harbin skiing tour

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4 Days Harbin Tour with Exciting Skiing Experience in Jihua Ski Resort

Ski in the Nearest Ski Resort from Harbin

What’s the best way to explore all the stunning highlights of Harbin? How about combining your winter trip with both Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival and the cool skiing experience? If you say “yes”, this 4-day Harbin tour is right for you.

Considering the long driving and high cost of Yabuli Ski Resort, China Discovery has designed this skiing tour taking you to the closest ski resort from Harbin - Jihua Ski Resort which is only about 70 kilometers away. Jihua Ski Resort, also known as Jihua Changshou Mountain Ski Resort, is the SSSSS-level ski resort as well as one of the top five ski resorts of Harbin. This national ski resort is built in a natural basin and surrounded by mountains, the towering peaks snake around and enclose the resort forming a natural wind-sheltered heaven. The resort area gets heavy snowfall up to 1 meter, with about 150 days of snow every year, providing fantastic condition for skiing.

Alternative Plan: If you are looking for a relatively cheaper price of skiing, or if you are beginners or amateurs, Jihua Ski Resort will be the best choice for you. Otherwise, it is highly recommended to extend to the largest ski resort in China - Yabuli Ski Resort for better skiing experience.

Basic Trip Information

• 1. This price is for one person, based on a group of 2 adults sharing one double-bed room in a 4-star hotel and traveling in low seasons;
• 2. This price is subject to change according to your traveling season, group size, hotel class, change of activities and possible fluctuation of currency exchange rate.

• Trip Itinerary
• Price Guide
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Full Itinerary Day by day (Can Be Customized)

Ni Hao! Welcome to Harbin, the Capital of Heilongjiang Province, which is well known as the "Ice City" in China. Your local guide will meet you at the arrival hall of airport / railway station. Then you will be escorted to your hotel in a private vehicle. The rest of today is on your own to explore this city.

Arrival Ideas:

Harbin Taiping International Airport is 41 km’s driving distance from downtown area. It has flights from Beijing (2 hrs), Dalian (1.5 hrs), Qingdao (2 hrs), Jinan (2 hrs), Xian (3 hrs), Shanghai (3 hrs), Chengdu (3.5-4 hrs), Ordos (2.5 hrs), Hangzhou (3 hrs), Guangzhou (4-4.5 hrs), Xiamen (4-4.5hrs), Wuhan (3-3.5 hrs), Sanya (5 hrs) and more destinations in China, and more international cities like Seoul, Tokyo, Osaka, Moscow, Phuket Island, etc. While Harbin West Railway Station has high speed trains linking Harbin with Beijing (7~8 hrs), Changchun (1 hr), Shenyang (2.5~3 hrs), Dalian (4~5 hrs), Jilin (2-3 hrs), Tianjin (6.5 hrs), etc.

Evening Ideas (Explore on Your Own):

In this evening, you can visit Zhaolin Park to appreciate the Ice Lantern Fair which is the world largest scale of outdoor ice lantern show. You can walk in relax in the “ocean of ice lantern” with more than 1,500 exquisite colorful ice lanterns formed in the annual World Ice and Snow Festival. (Please note: it holds every year from January 5 th  to the end of February. Please wear warm down coat and shoes when visiting it at night.)

After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel. Today, you’ll be driven to Jihua Ski Resort , which is about 70 kilometers (1.5-2 hours by car) from Harbin downtown. Jihua Ski Resort is the closest ski resort from Harbin. It has 15 different ski slopes which in total cover a distance of 30 kilometers, catering for beginners, medium and advanced-level skiers.

Upon arrival, your amazing skiing tour begins. You’ll spend about 4 hours elementary skiing or snowboarding to challenge yourselves in the white world, bringing you great happiness and excitement. You can try different ski trail according to your skiing level.

Please Note:

1. Simple equipment such as skiing boots, poles and snowboards are included in the package, but other advanced equipment like horse sledge, snow tubing, snowmobiling, etc. need extra payment.

2. If you want to spend longer time skiing beyond 4 hours or choose intermediate or advanced skiing, you could give some extra payment to enjoy it to the most.

3. You should wear helmets, glasses, gloves, knee-pad, and skiing suit. If you don't bring yours, you can rent the equipment at the ski resort.

4. You can pay extra fee to hire a coach if you like. For the tourists traveling with kids, you may consider taking lessons or having your kids participate in lessons to learn the proper way to ski/snowboard and use the lifts.

After the exciting moment, you’ll be driven back to Harbin downtown. Have a good sleep tonight.

Optional Afternoon Activities:

Before heading back to Harbin, you can also try other kinds of snow activities at Jihua Ski Resort , such as snowmobile, flying disc, dog-sled, horse-sled and so on.

1) Dog/Horse Sledge : Sitting on the sledge pulled by the dog/horse on the snowfield, you could appreciate the amazing sightseeing of the vast snow world and lost in this fairyland with ease and leisure.

2) Snowmobiling : The cool motorcycles are well equipped with the wheels like tracks of a tank and are easy to be handled and of course safe. Ride one to tour in the beautiful snowfield and drive all the stress far away.

Today, after breakfast, your guide and driver will meet you at your hotel. You’ll first visit Sophia Square  to admire the holy appearance of the  St. Sophia Cathedral from 1907. This must-visit site is a typical Byzantine architecture with a large green dome and was once the largest Orthodox Church in the Far East. The cathedral is the symbolic architecture in Harbin and at present is used as Harbin Architectural Art Gallery and displays some souvenirs. Then, you’ll visit the nearby exotic  Zhongyang Pedestrian Street  from 1900. Stroll along this 1,400 meters long historic street to appreciate the 71 precious buildings in different styles with long history, including Renaissance, Baroque, etc. (The Stalin Park is very close to the pedestrian, so if you are interested and time permits, you could walk there to admire the Russian architectures and enjoy many creative artistic sculptures.)

After that, continue your fabulous enjoyment to the  Sun Island Scenic Resort , which is a major venue to hold the International Snow Sculpture Art Expo on Harbin Ice and Snow Festival in winter. Walk into this vast pure lovely fairyland of 60,000 square meters and meet the incredible “white visual storm”. Have a close look at the thousands of excellent large-scaled artistic snow sculptures of landscape, cartoon, figures, buildings, etc., which will make you wow at the outstanding talent of the craftsmen who inject life into the cold snow. With so amazing backdrop, you just can’t help taking some great photos to record the nice moment (You are highly advised to wear sunglasses to visit the Snow Sculpture Art Fair since the glary from sunshine on the snow is really intense.)

Then, be escorted to the nearby  Siberian Tiger Park , the largest breeding center in the world for endangered Siberian Tigers that. Over 1,300 purebred Siberian Tigers are raised there. You’ll not only pay a safe walk to observe different kinds of tigers (Siberian Tigers, White Tigers, White Lion, Leopard, Liger, etc.), but also take a tourist bus with wire-mesh protection through the park to closely see the tigers and lions and take some photos.

After dinner, you will head to the incredible gorgeous  Ice and Snow World , the highlights of annual Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival. Start your freedom stroll in the dazzling magical world of ice where to appreciate over 2,000 pieces of sculptures of ice and snow including pagodas, towers, famous world architectures, landscapes, and so forth dyed with romantic colorful LED lights, which can easily make you want to stay longer in such an “Ice Wonderland in Harbin”. Besides the sightseeing, if you would like to enjoy the festive atmosphere to the fullest, you can choose to have fun with the world longest sliding, or other winter activities on ice, such as ice maze, ice climbing, skating, etc.

Note:  1) Please wear enough layers of proper clothes and warm shoes to keep you away from the freeze especially when you want to stay here longer to enjoy the beautiful scenery. 2) An indoor Ice and Snow Paradise with smaller scale is built in the scenic area of the Ice and Snow World, and tourists could also enjoy the ice and snow there as well when the festival ends. 3) There may be long queues in front of some hot activity items in the Ice and Snow World during traditional Chinese Lunar New Year and weekends, and you could visit there during other dates to avoid crowds.  

Today, after breakfast, you will visit the  Jiuzhan Park along Songhua River. Here you will watch some winter swimmers including some elders up to 60-70 years do winter swimming in the so cold water under the frozen water surface, and many people having fun on some interesting activities on ice, such as skating car, sliding, winter fishing, etc. on Songhua River.

Then, go to visit Heilongjiang Provincial Museum that keeps the European Baroque outside building from 1906. In this museum, a great number of valuable cultural relics of bronze, gold, jade, ceramics, paintings, etc. are on display to tell the 40,000-year long human history and culture of the whole Heilongjiang Province, from the remote era, to the rising and declining of different ethnic minorities, from the origin of the last empire era in Chinese history, to the modern time changes and development with the whole nation. Besides, you will see a rich array of imitating scenes and historical relics to know the life of Russian immigrants and their influence to make Harbin rich of Russian flavor today.

After that, make a historical visit to Laodaowai , where Harbin originated. This popular featured street block is so far the largest Chinese Baroque street block in China where boasts many meaningful old Baroque styled architectures with rich romantic color from early 20 th century. Walk free along those old streets and alleys to appreciate the ancient buildings with western façade but traditional Chinese courtyard and interior designs and interesting folk sculptures, and hear the good telling of the old life of Harbin people and history of Harbin in the past 100 years.

After the tour, your guide and driver will escort you to the airport or train station for your flight / train to next destination or home. Service ends!

Recommended Add-on Options

The quotation for this trip is from request per person.

1. This price is for one person, based on a group of 2 adults sharing one standard double-bed room in 4-star hotel and traveling with our private tour in low seasons. 2. This price is subject to change according your traveling season, group size, hotel class, change of activities in your itinerary and possible fluctuation of currency exchange rate. If you want a lower price, you can get more people to join you, or use economy class hotels. 3. This price is only valid to March 31, 2025. 4. Reference exchange rate of USD 1=RMB 7.00. The final quote is based on current exchange rate. It may change according to the currency fluctuation, while the RMB quotation will be remained the same.

What's included?

• Professional licensed English-speaking guide;
• Admission tickets for all attractions listed in the itinerary;
• Accommodation as listed in the itinerary;
• Necessary transfers as listed in the itinerary;
• All meals as listed( “B” for Chinese and Western breakfast buffet in your hotel; “L” for Chinese Lunch in local restaurant; “D” for Chinese dinner in local restaurant.);
• Our service charge, including tour planning, handling, operational and communication charges.

What's excluded?

• China visa;
• Accommodation not listed in the itinerary;
• Single Room Supplement;
• Sightseeing not listed in the itinerary;
• Recommended optional activities;
• Flights or trains not listed in the itinerary;
• Optional tips to guides, drivers, etc;
• Personal expenses.

How Our Teams Serve you at China Discovery

"Highest Standards of Quality and Honesty" is the core value of each specialized team at China Discovery.

Eveyone in our company is working hard for only one goal, which is to ensure the highest level of service, luxury, and attention to detail from the minute you begin planning your trip, to the day you return home.

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Beside, he/she will keep in contact with you during your entire tour in China, continually checking if everything is going well as planned.

We're working at Chengdu Bamboo International Tours, local based in Chengdu.

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Our local guide in every destination is not only very friendly, enthusiastic but also very informative and knowledgeable.

Once you arrive in the destination, the patient and punctual guides will pick you up and take you to get under skin of the city at your own pace. By in-depth discovery and explanation, they’ll show you more about the history, culture, customs and authentic local life. Throughout the journey, they're not only expert guides who take care of all the details but also fellow travelers who are dedicated to help you explore in comfort and style.

Our guides are passionate about what they do, and it shows all the way!

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Using our private transfer service makes you comfortable, relaxed and worry free all the way!

Our private service includes licensed drivers with many years’ driving experience and air-conditioned, non-smoking, clean and well-maintained cars/vans. Drivers are local, polite, friendly and helpful, taking you to your tourist sites, hotels, airport/train stations in safety. All kinds of vehicle are offered, and yours depends on the size of your group. Usually, we offer sedan cars, SUVs, business vans (MPV) and different types of buses, all with extra space for your luggage.

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The hotels we choose are based on star rating, great locations, well-equipped facilities, cozy bed, high quality service and guests’ feedbacks. Choices are a lot ranging from luxury 5 star, comfortable 4 star to budget 3 star. You could decide where to stay to best suit for your budget and likes. Generally, the hotels have both Western and Chinese breakfast with a wide choices.

If you have already got an ideal hotel, please feel free to tell our travel consultants and they'll book the hotel for you.

Have good sleep in our well-selected hotels in all the destinations of China.

Meals & Dining

We can satisfy all the dietary requirements no matter you want Chinese local food, western food, vegetarian food or muslin food.

The restaurants we will take you for lunch or dinner are all designated tourist restaurants approved by local tourist administration bureau. They have very good sanitary conditions and the food is prepared fresh and clean.

There will be some meals excluded in your itinerary as you like, and your private guide will be delighted to give you some suggestions and take you to the local restaurants to taste like Beijing Roast Duck, Xian Dumpling Dinner, Sichuan Hotpot, etc., if you are interested in local food tasting.

All the dining options will satisfy your stomach!

Check What our delighted customers are saying about our services

Hi dear Vivien,

our journey is about to end. We are on our way to Guilin airport. It has been an awesome trip indeed. Each destination was well chosen and everything went smoothly. I am super happy for my sister and me to be able to experience such a wonderful travel through the most stunning landscapes in China. Thank you for the perfect organization. And thank you for the nice gift we got in Guilin. Really appreciate it.

My sister with her fan. We also got a beautiful stamp and ink. Thank you very much!

just want to record our thanks to you for your good planning, coordination and arrangement for our recent holidays to Dali, Lijiang and Xianggelila. The tour guides and drivers were warm and friendly and we felt safe, and enjoyed the trip very much.

All the best to you.

Janet/Richard/Claire

1. Yes - questions were promptly addressed to my satisfaction. Excellent service overall.

2. The local guide is knowledgeable and has good command of English. He's also patient, considerate, and takes good care of his customers.

Hi Samantha,

Sunrise was very nice and checked us in to a nice room at 8:30 am. It’s been a while since we were in Shanghai, and it is a wonderful, clean city that’s very vibrant. It has been sunny and warm the last four days.

Dear Wing Zeng,

My family and I have now arrived safely back at home in Bangkok. We had a wonderful time on the cruise, and we would like to thank you very much for assisting us on the whole process, from booking the cabins to arranging transportation from Jingzhou to Maoping port. We are very impressed with your service.

As for your questions, here is my response:

1A: Wing Zeng always responds to our emails very promptly. At the beginning when I planned to book the cruise, Wing Zeng has been very patient to respond to all my questions about the cruise itinerary and the cabin types. I am very happy with her service.

2A: With Wing Zeng's help, our tour arrangements were very smooth. Our family travel with one senior and one small child, so we were very careful about transportation to and from the port. On the day of embarkation, Wing Zeng helped us book a van transfer directly from our hotel in Jingzhou to the port, which made the embarkation process very smooth and enjoyable.

3A: Definitely. I highly recommend your service to anyone who wants to take the Yangtze cruises.

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5A: It would be nice if you could give a little warning that the water level in Chongqing might be too low around this time of year. Originally, our cruise was scheduled to end at Chongqing Chaotianmen port. But because of the low water level, we had to disembark somewhere else and took a 2-hour drive to Chaotianmen. The cruise arranges the transfer smoothly and it worked out fine in the end. But if this is something that happens usually around this time of year, it would be nice to be given a little warning beforehand.

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4 Days Harbin Highlights with Skiing

Harbin, Jihua Ski Resort

Tour Code: TCT-Harbin-04

Tour Type: Private Tour

Tour Highlights:

• Explore the highlights of Harbin in a day
• Have fun in the colorful lighted Ice and Snow World in the evening
• Enjoy a full-day skiing at Jihua Ski Resort --- one of the best ski resorts in China
• Worry-free private airport/hotel transfer service

Best Travel Time: December to Next Feburary

From on request

Free Inquiry

Day 1 Arrival Harbin

Meals: No Meals Accommodation: In Harbin

Upon arriving in Harbin in the early afternoon, you will be greeted by our local tour guide and transferred to the hotel for a short rest.  

Evening idea for reference (explore on your own)

After a dinner at local restaurant, in the evening, visit the Ice Lantern Fair at Zhaolin Park. Ice Lantern Fair, also named the Ice Lantern Show, is hold every year from 5th January to the end of February in Zhaolin Park. The park located in the downtown, it is a small and peaceful place. It is one of the 3 main venues of Harbin Ice and Snow Festival, popular with its wonderful world largest scale of outdoor ice lantern show. You will have chance to enjoy the pretty ice sculptures without many crowds.  Especially the ice sculptures are lit at night, which looks like a magical world. Please note: it holds every year from January 5th to the end of February. Please wear warm down coat and shoes when visiting it at night.

Day 2 Harbin

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Accommodation: In Harbin  

Pick up from hotel lobby in the morning, we drive straightly to the Siberia Tiger Park to enjoy a safari style trip to see the tigers and lions (feeding the animals is optional). Then we move the Stalin Park . The park stands as evidence of the friendship between the world's two most powerful communist countries at that time. At the center of the park stands the Flood Control Monument built to commemorate the tremendous feat of the Harbin people in controlling the massive flood of 1957. After that, we will move to the nearby St. Sofia Church , the largest Orthodox Church in the Far East, and enjoy a free walk on the historical Central Street at your own pace.

Enjoy a lunch at a local restaurant, trying the authentic Northeast China food.  

Then we will drive to visit the Sun Island, where the Sun Island International Snow Sculpture Art Expo is held every winter. You can see various awesome snow sculptures and do some optional activities (such as snow tubing, dog sledding etc.) in the park. In the late afternoon, we will go to the highlight of Harbin tour. That is the Ice and Snow World - an interesting site that operates each night and features illuminated full size buildings made from blocks of ice. The tour is finished by a drop-off at your hotel lobby

Day 3 Harbin

Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: In Harbin

Pick up from hotel and drive for half an hour to Jihua Ski Resort , one of the best-known ski resorts in China. The resort has 15 different ski slopes, which in total cover a distance of 30 kilometers, cater for beginner, medium and advanced-level skiers. There are 8 lifts running at the same time to transport the guests to the top of the starting point. The winter sports area is situated between the elevations of 255 and 463 m. The resort is the training base for Harbin Skiing Team.  

Today's tour includes transfer and ski resort admission, and other expenses like skiing and ski outfit rental fees are on your own. After skiing, transfer back to your hotel.  

The skiing and rental fees as below are for your reference. Please check the prices at the resort.

• 2 hours skiing: CNY180 per person
• 3 hours skiing: CNY220 per person
• 4 hours skiing: CNY240 per person
• Full day skiing: CNY320 per person
• Deposit for ski outfit: CNY500 per set (will be refunded when the equipment is returned)
• Ski Clothing Rental: CNY60 per person
• Ski Motor Car: CNY100 (10 minutes)
• Chair lift: 50 yuan (per ride)

Day 4 Departure Harbin

Meal: Breakfast  

After breakfast in your hotel, you will be free at leisure before transfer to the airport for your departure flight.  

Service Ends

Tour Price (US$ per person)

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Harbin Skiing and Ice Festival Adventure

4-day harbin tour.

Harbin, the capital of the northernmost Heilongjiang Province, is home to the biggest winter festival in the world: the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival. In winter, subzero overnight low temperatures can reach subzero, −40 °F (−40 °C).

During winter the city is a popular destination with its wonderland of iconic ice sculptures, ice mazes, ice bikes, snow sports, and snow slides. Not only this, but Harbin is also close to many ski resorts: the closest one is Jihua Ski Resort and the renowned Yabuli Ski Resort is only 230km away.

What many people don’t know is: Harbin was home to the largest Jewish community in the Far East during the first half of the 20th century. Most of the elegant old Western-style buildings, dating to the early 1900s, were built by the Jews, have been well preserved. There is a museum dedicated to Jewish history and culture.

The 4-day tour focuses on the highlights of Harbin and one day at a ski resort.

• Quality No Tourist Traps, In-depth Activities
• Group Type Private
• Tour Focus Skiing, Ice Festival
• Best Season December to February
• No Cancellation Fee

Highlights of The Tour

#1 visit the largest ice and snow world park in the world., # 2 ski at jihua ski resort-just 70km from harbin city center., # 3 visit siberian tiger park which is home to the largest population of tigers on the planet., # 4 visit st. sofia orthodox church –the largest orthodox church building in the far east., full itinerary.

On arrival at Harbin airport or train station, you will be met by your local English-speaking guide and transferred to your hotel. Your guide will assist you with check in at the hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to roam and explore at your leisure.

Your guide and driver will meet you at the hotel lobby for a fun-filled day. Your first stop is the Harbin Jewish History and Culture Museum. The museum building is the former Harbin New Synagogue which is the largest synagogue in East Asia. From there, you will proceed to the Sun Island Park, where the Sun Island Snow Sculpture Art Expo is held every winter. You will enjoy seeing breathtaking snow sculptures scattered around the park. Afterward, you will proceed to the Siberian Tiger Park, the largest natural park for wild Siberian tigers.

After lunch, you will venture to the Ice and Snow World (no guide service for a group of fewer than 5 people in the park) – is a city of large buildings made from blocks of ice, cut from the Songhua River. The awe-inspiring snow creations and when lit up at night, will take you on a magical and enchanting journey.

Wrap up warm, as your guide and driver will pick you up and take you to the Jihua Ski Resort at 8:00 am to enjoy your time on the ski slopes. (The ski fee is at your own expense - the cost is CNY180/2hours and CNY240/4 hours).

Jihua Ski Resort, also called Jihua Changshou Mountain Ski Resort, sits in Binxi National Forest Park. With an elevation of 255-463 meters, the resort has 15 different ski slopes that cover a distance of 30 km, catering for beginners, intermediate and advanced-level skiers. 8 chairlifts transport you to the top of the starting point.

You will return to your hotel in the late afternoon, and the evening is free for you to relax.

Today is your last day – pack your bag and be ready for check-out. Your guide will take you on a tour of the city. You will visit the largest Orthodox Church in the Far East - St. Sofia Orthodox Church, and then take a stroll through the Zhongyang Pedestrian Street (Zhongyang Dajie). The buildings along the street include a range of European styles, some reflecting the Renaissance and Baroque periods. Afterward, you will visit Stalin Park, and at the center of the park stands the Flood Control Monument built to commemorate the tremendous victory of the Harbin people in controlling the massive flood of 1957.

After lunch, your tour ends, and our guide and driver will take you to the airport or train station.

Harbin is a great destination if you are looking for a winter wonderland getaway. The city has a lot to offer – the famous ice sculptures, steep in history and culture, and nearby ski fields, it is a great place to explore and enjoy for all.

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What’s Included

• Experienced tour guides
• Entrance fee to all spots listed in the itinerary
• Well selected hotel accommodation
• Meals mentioned in the itinerary
• Expert drivers and comfortable vehicles with air-conditioning

• Harbin Tour with Yabuli Ski Resort
• HB-03 Tour Code

This 5-day Ice & Snow Festival tour of Harbin provides great opportunity to explore the charming snow culture in Harbin. Aside from adventuring in the Siberian Tiger Park, enjoy the vivid snow sculptures in Ice and Snow World , and ski and snowboard Asia’s longest run at Yabuli Ski Resort ... not only a sightseeing tour in Harbin and suit for all types of travelers, including family with kids, couple, friends... Call us right now and experience Harbin and its Ice and Snow Festival on a private tailor-made trip.

Travel Style : private tour 

Customize Your Tour: ☑  Travel Dates  ☑ Your Interests  ☑ Your Travel Style

Itinerary Expand All Collapse All

1 day 1 arrival in harbin, 2 day 2 visit siberian tiger park, sun island park, harbin ice and snow world.

Enjoy a full day of Harbin highlights exploration. In the morning, visit Siberian Tiger Park - the world's largest captive breeding and breeding base for Siberian tigers - for a safari at a caged bus to see the largest tigers in semi-wildness, Then drive to the Sun Island Park to see the snow sculptures. Here you'll also find a squirrel island, a swan lake, a floral garden, Sun Island art gallery, as well as the Ice and Snow Art Gallery that houses around 100 snow and ice art masterpieces.

In the afternoon, visit St. Sofia Orthodox Church , an iconic landmark in Harbin built in 1907 and the largest of the same type in the Far East (now it has been turned into a museum). The highlight of today is Ice and Snow World – the main avenue of the Harbin Ice Festival, where you can wander around the gorgeous ice structures created for the festival and gaze in awe as they light up when the night falls. It is a definitely amazing experience under the temperature of minus 20-35 degrees!

3 Day 3 Harbin to Yabuli Ski Resort Private Vehicle

Drive 143km from Harbin to Yabuli Ski Resort (around 3 hrs) - the best ski resort in China. The resort consists of three peaks of Zhangguangcai Mountain in the Changbai Mountain Range, approximately 1100m above sea level. Yabuli ski resort was founded in 1980, and mainly composed of five competitive and training venues: the alpine ski resort, freestyle ski resort, ski jump resort, cross-country ski resort and biathlon ski resort, and two tourist ski resorts.

Free afternoon for your own exploration. Try yourself Yabuli’s 17 primary, intermediate and advanced ski slopes. The resort has the longest alpine ski run in Asia.

4 Day 4 Yabuli Ski Resort Skiing & Other Activities

Free day for your own arrangement at Yabuli Ski Resort, which is very well equipped. In addition to skiing runs, there is also a 5-km roundabout cross-country trail and special slopes for snowmobiles and sleds. The ski resort also has a number of chairlifts and towing ropeways. The skier can take the ropeway from any place without taking off the skis, and ski all over the course.

5 Day 5 Yabuli to Harbin Dparture

Leave Yabuli, and drive back to Harbin to connect your flight to your next destination. End of your 5 days Harbin and Yabuli Skiing tour, See you next time!

Service ends.

What's included

1-on-1 travel consultant.

Your China based expert listens to your wishes carefully, provides professional advice, ensures unlimited itinerary revisions before done and 24/7 helpline service while traveling.

Private Local Guide and Driver

Your guides are friendly, helpful and knowledgeable, and your drivers are professional, polite and patient. They are very flexible to accommodate your personal needs and happy to show you the local attractions, history, culture, foods and real life.  Private transfers from hotel to attractions, airport or train station are also included.

Accommodation to Suit Your Preference

We hand pick hotels ranging from luxury 5 star, superior 4 star to comfortable 3 star. Luxury or cozy boutique hotels and budget guesthouses are also among your choices. You could decide where to stay to meet your taste and budget.

Gourmet Meals

Most of the hotels we select offer both Western and Chinese buffet breakfast. Lunch and dinner included are arranged in selected restaurants to taste authentic Chinese cuisine and local specialties. Thus you may also have a unique food tour. Meals specified in itinerary as B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner.

Attractions and Activities Listed on the Itinerary

Our city tour packages have included the (first/main) entry to all attractions and the expenses of activities on the itinerary (except the optional activities).

• Similar Tour Packages

Harbin & China Snow Town Tour

China Premier Tour (best for business travelers)

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• What's Included

• Harbin Ice Festival Tours
• Sichuan Winter Tours
• Yunnan Winter Tours
• Beijing Winter Tours
• Shanghai Winter Tours
• Yellow Mountain Winter Tours
• Fujian Winter Tours
• Hainan Winter Tours
• Zhangjiajie Winter Tours
• Xi'an Winter Tour
• Guilin Winter Tour
• Northeast China Attractions
• China Winter Attractions
• Fujian Attractions
• Huangshan Attractions
• Sichuan Attractions
• Hainan Attractions
• Yunnan Attractions
• Zhangjiajie Attractions
• Shanghai Attractions
• Beijing Attractions
• Travel Guide
• Harbin Hotels
• Harbin Photos

Harbin Tours

Top Harbin winter vactions tour packages are designed for Harbin Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival attractions highlights such as ice and snow world, Sun Island snow sculpture expo, ice lantern show, Yabuli ski tours, China snow town, family holiday in Heilongjiang, Northeast China.

3-day Harbin Ice Festival Tour

3-day harbin ice snow festival family tour, 4-day harbin ice & snow world festivel ski tour, 5-day hot harbin winter festival yabuli skiing tour, 6-day harbin yabuli ski & china snow town tour, 5-day harbin ice festival china snow town tour, 2-day harbin ice city relax tour, 4-day harbin ice festival & old jewish sites tour, 5-day harbin ice ski chagan winter fishing festival tour, 7-day harbin chagan lake jilin changchun tour, harbin one-day private tour for ice & snow world, 5-day harbin train to yabuli ski tour, top harbin attractions, useful harbin travel tips, quick contact, harbin tours from china, harbin tours from world.

4 Days Private Harbin Tour with Skiing

• Prices are per person on twin sharing basis.
• Any part of the itinerary e.g. tour length, activities & hotels can be tailored to your individual interests.
• Note: Above prices may vary during Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival.
• Inquiry Form

• 86-773-2675596
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4-day Harbin Ice and Snow World & Jihua Ski Resort Tour

Tour Code: IFH-H-10

Tour days: 4 Days

This is a perfect trip to Harbin ice festival 2024! Make safari-style adventure, enjoy skiing in the world-class ski resort, get lost in the wonderland of ice and snow world in the evening and more. (Available only from Dec. 20 to Feb. 25)

Enquire This Tour

Transfer via : flight - your arrangement

Activities for today : Airport to hotel transfer

Driver Service (one-way airport to hotel): Upon arrival at Harbin Taiping International Airport, your Chinese speaking driver will hold a sign of our logo “ICE FESTIVAL HARBIN + Your Last Name” to meet you at the arrival hall of the airport. Drive to your hotel and free at leisure for the rest of the day.

Transfer via : private vehicle

Activities for today : Jihua Ski Resort

Driver & Guide Service: 08:00 am, we will drive about 2 hours to the Jihua Ski Resort to enjoy skiing (ski fee is at your own expense: Ref. CNY180/2hours, CNY220/3hours, CNY240/4 hours). Late afternoon, drive back to Harbin. The Jihua Ski Resort is the nearest SSSSS class ski resort to the urban area of Harbin. It is in the Binxi National Geological Forest Park and about 100 kilometers from Harbin.

Activities for today : Heilongjiang Provincial Museum , Central Street , Sun Island International Snow Sculpture Art Expo , Siberian Tiger Park , Harbin Ice and Snow World

Driver & Guide Service: 09:00 am, drive to visit the historical Central Street and Heilongjiang Provincial Museum. Then move on to the Sun Island, where the Sun Island Snow Sculpture Art Expo is held every winter and you can see various awesome snow sculptures featured different cultures. Proceed to the Siberian Tiger Park, where you will be caged in a specially protected bus to see the tigers and lions. Afternoon proceed to Harbin Ice and Snow World - the most important theme park of the Harbin Ice Festival. This park features illuminated full-sized ice buildings, ice/snow sculptures, evening shows and all kinds of winter activities (e.g. ice sliding, snowtubing, ice biking... all are free). Note: If you are not interested in Heilongjiang Provincial Museum (closed on Monday), we still have following 3 options for you to choose. If you choose option 1, the price keeps the same, while for option 2 and option 3, we will quote the price for you upon your inquiry. Option 1: Harbin Temple of Confucius (closed on Wednesday) Option 2: Jile Temple (aka Temple of Bliss) Option 3: Dragon Tower

Activities for today : airport transfer

Driver Service (one-way hotel to airport): Today, your driver will escort you to the airport for the flight to your next destination.

Price Details & Inclusions of this Trip

Price includes, price excludes, you may like these tours, 3-day beijing tour without accommodation, 3-day huangshan private tour, 3-day huanglong jiuzhaigou tour, 3-day incredible zhangjiajie tour, 4-day guilin to yangshuo private guided tour, 4-day xi'an city in-depth tour, 5-day chengdu emeishan leshan tour, 5-day guangzhou shaoguan danxia mountain tour.

China Winter Holiday Tours 2024/2025

Winter in China doesn't have to mean boring or cold! Imagine fairy worlds of ice and snow, skiing, mountain snow scenes, sunshine and beaches, tropical rainforest, stunning Tibetan plateau scenery... Get more winter vacation ideas here!

• For experiencing a frozen and snowy world and winter fun , Northeast China is the best place. Appreciate the Ice and Snow festival in Harbin . Enjoy skiing in Club Med Yabuli. Go rafting on a hot spring river at Mt. Changbai . Have fun with a snowmobile in China Snow Town ...
• For a warm winter break , head to the tropical south of China. Explore the pristine ocean on a Hobie sailboat and enjoy the golden beaches in Sanya . Lose your cares in the paradise of plants and animals in Xishuangbanna . Appreciate fewer crowds in the warm sunshine of popular Lijiang .
• For amazing winter scenery , central China also offers you options. Zhangjiajie and the Yellow Mountains change to white dresses. Besides, the popular destinations ( Beijing, Xi'an ...) remain open, but are less crowded and seem more authentic with a more peaceful winter character.

Our recommended china winter tours below will help your plan a memorable winter break in China. Feel free to tell us your requirements and interests. Our experienced travel advisors are ready to tailor-make the ideal china winter holiday for you.

Harbin Ice Festival Tours

Harbin is always the top choice if you are a big fan of ice and snow. The Ice and Snow Festival is held from late December to late February every year. Check out our suggested winter tours including Harbin Ice and Snow Festival and attractive destinations near Harbin. We are happy to tailor-make any of them to create your fairytale winter tour.

• Harbin Ice & Snow Festival
• China Snow Town

China Skiing Tours

Although China is not a classic country for skiing and winter sport, the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic Games makes us keenly expectant about China's skiing future. The skiing tours below, including top recommended ski resorts: Yabuli Club Med, Taiwoo Town in Zhangjiakou (one of the 2022 Winter Olympics venues), and Bipenggou near Chengdu, will satisfy your desires for skiing in China.

• Yabuli Ski Resort action
• Jilin Rime Island tranquility

Warm Winter-Escape Tours

If you would like to have a warm winter break, we would take you to the deep south of China. Have fun with a sailboat on the tropical ocean, walk with an elephant in the rainforest, or enjoy the warm sunshine on the Yunnan highlands. Just tell us what would interest you for a winter escape. We will customize a trip according to your schedule and interests.

• Hobie sailboat experience
• Private beach

Winter Scenery Tours

Some scenery belongs to winter alone. Sometimes beauty appears when most people leave. Come with us to appreciate stunning wintry views. The recommended tours below will motivate those of you who love the unique landscapes of winter to pack for a winter break.

• Halleluyah Mountain in silver coat
• The world's longest glass-bottomed bridge
• Sunrise and sunset, rocks and a sea of clouds
• Escape to Rural Utopia - Bishan
• Glacier and hot spring
• Encounter Adorable Pandas 
• Unlock the beauty of the Yuanyang Rice Terraces
• Ancient Chinese architectures
• Great gorges scenery
• Tea Horse Road Hiking
• Explore Mulan's Movie Home
• Feel the History of Gulangyu Island

Travel-Smart China Winter Tours

Winter is the low season for most China tours. Touring China during the low season may be just the thing for you. Fewer (or no) tourist crowds, affording better hotels and flights, or unique winter scenery, festivities, and activities could be what interest you.

• Explore China's past, present, and future
• Visualize the Terracotta Warriors coming alive
• Enjoy a night on the Great Wall
• Relaxing in China's countryside
• Explore China's classic sights
• Relax on a Yangtze River cruise

China Winter Destinations

The destinations below are recommended for your winter tours. If you haven't found your ideal tour above, here are more options for each destination:

Winter Travel Tips

China is a vast country, and the weather in winter varies greatly from north to south, east to west. In summary, it is cooler (cold) weather with much less rain. If you like it drier and not hot, winter might be preferable for you, as it is the driest time of the year all over China, particularly in the north, where a few snow flurries are all you'll get. Read more

Although skiing is not a popular sport in China and its ski resorts are still relatively unheard-of among foreign snow tourists, expats have discovered that China not only has some decent ski slopes, but that the slopes are, in fact, a fun place to meet others, and of course ski gear can be rented on site. As Beijing will host the 2022 Winter Olympic Games, ordinary Chinese have got more and more interested in skiing and more great ski resorts have been built. Read more

Enjoying a hot spring is a wonderful experience in winter. China has a rich supply of hot spring varieties: rainforest hot springs, volcano hot springs, geothermal hot springs, etc. The hot springs are often found alongside fine natural scenery, between mountains or beside forest-bound rivers, creating a heaven for visitors not only to appreciate the scenery, but also get close to it and feel it. Read more

China's winter low season is when tourism/travel in China is at an annual low.

Normally, there are fewer travelers in winter as most Chinese don't travel during this time for various reasons. You will have more space and time to enjoy attractions to the full.

Prices are reduced to encourage off-season travel spending. It begins in November and ends in March, excluding Chinese New Year, when it seems that the whole nation is traveling!

The Spring Festival travel rush normally starts from around mid-January and ends in late February (about 3 weeks either side of Chinese New Year). Train stations and airports may be crowded during this time and tickets may be sold out.

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5 Days Classic Harbin Skiing Tour from Shanghai

• Includes & Excludes

Tour Overview

Harbin is China’s most popular winter destination with its skiing activities and the ice festival. This 5-day winter tour departing from Shanghai, including the must-visit Harbin city sights, the amazing Yabuli Ski Resort as well as the heaven-like Snow Town, will bring you a feast of snow and ice on both eyes and spirits! In addition, you must be amazed by the featured Dongbei (northeast of China) foods, the fabulous Russian-themed architectures and the bustling Ice and Snow Festival when you are traveling to this wonderland.

Day-by-day Itinerary

Please make your own way  from Shanghai to Harbin, taking flight is the fastest and most suggested way. Upon your arrival at Harbin Taiping International Airport, there will be the local driver picking you up from the exit gate by holding a welcome board with your name, and drop you off at local hotel. Free and easy on your own for rest of the day.

Accommodation: Overnight in Harbin 

Today you will spend full day with the English-speaking tour guide and driver to explore the best of Harbin city! The first site will be the Northeast Tiger Park , a northeast tiger breeding and research center with 700+ Siberian tigers live there, and there are over 100 Siberian tigers and lions are open to public. Thus, you will see tigers in different life stages and learn more about the current living situation of Siberian tigers in China.

Later, move on to Sun Island .  As an island in the Songhua river of Harbin city, it is located between the new and old city of Harbin and is divided into eastern district, central district and western district. With the rapid development of tourism, it has become a mufti-functional scenic area composed of ice and snow culture, folk culture and other natural resources, which is also a renowned summer resort and an ecological area along the Songhua river in China. In winter, you can enjoy the wonderful  Sun Island Snow Sculpture  there.

Friendly Tip:  People also can take cable car along the Songhua River to arrive at Sun Island Park. It is an optional choice to better enjoy the Songhua River view. If you would like to take it, please pay in cash at the spot ( approximate CNY100 /way).

After that, drive to Harbin city and enjoy the relaxing sightseeing in the famous Central Street , a bustling pedestrian street in Harbin city. Walking along the street, you will find many old buildings designed in various western styles in early 1900s. And of course you will be attracted by the lively vendors, restaurants, pubs as well as snacks.

Later, continue your visit to   Saint Sophia Church .  It is a typical Byzantine architecture style Orthodox Church built in 1907 by Russian. Through the visit of this church, you will read the rich history of Harbin and even northeast part of China. Also, you can enjoy some relaxing walk in the Saint Sophia Church square to see how local people live, chat and exercise there.

Optional Night Activity:  If you would like to visit the Ice and Snow World , please pay the entrance fee ( around CNY300-350 / pax ) on your own. Just let your guide knows in advance.

Ice and Snow World: Relying on the advantages of Harbin’s ice and snow in winter, the large-scale ice and snow art boutique project was launched to show the ice and snow culture and charm of Harbin that is a renowned tourism city in northeast China. Nowadays, it is a must-visit place in Harbin in winter. There are various kinds of ice sculptures, exciting snow entertainment projects and interesting themed performances. You can stroll around to enjoy the world’s finest examples of ice art against the dazzling lights.

Accommodation: Overnight in Harbin

Today you will head to the exciting Yabuli Ski Resort  where drives around 3.5 hours from Harbin city, thus, you can enjoy the snow and ice scenery on the way.

Upon arrival at Yabuli Ski Resort, follow your guide to fill your stomach at a local restaurant, then your skiing begins! The tour guide will help you to get the main entrance tickets and rent the basic ski equipment for you to ski on your own.

Friendly Tip:  Only skiing in primary ski field was included in the current tour package, which including 3 hours skiing with equipment like skiing boots, snowboard and ski poles. If you would like to have more time for skiing, please pay in cash on your own.

The resort enjoys a snow cover period of 170 days and skiing period 120 days, and the snow depth averages 30 cm – 50 cm at the foot of the mountain and reaches 1m on the mountain. Its best snow conditions make it a perfect place for both skiing racing and ski-touring. It boasts a total of 17 ski runs, from elementary, intermediate to advanced, as well as various cableways. No matter you are first time normal visitors or professional skiers, you will find the one suitable for you. There are also many entertainment activities such as snowmobiling, snow tubing, and horse-drawn sledge. You will have great fun in this heaven for skiing.

In the late afternoon, drive around 2.5 hours to   Snow Town . The full name called “China Snow Town National Forest Park”, is located in Mudanjiang city, Heilongjiang province, China, which is about 280 kilometers away from Harbin. It covers an area of 17,916 hectares and is 1,100 meters above sea level. Because of the frequent intersection of cold air of lake Baikal and sea warm current of Sea of Japan, it forms the unique climate that snow period lasts for seven months (from October to May in next year) and the snow thickness can be up to 2 meters. Thus, with the heavy snowfall and high viscosity of the snow, it enjoys the great reputation as famous “China’s snow town”.

In the evening, you can stroll down Xueyun Street on your own to explore the bustling night market, enjoy relaxing walking, taste some local snack or join the local bonfire party...

Accommodation: Guesthouse in Snow Town

Special note:  The accommodation resources in Snow Town are very limited when it comes to the peak season in every winter. Thus, the usual hotel standard is local guesthouse with at least 2 pax sharing one room. If you are looking for better hotel instead of guesthouse, please inform us as early as you can because good hotels sell too fast in Snow Town, usually needs reserve a few months ahead.

This morning, you are free to enjoy the leisure time in Snow Town . You can use your camera to record this amazing place! There are some special photogenic sites in this town need pay in cash and which were NOT included in the current tour package ( optional ). Thus, if you would like to be there, feel free to ask your tour guide for assistance.

Optional Early Morning Activity : If you are looking for something special in the early morning, you may hop on a shuttle bus and transfer to  Yangcaoshan Mountain to appreciate the marvelous sunrise  (   on your own expense ).

At around 1pm, meet your guide and driver at the hotel lobby and drive around 5.5 hours back to Harbin.

Free and easy on your own until the pickup time for departure. Our driver will meet you at the hotel lobby and transfer to Harbin airport / train station to see you off.

Accommodation: N/A

Price Includes

• 3 nights’ accommodation in Harbin 4 star hotel with daily breakfast
• 1 night accommodation in Snow Town guesthouse with breakfast
• 3 Chinese style lunches
• Entrance tickets as listed in itinerary
• Excellent English-speaking tour guide
• Private transfers in air-conditioned vehicle with licensed driver
• Travel Agency Liability Insurance during the tour
• Government taxes

Price Excludes

• China Visas/flights/trains
• Any dinner that not mentioned in itinerary
• Any optional activity/cable car/battery car/shuttle bus/horse riding/boat cruise etc. inside the attractions
• Our package does not include travel insurance. Please purchase commercial travel insurance before your trip for any unforeseen circumstance
• Any item beyond “Price Includes”
• Gratuities to guide and driver (recommended if you are satisfied with their services)

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Harbin Travel Guide: Itinerary, Attractions, Travel Time, Hotels, Food, etc.

• 01. Step 1: Where to go in China
• 02. Step 2: When to go in China
• 03. Step 3: How to Visit Tibet in 2021 — Suggestions and

Planning your first visit to Harbin and feeling overwhelmed? We have you covered! Here’s the essential guide for visiting Harbin and how you can make the most of your visit.

Harbin at a glance

Harbin is the capital city of Heilongjiang, a province tucked in the northernmost corner of China. This once small fishing village on the banks of Songhua River is now China’s top winter destination. Though most famous for its winter fiesta, the Ice and Snow Festival , you should certainly venture further and discover much more on what Harbin has to offer.

• 1. World's largest Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival
• 2. Harbin's Russian and Jewish heritage and breath-taking architectures
• 3. Wild big cats at Siberian Tiger Park
• 4. Easy to travel to Yabuli Ski Resort and China Snow Town

Best time to visit Harbin

Climate : The climate is generally mild in summer and autumn with temperatures rarely hit uncomfortably high or low. While temperatures start to dip during mid-October and only rise above zero after late March. It is worth carrying an umbrella or raincoat during the rainy season from June to September.

Warm season (average temperature of 22℃): Between April and September, temperature are comfortable with highs rarely going above 30℃. July is the hottest month.

Cold season (average temperature of -15℃): Temperatures in the city area usually stay below -10℃ and frequently drop as low as -35℃. Freezing temperature accompany by unpleasantly cold wind. January is the coldest month. 

Best time to visit : There's no better time to visit Harbin than in winter (mid-October to late march) for plenty of winter sports and the famous Ice and Snow Festival. A time best show-off the charm of Harbin. 

• Harbin weather in detail »

Helpful information (festivals in Harbin):

Harbin ice and snow festival.

• Time: soft opening in December, officially begin in January and lasts till February and March when the sculptures melt
• Venue: mainly at Ice and Snow World, Sun Island Scenic Area, and  Zhaolin Park
• What to expect: Ice and snow Disneyland filled with light-illuminated ice sculptures and castles at Ice and Snow World, ice lanterns display at Zhaolin Park and snow figures in Sun Island Scenic Area.
• More about the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival »

Harbin International Beer Festival

• Time: start of every July and lasts for ten days
• Venue: Ice and Snow World on Sun Island
• What to expect: Throughout the festival, there will be activities such as singing, dancing, beer tasting, trade fairs and exhibitions

Harbin Summer Music Concert

• Time: starts on August 6th and lasts for ten days (held every two years)
• Venue: across Harbin
• What to expect: Exciting dance, opera, acrobatic, musical concerts and performances.

Places to visit and things to do

Short on time? Here are a number of attractions you shouldn't miss in Harbin:

Attractions in the city area

Central street.

This is the most prosperous street in Harbin with a strong exotic atmosphere—you may end up forgetting that you are actually in China. Down the timeworn cobbles walkway, you’ll find endless stream of Neo-Classic, Baroque, Byzantine, Renaissance architectures. Beautiful storefronts, upscale eateries and trendy fashion shops are along the way. This area is absolutely worth a visit after sunset.

Stalin Park

When you walk to the end of Central Street, you’ll eventually reach Stalin Park which spreads along the bank of Songhua River. It’s worth a leisure stroll. You can participate in some of the winter sports on frozen Songhua River in winter.

Zhaolin Park

A typical scenic park that will turn into ice wonderland every winter during Ice Lantern Festival. Zhaolin Park displays thousands of ice lanterns lit by colourful LED lights that’s no doubt best seen at night.

Often confused with Sun Island Scenic Area on the island, Sun Island consists of Ice and Snow World, Sun Island Scenic Area, Harbin Polar Land and other small gardens and parks. A cable car or ferry ride across Songhua River from Central Street will take you to Sun Island. It is Harbin's entertainment hub, offering plenty things to do especially in winter. Harbin Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival are held in Ice and Snow World and Sun Island Scenic Area. 

• It's recommended to spend the day in the Sun Island Scenic Area for snow sculptures that will be closed after dark. And admire the fabulous night display of colossal ice structures lit with sparkling lights in Ice and Snow World.

Saint Sophia Cathedral

Saint Sophia Cathedral, a former Russian Orthodox church with a Neo-Byzantine green dome built in 1907, is Harbin's most beautiful construction and the city's landmark. It's the largest Orthodox architecture in the Far East. Now it has turned into a museum documenting Harbin's multicultural heritage.

Good to know : There's music fountain show from 19:00 to 19:30 on the square of Saint Sophia Cathedral every day (though available in the day too, it's more beautiful at night).

Harbin's Old and New Synagogues

There are many remnants of Harbin's Jewish history. West of Central Street along Tongjiang Street stands two former synagogues and a Jewish secondary school. The New Synagogue which was built in 1921 has been turned into an engaging museum of Jewish culture and history—worth spending an hour or so. A Jewish secondary school, now private music academy besides the New Synagogue is also worth a peek. While Harbin Old Synagogue (built in 1909) sits on the junction of Tongjiang Street and Jingwei Street is now a private music academy.

Laodaowai is the old quarter of Harbin--an area of Chinese Baroque architecture and a window into the history of this unique Chinese city. Down the streets lined with timeworn buildings, you can somewhat still find traces of their former glory and magnificence. It's highly recommended to tour Laodaowai with a knowledgeable guide, otherwise, these old buildings are just buildings without any stories.

Siberian Tiger Park

Watch a great number of big cats in the wild and you can buy strips of meat to feed them. You'll eventually need around three hours here.

Heilongjiang Provincial Museum

Built in 1906 on the original site of a Russian-style shopping mall. This is a wonderful place to learn about history of Harbin and the region. Highlights of the museum are a few dinosaurs and mammoth fossils, and relics of Tang dynasty.

Temple of Bliss

Temple of Bliss is the largest Buddhist temple complex in the province. There are a number of gigantic statues (Maitreya and Sakyamuni Buddha) and pagodas (including Seven-Tiered Buddhist Pagoda) in the temple. There will be temple fairs in May (Chinese lunar calendar of 8th, 18th, 28th April).

Confucius Temple

Built in early 1900s, this modern Confucius temple is no difference from the rest in China, yet one of the only few Chinese building complex in Harbin. The site houses a minority culture museum. Worth a stop if you have sufficient time. No entry fee required.

Longta Tower

A steel tower at the heart of downtown area--worth a climb for panorama view of surrounding cityscape.

• Harbin attractions in detail »

Around Harbin

1. volga manor.

A Russian-style forest garden just an hour outside of the city that's worth spending at least 2-3 hours. You can tour this site via bike or cruise during summer and experience skiing during winter.

2. Snow Town (visit in winter)

Experience China's deepest snow here after seven months of snowfall and a wide range of winter activities such as horse-drawn sleigh rides and snow mazes. This once one-street logging village is a three-hour drive from Yabuli Ski Resort. Take note that the temperature in China Snow Town can fall to 40℃ below freezing.

3. Yabuli Ski Resort (visit in winter)

Yabuli Ski Resort is also a national training ground. This ski resort is suitable for both professionals and amateurs from bunny slope to black run and even alpine skiing. You can up your winter vacation with simply a three-hour drive from Harbin.

Neighbourhoods you shouldn't miss

Daoli district (downtown region).

Find a number of old European buildings in this area including the famous St. Sophia Cathedral.  While, Tongjiang Street, skirting the Central Street area was the centre of Jewish life in Harbin during 1920s. Down the street, stands two former synagogues (Harbin New Synagogue: a museum; Old Synagogue: a concert hall), a Jewish secondary school (now a private music academy) and a Turkish mosque-- definitely worth a stop. More historical buildings are found on Central Street. St Alexeevsky Church on Gogol Street, where is another former Russian street with pockets of surviving heritage, is worth a visit too.

Old Quarter (Laodaowai)

This neighbourhood which is noted for its Baroque and Byzantine-style Russian architectures.

Tip : To make your trip in Harbin more meaningful and interesting, it's best to accompany by a knowledgeable private guide who can tell you the history and story behind each district and building, rather than see and go by yourself.

Sun Island area

Recommended to visit during winter, when the island is filled with gigantic snow and ice sculptures and plenty of winter activities. Yet, Sun Island can also be a summer retreat with mild temperatures.

You reach via subway (line 2, including Central Street, Harbin train station, and provincial museum subway stations) and alight at Sun Island Station. Ferry and cable car are also available from Central Street to the island.

You can also visit the Siberian Tiger Park or enjoy a fascinating performance at Harbin Grand Theatre near Sun Island.

1. Harbin Ice and Snow Festival

You can plan your day seeing exquisite snow sculptures at Sun Island Snow Sculpture Art Expo while admire LED-lit ice towers and castles in Zhaolin Park and Ice and Snow World at night. Find some art works showcase in Stalin Park and on Central Street too.

2. Yabuli Ski Resort

A winter vacation is incomplete without spending a day or two experiencing the fast and fiery down local skiing slopes. Suitable for skiers of all abilities. This ski resort is 3 hour drive from city area. December to February is the most ideal time for skiing. (Alternative would be Erlongshan Ski Resort which is 1.5 hour drive from downtown).

3. Snow Town

Snow Town is a one street logging village with wide range of snow activities such as horse drawn sleigh ride and snow maze available. In winter, see the town and landscape dusted with thick layer of snow. It's a three hour drive from Yabuli Ski Resort.

You can also watch winter swimming and participate in other activities such as ice bowling, ice skating, and ice cycling on Songhua River in Harbin. Also, check out the best things to see and do in winter in China to make your winter trip in China to the fullest.

Cultural immersion

Harbin is a unique city that's peppered with Russian and European influence. Discover Harbin's Jewish and Russian heritage as you wonder the city packed with exquisite European style buildings and sample its unique cuisine. Best be accompanied by a professional guide who will take you under the skin of this city rather than a simple shot-and-go trip. You can also join ice fishing with local fishermen at Changling Lake (48 min from down area) which can be once-in-a-lifetime experience. Other hands-on activities such as paper cutting and dumpling making can be other great options. Simply leave us a message via email for any questions or drop us an enquiry form to customise most unique China tour for you.

Harbin food guide

Part of experiencing the culture is sampling local food. Harbin's gastronomy is heavily influenced by Russian and North Chinese cuisine. Dishes are often meat-based and served large and salty, but definitely worth giving a try.

Some local specialties include pan-fried dumplings, Guobaorou (Sweet Sour Fried Pork Chops), Disanxian or ‘three treasures' (fried potato, peppers and aubergine in garlicky sauce), Eastern European-style smoked garlic sausage, Russian bread and Madieer ice cream.

Where to eat in Harbin

Harbin Normal University night market : Located on Wenxing Street, with more than 500 food stores and booths—truly a food paradise.

1. Take care of your belongings and valuables while enjoying the snacks at Harbin Normal University night market.

2. Advice to pay via Wechat or Alipay for your convenience amidst large crowds.

Central Street : There are a number of Russian restaurants down Central Street. Among all, you shouldn't miss the most famous Huamei Western Restaurant and Luxiya Russia Coffee & Food for their unique Russian food blend with an Eastern twist.

Madieer dessert house : Get the time-honoured brand Modern 1906's milk ice cream on Central Street near Modern Hotel. It is popular even in the cold winter.

Orient King of Eastern Dumplings : Harbin's most famous dumpling restaurant with more than 20 chain stores in downtown. Mouth-watering handmade dumplings are served hot.

You can also try Zhang's steam bun on Nanerdao Street while strolling Laodawai and DIY your spring roll at Old Chang's Spring Roll on Central Street.

• Food and Restaurants in Harbin »

How to get to Harbin

Harbin is easily accessible from almost anywhere in China, a number of Asian and Western countries.

Fly from some major Chinese cities to Harbin Taiping International Airport (HRB): Beijing (2 hours), Shanghai (3 hours), Hangzhou (3 hours), Chengdu (3.5 hours), Shenzhen (4 hours), Guangzhou (4 hours), and Lhasa (7 hours 40 minutes). Direct international flights are available from countries like Russia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, and the US. Though it's advice to make your connecting flight in Beijing for some discount occasionally.

The airport is 38km from the city center (1 hour drive). Airport shuttle bus (dispatch every 30mins) cost about 20 RMB, while taxi ride cost around 200 RMB.

Foreign visitors from 53 qualified countries arriving at Taiping International Airport can enjoy 72 hours visa-free transit and tour within city area without the need of Chinese visa.

There are regular bullet trains from many Chinese cities. It will take you six hours from Beijing and one hour from Changchun. Take a taxi from outside Harbin Train Station to your destination in town or metro line 2 to downtown area.

Harbin bus station is opposite of train station. Reach Harbin by bus from Jilin (4.5 hours) or Beijing (12 hours), or take the daily service from Vladivostok in Russia (8 hours).

Getting around in Harbin

There are many forms of transportation allowing you to travel within the city area at ease.

Rent a car with Chinese driver from 600 RMB--1,000 RMB per day and tour Harbin at your leisure. Some rental agencies include Ctrip, Eddy by Europcar, Europcar, and Hertz. It is highly recommended to hire a private vehicle with guide for a better experience. Just make a phone call for any further information and assistance.

Taxis are all over and run off a meter, but tend to be the most expensive form of transportation. Taxi flag-fall is 9 RMB. You can pay via Wechat, Alipay or cash.

Bus is a great way to see the sights in the city while going from one place to another. There are hundreds of bus routes in Harbin, operating from 6:00 to 20:00. Ticket prices are between 1-2RMB.

Bus 47 make it convenient to travel between places like Heilongjiang Provincial Museum, Harbin Train Station, Saint Sophia Cathedral, Central Street, Stalin Park, and Sun Island.

As in 2021, there are total of 3 metro lines in Harbin, with Metro line 2 more useful to tourists. Line 2 connect Harbin train station with Central Street, Zhaolin Park, Sun Island and Harbin North Station. Ticket price range from 2 RMB to 4 RMB.

Metro line 9 that reach Harbin Taiping International Airport is planned to operate in 2023.

Where to stay in Harbin

City area : Jingu Hotel (4*), Mercure Harbin Sophia Church (4*), Shangri-La Hotel Harbin (luxury 5*), Sofitel Wanda Harbin (5*).

Others : Yabuli Med Club Resort (luxury 5*), Yabuli International Convention & Exhibition Center (5*); Club Med Beidahu Resort Jilin (5*), Hampton by Hilton Jilin (4*).

It is best to stay near Central Street in the city's historic quarter. Yet, take note that prices are higher on weekends, public holidays and especially during Ice and Snow Festival.

• More detail: Hotels in Harbin »

Shopping and nightlife

The best shopping option no doubt would be at Central Street. Or you can explore Russian night markets and huge departmental stores at Gogol Street. Other alternatives are Dongdazhi Street, Hongbo Century Square, and Toulong Street.

1.  Admire colourfully lit ice sculptures at Ice and Snow World and Zhaolin Park from late December to February.

2. Upscale eateries and stores along Central Street are definitely worth a visit especially with extra ambience at night.

3. There are number of bars on Gogol Street such as Barbizon Western Food Bar and David's Camp Music Bar.

4. The old quarter of Harbin, Laodaowai is another great place to make a pit stop for ample of street food stores and authentic eateries. (Be sure to visit the Russky Vodka Ice Bar that pops up each year in winter.)

5. Enjoy your night at Harbin Grand Theatre with fascinating opera, song and dance, orchestra performances.

How long to stay in Harbin

3-4 days would be enough to tour the city area and surrounding attractions. Below are the number of days needed for some major attractions.

City area (highlights):

1 day= Central Street + St. Sofia Orthodox Church+ Zhaolin Park+ Stalin Park+ Laodaowai.

Along Songhua River:

1 day= Sun Island + Ice and Snow World+ Harbin Polar Land+ Siberian Tiger Park.

City area (optional):

1 day= Temple of Bliss + Heilongjiang Provincial Museum+ Longta Tower+ Confucian Temple.

Volga Manor: 1 day

Yabuli Ski Resort: 2-3 days

Erlongshan Ski Resort: 1-2 days (suitable for beginners, 2 hour drive from Harbin)

Snow Town: 2 days

Jilin: 1-2 days

Changbai Shan: 2-3 days (direct flights available from Beijing, Shanghai, Changchun, Shenyang, Dalian, and Harbin)

Combination 1：Harbin-(6 hour drive) - Snow Town-(5 hour drive)-Jilin-(5 hour drive) - Changbai Shan

Combination 2：Harbin- (3 hour drive/1 hour bullet train) -Yabuli Ski Resort - (3.5 hour drive) -Snow Town

Combination 3：Harbin-Yabuli Ski Resort-(4 hour bullet train/ 5.5 hour drive) -Jilin

• Suggestted Harbin Itinerary »

Tours recommendations:

• Harbin Ice Festival Tour(4 days) »
• Yabuli Skiing (5 days) »

Weather, the Best Time to Visit Harbin

Harbin experiences a temperate continental climate with bitterly cold winters, characterized by the renowned Ice Festival, and short, warm summers, making it a city of extremes with distinct seasonal variations.

ptimal for witnessing the renowned Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival's breathtaking ice and snow sculptures, the prime time to visit Harbin is in the winter, particularly during January and February. However, those seeking milder temperatures and outdoor pursuits may find late spring (April to May) and early autumn (September to October) more favorable for exploring the city and its environs. The choice of when to visit should align with individual preferences and interests, given that Harbin provides distinctive experiences throughout the year.

The best time to travel to Harbin is from January to February and from June to August.

• January to February: The optimal period for admiring ice sculptures, during which the Ice and Snow World and Snow Sculpture Art Expo are officially open.
• June to August: The weather is cool, ideal for escaping the summer heat. Sun Island offers picturesque views with lush greenery and a blend of Western-style architecture.
• Harbin Weather and Travel Time »

Harbin travel tips

Bring spare camera equipment or use gear covers in extreme cold weather. If you're using your phone repeatedly for photo-taking, try to put it somewhere close to your body or stick a heating pack to it. You can also take a freeze proof compact camera along as a backup.

Shorter daylight hours in winter when sun sets at around 16:00 in Harbin. Plan your schedule accordingly.

It's hard to get a taxi during winter months, so you may want to consider private vehicle during your stay here.

ATMs are all over city including 24-hour ones. ATM from Bank of China will cash traveller cheques and a wide range of foreign currencies. It's easy to spot on a side road as you walk up Central Street.

Bring along power bank and multipurpose power adaptor.

It's important to stay hydrate during dry winter. Thermal flask comes in handy.

Relevant articles

Find this article useful? Share it on social media with your friends and family! If you need more information about traveling to China this winter, see other posts below:

• Best things to see and do in winter in China
• Best places to visit in China during winter
• China winter travel guide

Hi, I’m Eunice Tang, if you like my article, please share it with your friends. Any sugguestions on this article, please contact me . Thanks!

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Billionaire presumed dead may be living in Moscow with younger woman: reports

A billionaire long believed to have died in a skiing accident may actually be alive and living with a younger woman in Moscow, new evidence has suggested.

Karl-Erivan Haub, then 58, vanished on a solo ski tour in the Alps on April 7, 2018. A six-day search yielded no sign of the businessman, and he was declared dead by a German court in 2021, according to the Seattle Times.

Now, however, the state prosecutor’s office in Cologne has opened a probe into allegations that Haub’s brother, Christian, provided false information when he said he had zero information indicating that his brother could still be alive, the Daily Beast explained.

The investigation followed a criminal complaint from journalists with the broadcaster RTL that were looking into Haub’s disappearance, the outlet said.

One of the journalists, investigative reporter Liv von Boetticher, told Capital magazine that she was aware of photos allegedly showing Haub in Moscow in 2021 – the same year he was legally declared dead.

“As far as I know, these photos were obtained on behalf of Christian Haub and two internal investigators working for him by an Israeli-American company that searched the biometric surveillance system in Moscow for images of Karl-Erivan Haub,” she explained.

The coincidence in appearance between Haub and the person in the images was about 90%, according to a Stern magazine report from March 2023 .

Based on her information, Boetticher explained, Christian Haub had access to the photos when “he stated under oath to the Cologne District Court in May 2021 that he had ‘no reliable evidence’ that his brother was still alive.”

Boetticher insisted that there is “strong evidence that [Karl-Erivan Haub] could have caused his disappearance intentionally and that at least parts of his family were aware of it and, against their better judgment, kept this secret from the Cologne District Court and the public.”

Haub – who was born to German parents in Tacoma, Washington, and educated in Switzerland – was married and had two adult children at the time of his disappearance. 

The latest evidence, however, suggested that he may have a younger woman on the go in Russia, Boetticher told Capital.

“There was an alleged lover of Karl-Erivan Haub, with whom he had frequent telephone contact before his disappearance and who is in contact with the Russian domestic secret service FSB,” she said.

Haub vanished just one month after the death of his father, Erivan Haub. At the time of his death, the elder Haub was worth an estimated $6.4 billion, according to Forbes .

Boetticher indicated that the reason for Karl-Erivan Haub vanishing could be linked to the family’s business dealings.

 “Our suspicion is that dealings with Russia or with Russian business partners may have put Karl-Erivan in trouble in the Western world,” the journalist suggested to Capital.

Christian Haub took over the Tengelmann Group as sole CEO shortly after his older brother disappeared.

His lawyer, Mark Binz, vehemently denied the journalists’ allegations in a comment to Zeit Online.

“Of course, there is no truth to the accusation,” Bonz scoffed. “Until a few weeks ago, the Cologne public prosecutor’s office saw it that way and therefore refused to start an investigation.”

With Post wires