9 Days China Winter Exploration Tour to Shanghai and Harbin

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Shanghai Arrival

   Upon your arrival at Shanghai airport / train station, a local driver will pick you up from the exit gate by holding a welcome board "China Xian Tour" and transfer you to the downtown hotel for check-in.

   For rest of the day, you can do some walks at your own pace. As night falls, take a stroll along the Bund, taking photos of the illuminated buildings and spectacular skyline across the Huangpu River.

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   4-Star Hotel in Shanghai
2. Day 2: Shanghai Classic City Exploration
   Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai Museum, Former French Concession, Nanjing Road, The Bund

   Begin your Shanghai visit at Yuyuan Garden which was built during the Ming Dynasty in 1559. Pan Yunduan designed the space for his parents to enjoy their old-age life. The garden boasts beautiful pavilions and artistic rock formations. Besides appreciating its beauty, your tour guide will provide information about the garden's historical facts which include its period of abandonment, restoration and its war damage and reopening in 1961. The nearby City God Temple area is a bustling market where you can taste special snacks like Xiaolongbao and buy little handicrafts such as fine silk and paper fans.

   

   In order to understand the history and development of this metropolis, visit the Shanghai Museum (closed every Monday). This world-class institution holds a million treasures. Its collections are famed for ancient bronze ware, delicate porcelain and masterpieces of calligraphy and painting. After the history exploration, step outside into People's Square. This is the city's "living room". Watch locals at leisure and you might see its famous "match-making corner." Here, parents gather, hoping to find partners for their unmarried children.

   Your tour then leads you to the Former French Concession. This was the largest French concession in China. For nearly a century (1849-1943), this area was under French administration. Stroll past beautiful European-style villas nestled quietly under the shade of plane trees.

   Nanjing Road is Shanghai's oldest shopping street. Your guide will highlight the four famous department stores. Their grand facades show the city's commercial past. The street is also a paradise for food lovers. You can find many options for a delicious snack or meal.

   Finally, walk to the Bund, one of Shanghai's most iconic landmarks. It's hard to imagine that this waterfront was a desolate swamp centuries ago. It transformed into the British Concession and now became the heart of Asia's finance. Today, it offers a breathtaking perspective of the city's skyline. Be sure to have your camera ready for amazing photos.

   

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   4-Star Hotel in Shanghai
3. Day 3: Shanghai to Harbin by Flight
   Whole Day in Shanghai Disneyland Park

   Today is your final day touring Shanghai at Disneyland Resort which is considered as the "Happiest Place on Earth." It represents the first Disney theme park established in Chinese mainland. The park offers the chance to interact with popular Disney characters while taste various themed dishes and purchase special themed accessories such as headbands, keychains and refrigerator stickers.

   Imagination Garden is the first park in all Disney parks worldwide that is themed around "gardens". Its core feature is the iconic "Magical Fantasy Castle", which is the tallest and largest among all Disney castles. Inside the garden, there is the "Twelve Friends Garden", inspired by the Chinese zodiac.

   The park offers many first-of-its-kind globally or specially designed entertainment experiences such as "The Thrill of the Speed Wheel", the fastest roller coaster in all Disney parks. You can also see many float parades. Prepare yourself for an entertaining day!

   The driver and your guide will take you to the entrance of the park. The park allows you to enter after presenting your passport, which lets you explore at your own pace.

   Friendly tips:

   1. China Xian Tour will book the tickets for you in advance and you need to bring your passport which security will scan at the gate for your quick entry.
   2. You will have lunch by yourself today. The park has many dining establishments that provide food options for all preferences. Make payment for your order at your own.
   3. You will explore the park on your own. Your guide will be waiting for you at the exit when you're finished. The guide requires payment for her/his ticket if you want to take her/him into with you.
   4. The ticket prices change depending on the specific day of travel. You are recommended visiting on weekdays to experience lower prices and fewer visitors.

   The happy time continues at 5:00 PM. Meet your guide and driver at the park exit for your transfer to the airport and your flight to Harbin. In 3 hours, a friendly local driver in Harbin will greet you, holding a sign reading “China Xian Tour”. He will take you directly to your hotel in the downtown area. After check-in, the evening is yours to relax.

   

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

   Today will be a fulfilling day to explore all the highlights of Harbin. The Siberian Tiger Park is the first stop. This is one of the largest breeding and research centers for Siberian tigers in the world. You will observe them from a secure dedicated bus as they roam within a huge natural fence.

   Next, cross the Songhua River to Sun Island to watch the spectacular snow sculpture art fair. Here, art meets elements. This is like an open-air gallery, filled with huge sculptures created by artists from all over the world, ranging from mythological creatures to architectural replicas.

   Friendly tip: People can also 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 (approximately CNY 100 / way).

   Then head to the city center and stroll along the historic Central Street. This pedestrian street is a living museum of European architecture. Walk along it to the magnificent St. Sophia Cathedral. Admire this striking Byzantine-style green domed building, which is a relic of Harbin's multicultural history. Please note that this itinerary is for viewing the exterior only.

   The most beautiful place in this city is completely made from transparent ice - Harbin Ice and Snow World. The scenic area contains huge ice castles, churches, towers, sculptures and 521-meter-long slides illuminated with colorful LED lights. Enjoy the fun of taking a bike on ice, skating or have a drink in an ice bar. The Ferris Wheel is a very popular entertainment program where you can experience complete city view.

   Notes:

   • During the evening hours, put on the warmest thermal layers and insulated boots.
   • The popular Ice Slide has a very long queue. Arrange the things you must do as early as possible.
   • You can rest in the warm shelters from time to time.
   • The best time to enjoy the view is when it's darkat night.

   

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   4-Star Hotel in Harbin
5. Day 5: Harbin to Volga Manor
   A Journey into the Heart of Russian-style Architecture and Art

   Today you will spend a whole day in a wonderland with Russian-themed culture and buildings - Volga Manor. This amazing park is 1.5 driving away from Harbin city center. There are a lot of entertainments and over 30 Russian-style architectures, some of which are famous such as Saint Nicholas Church, Pushkin Salon, and Pavlov Castle.

   Saint Nicholas Church, also regarded as the architectural art gallery, is the landmark of the manor. Taking the old Saint Nicholas Church as a prototype, it was rebuilt in 2006. You can enjoy the complex wooden structure now.

   Pushkin Salon is a unique building with red brick walls that typified the rich extremes of Russian architecture, which can be traced back to the late 19^th century. You can see a huge bronze statue of Pushkin standing in front of the door.

   Standing on the banks of the Volga River, Pavlov Castle is modeled after an old Russian castle designed between 1795 and 1797. It has gone through many vicissitudes with rich historical stories. Inside, you will find all kinds of exhibitions showing Russian paintings, decorations, and history.

   You can also learn about the history of Russian elements in Harbin in the art galleries. Some restaurants with a nice and warm environment in the park offer authentic Russian Western cuisine. Besides, you can experience a wide range of ice and snow activities: ski tubing (very thrilling and safe), snow football, sledding, etc., in the manor. At the end of the tour, you will be sent back to your hotel in downtown area.

   

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   4-Star Hotel in Harbin
6. Day 6: Harbin to Yabuli Resort
   Yabuli Ski Resort

   After breakfast, a 3.5-hour car ride will take you to the thrilling Yabuli Ski Resort. Upon arrival, your guide will take you to a local restaurant to fuel up. Then, your skiing adventure begins! Your guide will assist with your entrance ticket and basic ski rental equipment. Your package includes three hours on the primary slopes. Rental equipment includes ski boots, a snowboard, and poles.

   From November to March, the skiing season here runs 5 months (about 150 days). It boasts superb conditions, having hosted international competitions. With slopes for all skill levels, it's perfect for beginners and experts alike. You can also try some fun activities like snowmobiling (at your own expense). Have a fantastic time on the snow today! You will stay overnight at Yabuli.

   

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   4-Star Hotel in Yabuli
7. Day 7: Yabuli to China Snow Town
   Free Day in White and Red Snow Town

   In the morning, head to China Snow Town which takes two hours of scenic driving time. The winter wonderland attracts visitors greatly because of its record-breaking heavy snowfall. The town will be snow covered for 7 months from November till April next year. Snow depths can reach 2 meters (6.6 feet)! How amazing, even taller than an adult!

   After checking into your hotel, you can walk along Xueyun Street. The street displays "snow mushrooms", "snow cakes" and wooden houses adorned with red lanterns. It’s an excellent time for taking photos.

   If you are interested, you can visit the film and television base, which has been the filming location for many TV dramas and films. The buildings here are very much in the original style of the Northeast forest area. For lunch, you can enjoy authentic Northeastern cuisine. Some must-try dishes include chicken stewed with mushrooms, pork ribs stewed with green beans, pan-fried pork, and frozen pears.

   In the afternoon, you can enjoy some snow sports activities (at your own expense): ski tubes, snowmobiles crossing the forest and snow scenery, and dog sleds. In the evening, the night market on Xueyun Street becomes lively. You can taste snacks like roasted sweet potatoes and sugar-coated haws. If you're lucky, you might encounter a bonfire party.

   Trip Notes:

   1. Winter is peak season. We strongly recommend booking your trip at least three months in advance.
   2. Hotel facilities here are simpler than in major cities like Beijing or Shanghai.

   

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   3-Star Hotel in Snow Town
8. Day 8: Snow Town Back to Harbin
   Snow Town

   This morning, you are free to enjoy the leisure time in Snow Town. Use your camera to record this amazing village! You can experience water freezing in the early morning! The average temperature in Snow Town during winter is around - 20 degrees Celsius, which is particularly suitable for this activity. Find an open area and make sure there are no obstacles such as wires or branches above your head. Pour boiling hot water from a wide-mouthed, heat-resistant cup out, by drawing a large arc. This can create the largest and most perfect fan-shaped ice mist.

   Note: Keep warm in all aspects. Wear gloves, a hat and a scarf to prevent hot water from accidentally splashing on your body when splashing water.

   At around 1 pm, meet your guide and driver to transfer back to Harbin city.

   

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   4-Star Hotel in Harbin
9. Day 9: Harbin Departure

   After breakfast, your driver will send you to Harbin airport/train station to see you off. This is the last morning of your 9-day Shanghai and Harbin winter tour. Thank you very much for choosing China Xian Tour.

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