5 Days Shanghai Harbin Ice Festival Tour: Urban Glitz Meet Icy Bliss

Nihao! Welcome to Shanghai, China’s most internationalized and vibrant city! Shanghai's long-term fusion of Eastern and Western cultures has contributed to Shanghai's unique culture. Upon your arrival at the airport/train station in Shanghai, the tour guide and driver will meet and greet you at the exit, and then escort you to the well-selected hotel in downtown Shanghai. The rest of the day is free on your own so you can have a good rest for the jet lag or explore by yourself around your hotel.

Arrival Ideas:Travelers can go to Shanghai easily by air or high speed train. There are two airports - Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport operating numerous international and domestic airlines. Travelers can go to Shanghai by air from most cities in China, like Beijing, Xian, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Guilin, Kunming, Lijiang, Lhasa, and more. In addition, travelers can take high speed train to Shanghai from Beijing (4.5-6 hours), Xian (6-7.5 hours), Huangshan (2.5-3 hours), Guangzhou (7-8.5 hours), Suzhou (0.5 hour), Hangzhou (about 45 mins), Wuhan (3.5-4.5 hours), etc.

First, head to the Shanghai Museum (上海博物馆Closed on Mondays) which is one of the four major museums in China, along with the Palace Museum, Shaanxi History Museum, and Nanjing Museum. It is built in the shape of an ancient bronze cooking vessel called a ding鼎, with a round top and a square base, symbolizing "Round Sky, Square Earth天圆地方". The museum houses a collection of 1.02 million cultural relics, including 144,000 precious artifacts and it is particularly notable for its bronze, ceramics, calligraphy, and painting pieces. Take your time to seek out the Top 10 treasures in the Shanghai Museum, such as the Dake Ding (大克鼎a bronze food vessel over 3,000 years old), the Chime Bells of Jinhousu (晋侯苏钟ancient musical instrument,1046 BC - 771 BC), the Shang Yang Fang Sheng (商鞅方升a square bronze capacity measure made by Shang Yang, 390 BC - 338 BC), and the Pastel Porcelain Bottle with Bat Peach Olive from the Qing Dynasty/Yongzheng Period (清雍正粉彩蝠桃纹橄榄瓶). Among them, there is a very interesting treasure you should not miss - the "Zizhongjiang Plate子仲姜盘", which is an exquisite bronze artifact. It was a precious gift given by Zizhongjiang to his beloved wife over 2,600 years ago. The Zizhongjiang Plate was used to collect waste water when washing hands in ancient times. After filling the plate with water, one can not only see the relief sculptures of aquatic creatures underwater but also observe fish, frogs, turtles, and water birds that rotate freely in the water. Each of these animals is mounted on a vertical axis that can rotate 360 degrees in place. You will marvel at the highly skilled craftsmanship of artisans from the Bronze Age and be touched by the love and romance between Zizhongjiang and his wife.

Next, head to Yu Garden, the most celebrated classical Chinese garden hidden in the bustling downtown area of Shanghai, where you can appreciate the beauty of a Jiangnan water town ! Yu Garden was a private garden of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) with a history of over 460 years, was built in 1559 by Pan Yunduan (潘允端) for his father to enjoy his retired life. You will see the winding paths and changing scenery, the plants and ponds, the brick carvings, stone carvings, clay sculptures, and wood carvings in the garden, all designed with great craftsmanship. On the way to Yu Garden, you will pass by the iconic Jiuqu Bridge (Nine-Bend Bridge/Zigzag Causeway) and the Huxin Pavilion (Mid-lake Pavilion, built in the Qing Dynasty, 1616-1912). According to Chinese Fengshui, the zigzag causeway is designed to thwart spirits, who can only journey in straight lines. As you enter Yu Garden, you can explore various beautifully crafted dragons hidden in the buildings, count them, and learn more about the Chinese dragon totem from your guide.

Later, explore Yuyuan Bazaar (Chenghuangmiao Market) outside Yu Garden which is a vibrant Shanghai Old Street where you can try Shanghai’s local snacks such as Xiaolongbao (Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant小笼包), Pan-Fried Pork Buns (Fried Dumplings生煎包), Soup Dumplings (灌汤包), and Won-ton Soup (上海馄饨). You can also buy some traditional Chinese handicrafts and artworks for souvenirs here.

After lunch, you can take a walk from Nanjing Road to the Bund, which is less than a 2 km walk. Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street is one of the iconic attractions of Shanghai, known as the "Number One Commercial Street in China". It serves as a window to Shanghai's openness to the world and a paradise for shoppers from both domestic and international locations. Nanjing Road is the perfect place to experience century-old Chinese time-honored shops. Walking from Nanjing Road East to the Bund, you will have the feeling of traveling back to the 1930s and 1940s.

As the Top 1 Place to Visit on the Shanghai Bucket List, the Bund is the best spot to view the Oriental Pearl TV Tower (a symbol of Shanghai) and the three skyscrapers of Lujiazui. Located on the bank of the Huangpu River and renowned as “An Exhibition of International Buildings”, the Bund is a collection of 52 buildings representing various international architectural styles. Since 1844 (Qing Dynasty), foreign banks, trading companies, clubs, and newspapers have gathered here, showcasing the former glory of the "Wall Street of the Far East" (远东华尔街).

Lastly, you will visit the highest building in Shanghai - the Shanghai Tower. It features a dramatic 120-degreetwist from its base to its peak. Take the world's fastest lifts (traveling at 64km/h) to the "Top of ShanghaiObservatory" located on the 118th floor, 546 meters above ground level. Here, you'll have the unparalleled opportunityto enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of modern Shanghai and also look down upon the Oriental Pearl TV Tower (a culturallandmark of Shanghai), Jin Mao Tower (a traditional Chinese pagoda-like structure with a modern style) and the ShanghaiWorld Financial Center (the third tallest building in China and the fifth tallest in the world). From Shanghai Tower,you can also get a bird's eye view of the Bund and the Nanjing Road you had just visited before from another side of theHuangpu River.

Today, you will be escorted to the airport for a flight to Harbin (about 3 hours).

Nǐ hǎo! Welcome to Harbin, the "Ice City." Upon your arrival at the airport, your tour guide and driver will greet you at the exit. They'll then escort you directly to the downtown area and assist you with checking in at your hotel.

Harbin (哈尔滨), the capital of Heilongjiang Province in northeastern China, is widely known as the "Ice City." Each winter, it hosts the renowned Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival, one of the largest and most visually stunning winter events in the world. As temperatures plunge, the city transforms into a magical winter wonderland filled with towering ice castles and intricate sculptures illuminated in vibrant colors, creating a scene that feels both enchanting and surreal.

The Songhua River, often called Harbin’s "mother river," flows through the city and takes on a unique beauty in winter. When it freezes over, the river becomes a playground for winter sports. Locals and tourists alike flock to its vast icy surface to enjoy activities like ice skating, ice fishing, and snowmobiling. The massive ice blocks used in the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival are harvested from the frozen sections of the Songhua River, providing sculptors with the raw material needed to create their towering, complex works of art.

Another fascinating aspect of Harbin is its unique blend of cultures, earning it the nicknames “Moscow of the East” and “Little Paris of the East.” This pedestrian street is lined with Russian Orthodox churches and European-inspired buildings, creating a distinctive cityscape that is markedly different from other Chinese cities. Harbin’s culture is an intriguing fusion of Chinese, Russian, and European elements, visible in its food, music, and festivals. For instance, Harbin is known for its Russian-influenced sausage and bread, as well as its beer brewing tradition.

Free Time Ideas:

When you have some free time to explore on your own, Zhaolin Park (兆麟公园) offers a chance to see the free Harbin Ice Lantern Show in winter. Known as the birthplace of the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival, Zhaolin Park is cherished by locals “老哈” as it holds many childhood memories. While it may not be as grand in scale as the massive Ice and Snow World, this charming park serves as an excellent “appetizer” to the city’s larger ice and snow festival.

After breakfast, we will drive to the Siberian Tiger Park (东北虎林园), located on the north bank of the Songhua River in Harbin. This is the world's largest natural park dedicated to the conservation of the Siberian tiger, housing nearly 1,000 purebred Northeast tigers of various ages.

Unlike traditional zoos, the Harbin Siberian Tiger Park allows visitors to tour the grounds in cage-style sightseeing vehicles, which offer a safe yet thrilling way to observe tigers as they roam freely in a carefully simulated natural habitat. Imagine the excitement of moving among these majestic animals - sometimes catching sight of them strolling gracefully, other times watching them burst into sprints. Don't forget to capture these breathtaking moments, recording the perfect blend of wildness and beauty through your lens. For an even closer encounter, you’ll have the unique opportunity to feed the tigers yourself. Watch as they stand up on their hind legs, claws gripping the steel mesh as they beg for food from visitors. Note: The food for feeding the tigers is at your own expense. Besides Siberian tigers, the park also houses other large feline species, including lions, ligers (offspring of lions and tigers), and leopards, providing visitors with a valuable opportunity to learn about different feline species.

Afterward, we embark on a fantastical journey through ice and snow to Sun Island (太阳岛), home to the Sun Island International Snow Sculpture Art Expo - a highlight of the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival. Here, the magic of winter is taken to the extreme, with each snowflake imbued with life and sculpted into breathtaking works of art.

Stroll through this winter through paths lined with snow sculptures, and marvel at the exquisite snow sculptures that tower above you, crafted by talented artists from around the world. Capture the artistry and imagination that transforms the island into a snowy gallery under the open sky. These snow sculptures vary in form: some stand as majestic mountain ranges, others come alive as vivid animals, while yet others resemble dreamlike castles, inviting wonder and imagination. The most breathtaking aspect lies in the minute details - the nuanced expressions on characters’ faces, the delicate textures of animal fur - each element so meticulously rendered, the figures appear animated. In addition to the visual spectacle, Sun Island delights with a myriad of playful ice and snow activities.

Optional Activity: If you're interested in polar animals, you might want to consider visiting Harbin Polarland, located next to Sun Island. As the world's first polar amusement park, it features polar bears, penguins, sea lions, seals, and more. Please note that this activity is optional and can be enjoyed at an additional cost.

Next, we will head to the Ice and Snow World (冰雪大世界), the world-famous ice and snow theme park and the most dazzling highlight of the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival, celebrated for its spectacular ice sculptures.

Stepping into this fantasy space, meticulously crafted from tens of thousands of cubic meters of ice and snow, feels like instantly teleporting into a crystal-clear fairy-tale kingdom. As you wander through the park, an array of ice sculptures unfolds before you - from towering castles and elegant bridges to lifelike animals, modern buildings, and even imaginative sci-fi scenes. There are also unique ice bars and ice restaurants, offering you the extraordinary experience of dining or enjoying a drink in structures made entirely of ice.

As the last rays of the sunset quietly disappear over the horizon, the Ice and Snow World truly begins to reveal its magic. The entire park is transformed into a dreamlike setting, with thousands of colorful lights decorating the ice sculptures as if they were scenes straight out of a fairy tale, creating an enchanting world of light and shadow.

Moreover, Ice and Snow World offers a variety of ice and snow activities, such as snow tubing, ice go-karting, and ice biking. Among the most thrilling attractions is the winding super ice slide. Sliding down from a height, you will fully experience the speed and excitement that ice and snow can bring. The Snowflake Ferris Wheel offers a splendid view over the entire park, allowing you to fully appreciate the magnificent landscape of this icy domain. And for a unique winter celebration, join the ice disco, where children shriek with excitement and adults rediscover the joy of their youth, their laughter echoing through the cold air.

Travel Tips:

1. Dress Appropriately:Wear multiple layers of clothing to keep warm. Don’t forget hats, gloves, scarves, and thermal socks. Waterproof, insulated boots are essential, along with a mask for face.
2. Protect Your Electronics: Cold weather can drain battery life quickly. Keep cameras and phones close to your body to maintain warmth, and bring spare batteries or a portable charger.
3. Eye Protection: If you wear glasses, consider switching to contact lenses, as your warm breath can fog up lenses and obstruct vision. Sunglasses are recommended to protect against the intense glare from sunlight reflecting off the snow.
4. Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon is ideal for experiencing both daylight and the stunning nighttime illuminations of the sculptures and structures.
5. Prepare for Queues: Popular attractions like the giant ice slide and the Snow Ferris Wheel can have long wait times. Prepare for possible queues, especially during peak hours.

After the tour, return to your hotel in Harbin City.

In the morning, you will visit the Hongzhuan Street morning market (红砖街早市) to sample authentic northeastern Chinese snacks and experience the daily rhythm of local life. The market is filled with various stalls, each offering a wide array of handmade, local delicacies. You’ll find steaming hot northeastern flatbreads (东北大饼), fragrant tofu pudding (豆腐脑), and golden, crispy fried dough cakes (油炸糕), all reminiscent of childhood memories for many locals. Not far off, the aroma of hearty northeastern stews fills the air - tender pork stew with vermicelli (猪肉炖粉条) and chicken stew with mushrooms (小鸡炖蘑菇), each bite a perfect temptation for your taste buds. As you weave through the bustling crowd, you'll see locals carrying their vegetable baskets and chatting casually with familiar vendors. You'll hear their humorous, lively dialects, and the relaxed, easygoing atmosphere will give you a true sense of the unique humor, warmth, and open-hearted generosity that defines the people of northeastern China.

Next, head to the Snowman Pier at the Bund (外滩雪人码头) to witness the thrilling winter swimming performance, an unmissable winter feature activity. Despite the biting cold, winter swimming enthusiasts, clad in tight swimsuits, are eager to take the plunge. At the signal, they leap into the water like arrows from a bow, creating splashes all around. In the icy waters, these swimmers glide with ease, their graceful movements almost blending with the snow and ice. For the audience, the winter swimming performance is equally a soul-stirring experience. Every time someone completes a successful swim, the crowd erupts into enthusiastic applause and cheers.

Then, visit St. Sophia Cathedral (圣·索菲亚教堂), an iconic landmark of Harbin. This magnificent Russian Orthodox cathedral, with its distinctive green onion dome topped by a golden cross and intricate red brick façade, offers a glimpse into the city's unique blend of Russian and Chinese influences. Standing before the cathedral, you'll be awestruck by its grandeur and solemn atmosphere Inside, the cathedral houses the Harbin Architecture Art Museum, which showcases the city's urban development history and architectural artistry. In winter, when snowflakes are gently falling, St. Sophia Cathedral in the snow resembles a fairytale castle, creating a truly magical and dreamlike scene.

Continue your day by visiting Zhongyang Pedestrian Street (中央大街), also known as Central Street, Harbin's bustling shopping and entertainment hub. This century-old street stretches over 1,450 meters and is lined with buildings in various architectural styles - Baroque, Renaissance, Eclecticism, and Art Nouveau - earning it the nickname "Outdoor Architectural Art Museum."

As you stroll through this vibrant central street, you'll encounter everything from local handicrafts to international brands. It's an ideal place to explore local shops, enjoy street performances, or simply soak in the city's unique atmosphere. Treat yourself to a blend of Chinese and Russian cuisines, including Harbin Sausages (哈尔滨香肠), Maidel Ice Cream (马迭尔冰棍), Russian bread (大列巴), and Qiulin Kvass (秋林格瓦斯), a Russian-inspired fermented beverage. In winter, Zhongyang Pedestrian Street becomes particularly enchanting, adorned with sparkling ice sculptures and strings of lights, complementing the nearby Harbin Ice Festival.

At the end of Zhongyang Pedestrian Street lies Stalin Park (斯大林公园), a beloved local park located along the banks of the Songhua River. Locals alike flock to its vast icy surface to enjoy activities like ice skating, ride sleds, and snowmobiling...

Conclude your tour with a visit to Lao Daowai (老道外), the birthplace of Harbin, give visitors a taste of the city’s historical roots. It is home to the largest "Chinese Baroque" architectural district in the country. As you stroll through the streets of Laodaowai, you’ll see century-old buildings that have withstood the test of time. These structures feature Western-style exteriors, yet inside, they hide traditional Chinese courtyards, reflecting Harbin’s unique "Chinese Baroque" style, a fusion of Eastern and Western architectural influences created by the people of Harbin.

Here, besides exploring historical buildings, you can experience the nostalgic atmosphere of the city's past, with quaint shops selling local goods, traditional snacks, and artisanal crafts. The commercial atmosphere of Laodaowai is relatively traditional and localized, dominated by small shops and time-honored brands that have grown alongside the people of Harbin, making this area particularly suitable for tourists who enjoy exploring local culture.

It is time to end your 6 Days Beijing Harbin Tour. Your guide will escort you to the airport or train station for your journey to your next destination.

Extension Ideas: If you wish to extend your Winter Tour, you can explore the areas surrounding Harbin, such as Yabuli for skiing, China Snow Town, and Changbai Mountain. Other destinations in Northeast China like Jilin, Changchun, and Dalian are also options. We'd be happy to assist you with these arrangements.

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your China Winter Tour, we are always here working for you and hope to see you again for your next trip to China/Asia. Safe journey!