7 Days China Winter Discovery of Xian Harbin Tour

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Xian Arrival

   Upon your arrival at Xian airport / train station, the local driver (no tour guide) will pick you up from the exit gate by holding a welcome board reading “China Xian Tour” and then transfer you to one of the best downtown hotels for check-in.

   For the rest of the day, you can enjoy your free time, experience some "characteristics" of Xi'an, including delicious local food such as Pita bread soaked in Lamb Soup, Roujiamo, night views in the Grand Tang Ever-bright City, and the Tang Dynasty palace song and dance performances.

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   4-Star Hotel in Xi'an
2. Day 2: Xian Highlight Day
   Terracotta Warriors and Horses, Ancient City, Wall Bell and Drum Tower Square, Muslim Quarter

   Your fantastic Xian tour begins with world’s heritage - the Terracotta Warriors and Horses. Known as “the Eighth Wonders of the World”, it was found in 1947 by 4 local farmers while drilling a well. Nowadays it has turned into one of the most significant attractions in China and the No.1 attractive site in Xi’an. Your expert guide will be going to lead you to Pit 1 (the largest pit), Pit 2, Pit 3 for 2-3 hours. Through her/his excellent explanation, you will learn the hidden story of those live-sized sculptures and history of their owner: Qin Shi Huang who is the first emperor of China.

   Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and after that we head back to Xian downtown area for another historical highlight - Ancient City Wall. It is the largest and most complete preserved city wall in China, which was built for the military defense in the ancient time. Since it is cycling the city, you can ride a bike atop the city wall (optional, your guide can help you with the ticket on site).

   Later, move on to the Bell and Drum Tower Square, which locates in the very center of the city and is considered as the symbol of this old capital. Walking forward, you will come to the vibrant Muslim Quarter, composed of labyrinth of lanes where the aroma of many authentic local snacks fills the air like Roujiamo, beef and lamb kebab. You can also purchase some cute souvenirs to bring home as presents.

   

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   4-Star Hotel in Xi'an
3. Day 3: Xian to Harbin by Flight
   Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Shuyuanmen Ancient Culture Street, Yongxingfang Food & Culture Quarter

   Xian is a very famous historical city with a history over 3000 years, so the city has lots of interesting places and cutural elements to explore in downtown area.

   Firstly, come to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. On the way, your guide will introduce the history of this ancient city for you to catch a glimpse of reason why so many well-known relics were discovered on this place. Big Wild Goose Pagoda was originally built to hold Buddhist sutra and figurines of the Buddha that a monk named Xuanzang brought back from India in Tang Dyansty, 652 A.D. Now there is a big square surrounding the Big Wild Goose Pagoda where you can also see buildings and statues is in Tang style, showing the glory of that great time. It’s becomes even busier in the evening when many people take walks and enjoy music fountains.

   Later, be transferred into Shuyangmen Culture Street for a stroll. Can you find a more authentic art atmosphere in Xi'an? This pedestrian lane is uniquely defined by shops specializing in the "Four Treasures of the Study" - writing brush, ink stick, paper and ink slab. Ready to be charmed by the imitation of Ming and Qing architecture. If you are interested in Chinese arts and crafts, you can pick some souvenirs here. Do not forget to bargain.

   Then, let your appetite lead you to the Yongxingfang Food and Culture Quarter. The street is an amazing place to sample some delicious local food and see how the local people relax themselves. There are plenty of food options. If you are that kind of person who like to try all kinds of new food, this lane will not disappoint you, and remember to visit it on an empty stomach.

   In the afternoon, you will head to Harbin by flight. When you arrive at Harbin Taiping International Airport, there will be the local driver picking you up from the exit gate, and send you to your comfortable hotel. Free and easy on your own for rest of the day.

   

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   4-Star Hotel in Harbin
4. Day 4: Harbin City Exploration
   Northeast Tiger Park, Sun Island, Central Street, Saint Sophia Church

   For today's Harbin exploration, you will spend full day with your English-speaking tour guide to explore the best of Harbin city! The itinerary begins at the Northeast Tiger Park, a premier breeding and research place. With a population of over 700 purebred Siberian tigers living here, open to the public, the park offers invaluable insight into the species' different life stages and its current conservation status 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 Sculptures there.

   After that, enjoy the relaxing walk on 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 restaurants, pubs, as well as locak snacks like Madier Ice Cream and sugarcoated haws on sticks.

   Right on the street and one of the most famous buildings is the St. Sophia Cathedral. This Byzantine architecture style Orthodox Church was built in 1907 by Russians. Your guide will be telling you some history of this site and Harbin (note: we only visit it from outside).

   It was not until the evening that the trip to Harbin reached its climax. You will visit the Ice and Snow World, the largest ice and snow theme park in the world. This complex of buildings is made of over 400,000 cubic meters of ice and is illuminated by colorful lights at night. You can experience the longest ice slide and enjoy the panoramic view on the Ferris wheel. Also, don't miss the lively dance party.

   Travel Tips

   1. Dress warmly and wear gloves, as the temperature may drop below minus 20 degrees Celsius.
   2. Arrive early to avoid long queues at popular attractions such as ice slides.
   3. Fully charge the device and keep the power bank at hand. Cold weather speeds up the power consumption of mobile phones.

   

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   4-Star Hotel in Harbin
5. Day 5: Harbin to Snow Town, Stop at Yabuli
   Yabuli Ski Resort, China Snow Town Evening Stroll

   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 buy the main entrance tickets and rent the basic ski equipment for you to ski on your own.

   Our tour package includes 3-hour skiing in the primary ski field, with equipment like skiing boots, a snowboard, and ski poles.

   The skiing season at this resort can last 150 days, from late November to the end of March of the following year. The snow conditions here are excellent, so it has hosted many international skiing competitions. Of course, it is also an ideal place for skiing tourism. From beginner, intermediate to advanced levels, as well as various ropeways, whether you are a first-time ordinary tourist or a professional skier, you will find one that suits you. In addition, there are many recreational activities, such as snowmobiles (at your own expense). Wish you a great time.

   

   In the late afternoon, drive for around 2 hours to China Snow Town. In the evening, it took about two hours by car to reach the Snow City of China. It is located in Mudanjiang City, Heilongjiang Province. The annual snow cover period lasts for 7 months (from November to April of the following year), with a maximum snow depth of 2 meters. The snowfall here is extremely heavy, and the accumulated snow forms various snow sculpture landscapes according to the shapes of objects.

   After check in at the hotel, you can stroll down Xueyun Street on your own to explore the bustling night market, enjoy relaxing walking, taste some local snacks, or join the local bonfire party (if you are lucky)...

   Special notes:

   • Every winter is the peak season in Snow Town, and hotel resources are extremely tight. Therefore, it is recommended that you make a reservation three months in advance.
   • Most of the hotel facilities here are not as good as those in cities like Shanghai and Beijing. Please be mentally prepared.

   

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   3-Star Hotel in Snow Town
6. Day 6: Snow Town Back to Harbin
   Free Time at Snow Town in the Morning

   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 that need to be paid for in cash and which were NOT included in our tour package (optional). Thus, if you would like to be there, feel free to ask your tour guide for assistance. If you seek thrills, you can experience snowmobiles and horse-drawn sleds.

   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, if the weather is good (at your own expense).

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

   

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   4-Star Hotel in Harbin
7. Day 7: Harbin Departure

   After breakfast, your driver will pick you up at your hotel and send you to the airport or train station for departure. This is the end of your 7-day Xian Harbin tour. Thank you very much for choosing us! Hope to see you on your next China trip with us.

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