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, the local driver will pick you up from the exit gate by holding a welcome board "China Xian Tour" and transfer to the downtown hotel for check-in.

   For rest of the day, you can do some walks at your own pace. As night falls, you can take a stroll along the Bund, enjoying the illuminated buildings and the spectacular skyline across the Huangpu River. If you are interested, you can experience a night cruise on 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 the renowned Yuyuan Garden. This is a classic Chinese landscape, created in 1559 during the Ming Dynasty. An official named Pan Yunduan built it as a peaceful retreat for his parents. Walking into the garden, you can see its elegant pavilions, artistic rockeries, and clear ponds with koi fish. Beside, learn about the garden’s dramatic history from your tour guide. It was abandoned, restored, damaged in war, and finally reopened in 1961. Next, go visit the bustling Yuyuan Market next door. It's a maze of stalls. Browse traditional crafts like fine silk and paper fans. Also, try some local flavors from steamed buns to crab shell cakes. Feel free to haggle, it's part of the fun!

   

   In order to understand the history and development of this metropolis, we visit the Shanghai Museum. (Note: It is 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 the 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 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. Today, your guide tell you stories from this complex period. 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 its 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, we arrive at the Bund, one of Shanghai's most iconic landmarks. It's hard to imagine this waterfront was a desolate swamp centuries ago. It transformed into the British Concession and later, 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 unforgettable photos.

   

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

   Kick off your last day in Shanghai at Shanghai Disneyland Resort, the "Happiest Place on Earth." This magical park opened in 2016 as the first Disney resort in Chinese mainland. It's where dreams come true for visitors of all ages. You can meet beloved Disney characters, enjoy delicious themed food, and buy unique souvenirs. Don't miss the lively Mickey Avenue, the adventure of "Soaring Over the Horizon," or the thrilling rapids ride. Get ready for a fun-filled day!

   Your guide and driver will take you to the park's entrance. Use your passport for entry, then step inside to explore the park at your own pace. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy!

   Friendly tips:

   1. Don't worry about tickets, we'll book them in advance. Just bring your passport to scan directly at the gate for quick access.
   2. Enjoy lunch on your own today. The park offers many dining options to suit all tastes. Payment is made by you at the restaurant.
   3. You will explore the park at your own pace. Your guide will be waiting for you at the exit when you're finished. If you would like the guide to join you inside, the cost of her/his ticket will be an additional charge.
   4. Ticket prices change based on the travel date. We will provide the exact price according to the official calendar. For lower prices and fewer guests, we recommend a weekday visit.

   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 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 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.

   As dusk falls, it's time to head to Harbin Ice and Snow World. This is the most attractive part of this city - a kingdom entirely built of clear ice. Entering the scenic area, what catches the eye are life-sized ice castles and slides, illuminated by colorful led lights. The Ferris wheel is a very popular attraction here. From it, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city.

   Important note: Evening is the coldest time of the day. Put on the warmest thermal layers, 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 late at night and all is quiet, so it's best to stay until evening.

   

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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 we 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, drive for a scenic 2-hour drive to China Snow Town. Nestled in Mudanjiang City, this winter wonderland is famous for its incredibly heavy snowfall. The town will be snow covered for seven months, from November till April. Snow depths can reach 2 meters (6.6 feet)! After checking into your hotel in Snow Town, you can walk along Xueyun Street. On both sides of the street, you can see "snow mushrooms", "snow cakes" and wooden houses with red lanterns hanging. This is 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 minus 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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