Xi'an at your own pace.
Overnight: Xi'an  |  Breakfast, Lunch

Xi’an - Harbin. After breakfast at the hotel, we'll transfer to the airport for our flight to Harbin (either direct or via Beijing). 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  |  Breakfast, Dinner

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  |  Breakfast, Dinner

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  |  Breakfast