Ice sculpture of a deer at Harbin Ice-Snow World

6 DAYS · HARBIN · YABULI · SNOW TOWN

Harbin: A Frozen Fairy Tale

Ice, snow and a VIP evening at Harbin Ice-Snow World.

6 days

Harbin round trip

5 nights

Two carefully selected hotels

Winter only

December to February

Minimum 2

Privately guided throughout

Introduction

A winter journey shaped by ice, snow and northern culture.

Harbin sits at the heart of Heilongjiang's winter wonderland, where the Songhua River freezes thick enough to host the ancient Ice Harvest Festival. Blocks of clear river ice are carved into the towering palaces and lit avenues of Harbin Ice-Snow World, while the city's Russian and Baroque architecture adds a surprising layer of history to the snow.

Beyond Harbin, the journey crosses Yabuli's pine forests to China Snow Town, a mountain village buried in deep powder each winter. Here, the pace slows: horse-drawn sleighs, frozen waterfalls and lantern-lit lanes reveal a quieter side of the north, balanced by the warmth of hearty regional cooking.

Why advisors choose this journey.

Snow Town in deep winter
Snow-laden rooftops, rime forest and an overnight stay after the day crowds leave.
VIP evening at Ice-Snow World
Privately guided among Harbin's monumental ice architecture, lit after dark.
Premium accommodation throughout
Carefully selected stays, from the Ritz-Carlton on the Songhua to Snow Town.
Optional extension to Mohe
Continue north to Mohe, China's northernmost city, on an optional extension.

Day by day

Full Itinerary.

HarbinD1
YabuliD2
Snow TownD2–3
HarbinD3–6

Airport to hotel

Upon arrival, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel.

Harbin, a renowned ice and snow city in northern China and a national historical and cultural city, seamlessly blends European charm with the bold spirit of the northern frontier.

The ornate iron gate of Zhongyang Street, Harbin's historic promenade

Overnight: Harbin · Ritz-Carlton Hotel
Meals: NIL

Harbin to Snow Town

After breakfast, we will spend some time for winter clothes shopping before transferring to Yabuli for lunch and hot spring (approx. 235 km / 146 miles, 4 hours), and then continue driving 1 hour to Snow Town and check into your hotel.

Snow Town cottages under deep snow, glowing with lantern light at night

Evening

Enjoy the night view of the town with lights.

Overnight: Snow Town · Lanting Snow Hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Snow Town day tour

Snow Town boasts a 7-month-long snow season, with snow depth reaching up to 2 meters. Its sticky snow texture allows for exquisite natural formations, including the fairy-tale “snow mushrooms” that look like scenes from a dream. Additionally, the scenic area offers a rich array of folk activities, perfectly complementing its winter charm.

Enjoy easy hiking in the rime pine forest, and Mt. Wooden Club for a bird's-eye view of the town, before transferring back to Harbin and checking into your hotel.

Rime-covered forest under a clear blue sky near Snow Town

Overnight: Harbin · Ritz-Carlton Hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Harbin day tour

In the morning, visit the Heilongjiang Provincial Museum, which resides in a magnificent European Baroque-style building. Housing over 630,000 cultural relics and specimens, its collections span historical artifacts, animal and plant specimens, and prehistoric fossils — offering a profound insight into Heilongjiang's rich local history, ethnic cultures, and unique natural ecology.

The afternoon takes in St. Sophia Church in Russian architectural style and Stalin Park. Then visit Soskin's Former Residence and the synagogue, and conclude your day with a leisurely stroll along Central Street.

The red-brick domes of St. Sophia Cathedral in Harbin

Optional

Errenzhuan performance

If you are interested, you may head to the theatre in the evening to enjoy a performance of Errenzhuan (二人转), a traditional folk art of Northeast China.

Overnight: Harbin · Ritz-Carlton Hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Harbin Ice-Snow World

Today, we will dedicate a full day to exploring Harbin Ice-Snow World, with a premium VIP tour exclusively arranged for you.

Harbin Ice-Snow World takes “Ice-Covered Wonderland, Fairy-Tale Realm” as its theme, with its 1.2-million-square-meter campus setting a record in the event's history. Three thematic axes weave together Harbin's ice city memories, ice-snow art, and diverse cultures, while the 3,000 ice-snow sculptures and the 40-meter-tall main ice tower deliver a breathtaking visual spectacle.

Illuminated ice palaces at Harbin Ice-Snow World at night

Overnight: Harbin · Ritz-Carlton Hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Harbin to airport

After breakfast, you will have some leisure time to relax. Subsequently, we will arrange transportation to the airport or railway station based on your flight or train schedule.

Tossing hot water into freezing air at sunrise on the Harbin snowfields

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel information

Where you will stay.

In Harbin

One recommended stay

The Ritz-Carlton, Harbin

Harbin · Premium River View Room, 48 sq m / 517 sq ft

Overlooking the frozen Songhua River, in the city's most luxurious quarter.

We use the Ritz-Carlton as the Harbin base because it is the most consistent international standard in the city and it sits directly above the frozen Songhua River, close to the ice festival sites and Central Street. After long days outdoors in temperatures around -20C, reliable heating, a warm pool and good in-house dining matter more than address alone. We recommend the Premium River View Room for the river outlook and the extra space.

Good to know

Occupies floors 38 to 54 of a landmark tower, making it the city's highest hotel.
Every guestroom offers floor-to-ceiling views of the frozen Songhua River.
The sky lobby features a dramatic 'ice crystal' design by HBA.

Visit hotel website →

The Ritz-Carlton, Harbin towers above the frozen Songhua River

King room with river view at The Ritz-Carlton, Harbin

Flair lounge with stone walls and lantern light at The Ritz-Carlton, Harbin

In Snow Town

One recommended stay

Lanting Snow Hotel

Snow Town · Deluxe Room, 26 sq m / 280 sq ft

At the heart of China Snow Town, beside Bonfire Square.

We select Lanting Snow Hotel for its central location, recently opened guestrooms and convenient access to the village. Standards are more modest than in Harbin, but staying overnight allows guests to experience Snow Town beyond the daytime crowds.

Good to know

Just steps from the iconic 'Snow Mushroom' houses and Snow Town's main street.
Recently renovated rooms offer the town's most reliable floor heating and hot water.
A rare quiet vantage point above the central bonfire and evening crowds.

Lanting Snow Hotel lit at dusk under deep snow, China Snow Town

Twin guestroom with fireplace and warm lighting at Lanting Snow Hotel

Snow-covered timber facade of Lanting Snow Hotel by day

Official quotation

Rates & what is included.

The indicative cost covers the full journey for the party size shown. The single supplement applies only when one guest occupies a room alone. All rates in CNY.

Hotel selection

Indicative cost per person

Single supplement

The Ritz-Carlton, Harbin · Harbin · Premium River View Room, 48 sq m / 517 sq ft
Lanting Snow Hotel · Snow Town · Deluxe Room, 26 sq m / 280 sq ft

Indicative cost per person

CNY 28,500

Single supplement

CNY 9,300

Based on 2 guests sharing twin rooms. Minimum 2 guests to operate. Single supplement added only for single-room occupancy. All rates in CNY.

What's included

Accommodation on twin sharing basis in hotels as stated, on bed & breakfast basis
Meals as specified in the itinerary
Private air-conditioned vehicles sized to your party
English-speaking guide
All entrance fees to sights stated
VIP tour of Harbin Ice-Snow World with Express Pass for the Ice Slides and Ferris Wheel

What's not included

International and domestic flights to and from Harbin
Errenzhuan performance
Lunches & dinners not stated
Beverages
Gratuities
Personal expenses, e.g. telephone bill & laundry
Travel insurance

Enquire

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