Harbin Ice Festival - 11 days

Harbin Ice Festival - 11 days

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11 Days From

$3465

$2599

Harbin Ice Festival - 11 days

11 Days Starting and ending in Beijing

Visiting: Beijing, Great Wall, Luoyang, Xi'an, Harbin

Tour operator:

On The Go Tours

Tour code:

368/HIF

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 24

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

12 + if accompanied by an adult (noted on prices &departure page for clients).

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Please contact On The Go Tours with specific dietary requests

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Small Group, Special Events

From: $3465 $2599 Operator discount: -$866 -25%

NB: Prices correct on 02-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Discover China this Christmas to see the Great Wall, Beijing's Forbidden City and the Terracotta Warriors of Xi'an. Flying to Harbin, New Year's is a once-in-a-lifetime event, as we discover the extraordinary, inspiring, enchanting and often incredibly beautiful ice installations of the Harbin International Ice & Snow Festival.

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

  • Beijing - Visit the iconic Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, explore the Hutong area of Beijing, enjoy a Chinese Acrobatic Show and taste the famous peking duck

  • Huanghuacheng Great Wall - A section of the Great Wall of China, unique for its partially submerged and picturesque portion of the wall

  • Xi'an - Experience the UNESCO listed Terracotta Warriors, Terracotta Warrior Factory, Small Wild Goose Pagoda, Muslim Quarter, City Wall and bike ride and savour a dumpling-making experience

  • Luoyang - Take a high-speed train to Luoyang, and enjoy a visit to the Longmen Caves, food hunt in Old City Shizi Street and watch Kung Fu at a Shaolin Monastery

Itinerary

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Day 1: Beijing

Location: Beijing

23 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 Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China. In the evening, there will be a welcome meeting in the hotel lobby to kick off your exciting journey.

Day 2: Beijing

Location: Beijing

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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!

Day 3: Great Wall

Location: Great Wall

Meals Included: Breakfast

Merry Christmas! 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 promises an enchanting spectacle as we attend a Chinese acrobatic performance. These skilled artists will leave you spellbound with their gravity-defying feats.

Day 4: Beijing

Location: Beijing

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

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.

Day 5: Luoyang

Location: Luoyang

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today will begin with a visit to the vibrant Xiyuan Park. Here, residents gather to dance and sing, infusing the park with a lively burst of morning energy. It's an excellent opportunity to observe and perhaps even join in the joyful morning activities that reflect the spirit of the community.





Afterwards, brace yourself for an exhilarating adventure as we head to the legendary Shaolin Monastery, renowned as the reputed birthplace of Chinese martial arts. This sacred temple is not only a spiritual haven but also the epicenter of Kung Fu mastery. Witness a mesmerising performance that promises to entertain and awe. The skills and discipline of these martial artists are sure to leave a lasting impression.





As the day comes to an end, we'll enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, allowing you to indulge in the flavours of Luoyang cuisine.

Day 6: Xi'an

Location: Xi'an

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Luoyang - Xi'an. Rise and shine! Today, we'll catch an early morning train bound for Xi'an. Upon arriving, we'll start our day with a bike ride or a leisurely walk along the Xi'an City Wall, one of the oldest and best-preserved Chinese city walls. This remarkable structure offers stunning panoramic views over the city, blending ancient and modern architecture, and providing an unforgettable glimpse into the past.





Afterwards, get ready for the sensory delights of Xi'an's Muslim Quarter, a bustling neighbourhood in the heart of the city. Here, the air is thick with the mouthwatering aromas of sizzling lamb skewers and fragrant spices emanating from the food stalls that line the narrow alleys. Engage with the warm and welcoming locals, witness their skilled craftsmanship in action, and let the diverse flavours tantalize your taste buds.





Not far from the Muslim Quarter, discover the majestic courtyard of the Gao Family. Within these hallowed walls, a unique spectacle awaits—a 15-minute shadow puppetry show, an art form believed to originate from this province. These performances breathe life into simple yet vibrant leather or paper figures, spinning enchanting narratives that have captivated audiences for generations.





Then, pay your respects at the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, a serene contrast to the bustling Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Within this peaceful Buddhist complex, you'll discover intriguing exhibits in the Xi'an Museum.





Tonight, roll up your sleeves and try your hand at making dumplings, a local delicacy that is also a true form of culinary art. Enjoy the delicious dumplings you've created, accompanied by a refreshing drink.

Day 7: Xi'an

Location: Xi'an

Meals Included: 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.

Day 8: Harbin

Location: Harbin

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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.

Day 9: Harbin

Location: Harbin

Meals Included: 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!

Day 10: Harbin

Location: Harbin

Accommodation Name: Overnight: Soft Sleeper Train to Beijing

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 11: Beijing

Location: Beijing

02 January. After arriving in Beijing by overnight train, you'll be transferred to our tour start hotel. You can leave your luggage at the hotel and explore Beijing your own way, if you choose. 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.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    3 - 5 star

  • 9 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 5 dinners, inclusive of traditional Peking Duck dinner in Beijing, and dumpling-making experience in Xi'an

  • 9 nights 4 star hotels

  • Economy Flight: Xi’an – Harbin

  • 1 overnight train: Harbin - Beijing (4-berth soft sleeper cabin)

  • High speed train: Beijing - Luoyang and Luoyang - Xi'an (2nd class)

  • Touring of Beijing, Great Wall area, Luoyang, Xi'an and Harbin Ice Festival

  • Chinese acrobatic performance in Beijing

  • Visit to Shaolin Monastery

  • Xi’an - bike ride on medieval City Wall

  • Escorted by an experienced English speaking Chinese Tour guide

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What's 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$145-155pp, paid in local currency

Age Policy

12 + if accompanied by an adult (noted on prices &departure page for clients).

Check out our Q&As

  • What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

    3 - 5 star

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    Beijing Capital Airport arrival transfer on day 1 and departure transfer day 11

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • What is the maximum group size?

    24

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1998

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Vincent Diep  

Harbin Ice Festival - 11 days

06-Jan-2015

The tour to China was amazing, our guide Stephanie provided alot of useful information, that allowed us to better understand the cultural differences of this country. I felt that we were able to experience some of the great achievments of the culture, however i felt it lacked in displaying the current social and economic statuses of the regular peoples. It was truly a great experience, and it was 100% thanks to our guide. She handled herself very well in many situations, and ensured that each one of us had their needs met, and was able to enjoy ourselves to the fullest. I would definitely recommend this tour and on the go tours to my friends!

Emma Million  

Harbin Ice Festival - 11 days

07-Jan-2020

Daniel Hughes  

Harbin Ice Festival - 11 days

17-Jan-2020

We had an amazing time in China as part of this tour. Our tour guide and the local guides were friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. We explored the parts of China that had been on our list and so much more! Very easy to book with On the Go through our personal travel agent.

Ronald Osborn  

Harbin Ice Festival - 11 days

09-Jan-2016

We had an fantastic trip. The accommodations were very nice and the transportation was comfortable. The information we received from On The Go Tours before the trip was very helpful and prepared us for what we needed. Our Tour Guide (Feng) was the very best part of the trip. Our luggage was delayed for 5 days due to the Air Carrier. However, it would have been so much worse had not Feng intervened. She went way above any normal help. She personally made the arrangements so that when our luggage arrived in Beijing it was immediately put aboard another aircraft and sent to the city we were in. Then she arranged to have it sent to our hotel. She also was a wealth of information about China. All the guides spoke excellent English, friendly and eager to answer questions. We will definitely be using On The Go Tours again.

Lindsay Ross  

Harbin Ice Festival - 11 days

04-Jan-2020

Neville Werda and Merlene Werda and family  

Harbin Ice Festival - 11 days

05-Feb-2015

Stephanie was very good, everything was organised well. She was always accessible.

Karin Terlouw  

Harbin Ice Festival - 11 days

05-Jan-2020

We would like to let you know that our guide (mrs) Feng was awesome. She went above and beyond for our 10yr old son, who was really worried about going on this trip. He was made to feel a real part of the group and he loved all of the historic facts that were given by both Feng and the local guides. We enjoyed all of the sights and joined in all of the activities, even riding the bike on the city wall. This is our 1st time travelling on a guided tour with him and we couldn't have asked for a better experience.

Karen Cussons  

Harbin Ice Festival - 11 days

06-Jan-2020

Dione Knowles  

Harbin Ice Festival - 11 days

08-Jan-2015

Our tour guide was great however I did feel that time at some of the attractions could have been less and therefore we could have fitted in other things. ie To long at the grottos and teracotta warriors however when have loved to have seen the light show in xian.

Justin Ashkar  

Harbin Ice Festival - 11 days

07-Jan-2015

This tour is such a cultural shock with people spitting everywhere , even on the floor of restaurants. The pollution is overwhelming, but traveling to foreign countries these all add to the experience. Like it or not this is the way of the local people. Our tour guide Fung was fabulous. enough cannot be said to praise her enough. she went out of her way as most of the tour group was ill at some stage and she escorted them to a chemist for medicine and even a tour member to hospital. As a train buff I was excited about the high speed trains and was not disappointed. they were fantastic. I would go back just to travel on them again. Benny in Xian was a particular highlight as he was animated and made that part of our trip so enjoyable i would have been happy to stay in Xian longer. Whatever is done don't remove the bike ride on the wall in Xian as this was a favourite of most of our group. I must say the tour was very enjoyable but did not follow the itinerary as represented in the brochure. This was not the same as our Vietnam tour where the problems were weather related, but the we felt the tour was misrepresented in regard to some or the activities . Beijing - Luoyang. Opt for and early morning walk through the local, market before we set off to see the Summer Palace, set on Kunming Lake "Didn't happen, wasn't offered. My wife was looking forward to this excursion New Years Eve was a major disappointment as the only celebrations were drinks in the hotel lobby bar. "Before the stroke of midnight we will take a prized position our hotel bar. Ring in the new year with plenty of lights, ice and ‘local Maitai firewater spirit’. Apart from the hotel bar there were no lights, the only ice was in the 'ice bar 'outside. there was a drinks/nibbles package on offer that was so poorly explained no one in our group took advantage of it. it was only when speaking to the other group "Stephanie" that we realized we missed out on a fairly good deal.. I understand that this tour is a once a year trip but surely the content and the ability of the guide , who has done the trip before should be suitable. . Our local guide in Harbin "Suzie" was hopeless. A very poor grasp of English and had no interaction with the passengers and spoke as if she was reading from a set script. Apart from my complaint i wouldn't hesitate to recommend this trip as it was a once in a lifetime experience. If the brochure was suitably amended to show the true tour, guides vetted to ensure they have at least some personality and grasp of English and costs explained instead of hidden extras then it would be wonderful experience without complaint.

Read all 20 reviews

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Monday - Thursday

Dec 23, 2024 - Jan 02, 2025
$3465 $2599

Operator discount: -$866

Tuesday - Friday

Dec 23, 2025 - Jan 02, 2026
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Operator discount: -$866

Wednesday - Saturday

Dec 23, 2026 - Jan 02, 2027
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Operator discount: -$866

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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