5 Days Harbin Winter Skiing Tour from Xi’an

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: From Xian to Harbin

   Please make your own way from Xi'an to Harbin. Taking flight is the fastest and most suggested way since the overnight train takes over 33 hours.

   Upon your arrival at Harbin Taiping International Airport, there will be a local driver picking you up from the exit gate by holding a welcome board - China Xian Tour, and then escort you to a local comfortable hotel. For the rest time, you can take your time exploring the Ice City on your own.

   You are recommended to stroll along Central Street, which is like an open-air architectural museum. Here, you can see architectural complexes from Baroque to Byzantine styles, as if you have traveled back to Europe in the early 20th century. Please visit in the evening as the neon lights are very spectacular when they are on.

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   4-Star Hotel in Harbin
2. Day 2: Drive to Jihua Ski Resort
   Have fun skiing at Jihua Ski Resort

   After breakfast, drive around 1.5 hours to Jihua Ski Resort to enjoy the exciting skiing.

   Jihua Ski Resort, 38km from Harbin city area, is one of the best ski resorts in China. It provides tourists with a world-class alpine skiing experience within the convenient range of the city. The 15 different ski slopes meet all skiers’ needs, no matter what your level is, beginner or master. Even if you don’t know how to ski at all, the coach will give you a one-to-one class upon your requirement. Under his/her professional guidance, you can learn the correct techniques, including basic stopping, turning, and mastering descent control. The gentle and wide beginner trails can help new skiers build confidence in a safe environment; And the slope provides enough challenges to improve skills.

   Friendly Tip: The main entrance ticket to Jihua Ski Resort is included in the current tour package. You are supposed to pay all skiing fees or equipment rental fees on your own. (Your tour guide will help you with that)

   You need to arrange your lunch by yourself today. This ski resort has a restaurant that offers Chinese cuisine, including hot soup, dumplings, noodles, and a variety of stir-fried dishes with both meat and vegetables. You can also go to the mountain-top cafe, where you can enjoy a hot drink and a Western-style light meal while taking in the beautiful snow mountain scenery.

   When you finish the fantastic ski, we will drive you back to Harbin for a good rest.

   

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   4-Star Hotel in Harbin
3. Day 3: Harbin City Highlights
   Northeast Tiger Park, Sun Island, Central Street, Saint Sophia Church, Ice and Snow World

   Today is a very classic one-day tour of Harbin. We have gathered the most famous winter landscapes of this city. After breakfast, the tour guide will meet you at the hotel and then start today's visit at the Siberian Tiger Park. This is one of the largest breeding bases for endangered Siberian tigers in the world. You will take a closed sightseeing bus to observe these "big cats" roaming freely up close. At the same time, your guide will also explain these wild natural behaviors to you.

   Next, cross the frozen Songhua River and arrive at Sun Island. If you would like to, you can take a cable car over the Songhua River and over to Sun Island. However, this is an additional charge (CNY 100 per person per way). The annual international snow sculpture expo displays large, complex sculptures to tourists around the world. These stunning sculptures are made by the world's best artists, and they “lend” their masterpieces well to photo opportunities. If you decide to see the snow sculptures you may want to wear sunglasses to help prevent white spots from impacting your vision.

   Keep walking to Central Street, which is the oldest pedestrian street in Harbin. You can feel the full European charm. Having an ice cream in the cold winter is definitely a special and unforgettable experience. Continue strolling to the nearby St. Sophia Cathedral, a Byzantine-style building, which is one of the city's most famous architectural landmarks. (Tip: We only visit the outside and won't go in.)

   Next, you can return to the hotel to warm up. After nightfall, we continue our visit to the dazzling Ice and Snow World. Here you can explore the large-scale illuminated ice castles, ice sculptures, the world's longest ice slide (521 meters), and join the lively dance performance area. You should be prepared for long queues at popular attractions like Ferris wheel and ice slide. The temperature in Harbin drops very low at night. It is strongly recommended that you bring a hand warmer, wear more clothes, and often rest indoors and enjoy hot drinks.

   

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   4-Star Hotel in Harbin
4. Day 4: Whole Day in Volga Manor
   Cultural Immersion at Volga Manor

   After breakfast, drive around 1.5 hours to Volga Manor, a wonderland with Russian-themed culture, buildings and foods. Located around 50 kilometers from Harbin city, this amazing park covers over 600,000 square meters along the Ashi River, including restaurants, entertainments, rivers, bridges, wetlands and over 30 different Russian-style architectures. Today, you will fully enjoy the highlight spots of this manor.

   St. Nicholas Church, a landmark of the Volga Manor, was rebuilt in 2006, modeled after the old church (formerly known as the "First Orthodox Church in the Far East"). This is a Gothic building. You can enjoy the complex wooden structure. The main entrance is painted with the image of the Virgin Mary and murals.

   Pavlov Castle, standing on the banks of the Volga River, is modeled after Russian castles designed between 1795 and 1797. It has gone through many vicissitudes and has served as a hospital, police station, prison and other places, with rich historical stories. Now, it has become a symbol of romance. Inside, you will find all kinds of exhibitions showcasing Russian paintings, decorations and history.

   The Pushkin Salon is a unique red-brick building that reflects the magnificent architectural style of Russia in the late 19th century. At the entrance stands a large bronze statue of Pushkin, as if welcoming tourists.

   You have a whole day to explore the manor. There are some art galleries where you can learn about the history of Russian expatriates in Harbin and taste authentic Russian vodka in the warm indoor environment.

   There are some restaurants in the park. With a nice environment, you can enjoy authentic Russian Western cuisine. The manor offers a wide range of ice and snow activities: ski tubing (very thrilling and safe), snow football, sledding, etc.

   After all activities, you will be transferred back to your hotel in downtown area.

   

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   4-Star Hotel in Harbin
5. Day 5: Harbin Departure

   You can get up early to enjoy some relaxing walk in Harbin city. The 5-day winter tour in Harbin from Xi'an will end today. The driver will drop you off at Harbin airport/train station for your departure. Should you need any further tour assistance in nearby places such as China Snow Town, please feel free to contact us!

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