5 Days Shanghai and Harbin Ice Snow Tour

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrival in Shanghai
   Shanghai Maglev Train

   Welcome to our 5-day Shanghai Harbin tour! Upon your arrival in Shanghai, the most prosperous city in China, your local driver will be waiting for you by holding a welcome sign with your name. You will then be escorted to your well-selected hotel.

   The rest of the day is left for you to explore this metropolis on your own. Recommended optional activities (at extra cost):

   You can experience the Shanghai Maglev train, which is currently the fastest land transportation in the world. The total length of the route is 30 kilometers, with a one-way travel time of only 8 minutes and a maximum speed of over 400 kilometers per hour. The train is equipped with soft seats and a stable 5G commercial terminal inside the carriage, allowing passengers to engage in mobile office, video conferencing, high-definition video, interactive gaming and other services on the train. Running time: 06:45 to 21:42.

   

   Or you can enjoy a wonderful Acrobatic Show, which combines traditional Chinese acrobatic art with modern technology to present a visual feast. Performance time: 19:30 to 21:00.

   Meal: N/A

   Accommodation: in Shanghai

2. Day 2: Shanghai City Tour
   Discover the History and Prosperity of the Metropolis

   After breakfast, enjoy a guided Shanghai tour beginning at the Shanghai Museum. This museum is home to a collection of over 120,000 fine artifacts from all dynasties, featuring ancient bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy and paintings. You will also enjoy the art of ancient Buddha sculpture, traditional handicrafts of ethnic minorities, exquisite jade, and furniture of the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing dynasties (1616-1912).

   Next, head to Yuyuan Garden, a well-known classical garden in Jiangnan (the south of the Yangtze River). Covering an area of 2 hectares, Yuyuan Garden has been in existence for more than 450 years. It was originally built by the owner as a place for his parents to enjoy a tranquil and happy time in their old age. Adjacent to the garden is the Yuyuan Bazaar. You can taste local snacks and purchase some traditional handicrafts.

   

   Then, transfer you to ascend the fourth tallest building in China - Shanghai World Financial Center. You will see the breathtaking skyline and a panoramic view of the city.

   Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street is one of Shanghai's calling cards and a must-see for tourists. Here you can experience the bustling commercial atmosphere, explore the rich history and culture, and sample the culinary delights. Last, take a stroll along the Bund, enjoying the architectural diversity and the night view of the Huangpu River. You can experience an optional activity - relaxing Huangpu River night cruise.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Shanghai

   

3. Day 3: Shanghai to Harbin Tour
   Visit a Serene Temple and Explore Artistic Alleys & Creative Spaces

   Today, you will have a culture exploration. We will visit the Jade Buddha Temple first, which is named after the Jade Buddha that is mainly enshrined in the temple. As one of the top ten attractions for Shanghai tours, it is described as a piece of pure land in the busy downtown. We mainly visit the Main Hall and the Jade Buddha Building. Next, head to Tianzifang, a creative industry park converted from a Shikumen complex, where studios, galleries and cafes of artists and designers are gathered. Strolling through the alleys of Tianzifang, you can enjoy various art exhibitions, handicrafts and creative decorations.

   

   As evening falls, immerse yourself in the magical world of the Ice Lantern Show in Zhaolin Park. This annual spectacle showcases intricate ice sculptures illuminated by colorful lights, creating a mesmerizing winter wonderland. Explore the park at your leisure, marveling at the artistry on display. The serene beauty of the ice lanterns against the night sky provides a perfect introduction to Harbin's winter charm.

   After your China winter tour in Shanghai, you'll be escorted to the airport for a flight to Harbin. Upon arrival, a local guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore Harbin on your own. Recommended Activities: Zhaolin Park is the venue for the annual Harbin Winter Ice Lantern Show. Here, visitors will enjoy more than 200 pieces of ice sculptures and experience various rides such as, ice slides, ice maze, spinning top on ice, and ice skating. Zhaolin Park is free of admission, every year starting around January 5 and continuing until the end of February.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Harbin

   

4. Day 4: Harbin Ice Festival Tour
   Admire Great Snow Sculptures, See Wild Tigers, Explore Illuminated Ice World

   After breakfast, your guided Harbin tour will officially begin! Your private guide will pick you up at your hotel and take you to the world-famous Sun Island International Snow Sculpture Art Expo in the Sun Island Scenic Area. Unlike the ice sculptures we'll see this afternoon at the Ice and Snow World, the snow sculptures here are more suitable for daytime viewing. The annual snow expo lasts about two months, during which visitors will enjoy a variety of large-scale snow sculptures from Chinese and foreign artists, which are exquisite in appearance and have a strong sense of art.

   

   Next, we head to the Siberian Tiger Park adjacent to Sun Island. Covering an area of 360,000 square meters, it was established out of a desire to save and protect the world's endangered species, the Northeast Tiger. We will take a special sightseeing bus to enjoy the 30 wild tigers walking freely. Besides, you will also see white lions, leopards, lynx and other treasured animals.

   After dinner, you will go to experience the magical Ice and Snow World, the highlight of our 5-day Harbin tour from Shanghai. The Harbin Ice Festival is recognized as the world's largest snow and ice theme park and is recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records. It is a winter wonderland illuminated by colorful LED lights and is open from Christmas to early March.

   Here you will enjoy beautiful ice and snow sculptures as well as a snow castle. When night falls, the ice lanterns are even more enchanting with their colorful lights. Various snow recreation programs such as ice slides, ice bikes and Ferris wheels enrich your experience. At the end of the day, return to the hotel for a good rest.

   Warm Tips:

   Be aware of the longer queues during peak hours, especially during the traditional Chinese Lunar New Year and weekends.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Harbin

   

5. Day 5: Departure from Harbin
   Get a Glimpse of Harbin's Cultural & Historical Treasures

   Today is the last day of your China tour in Shanghai and Harbin, which will begin at the St. Sophia Cathedral. Built in 1907, it is a typical Byzantine building with a huge green onion-head dome. Named as the Architectural Art Museum of Harbin, St. Sophia Church showcases the history, culture and architectural art of Harbin. Afterwards, walk to Central Street, where you can will see many Baroque-style European buildings and interesting ice and snow sculptures of different shapes.

   

   Next, we will head to the historical district of Harbin - Laodaowai. Baroque style buildings built in the early 20th century can be seen everywhere. Unlike the old European buildings along Central Street, most of the buildings in Laodaowai were built by Chinese merchants in the early 20th century, with a lot of Chinese elements. In addition, there are many specialty restaurants in this area for tourists to taste authentic Harbin cuisine.

   Jiuzhan Park is the last stop on this 5-day Shanghai Harbin tour, located on the banks of the Songhua River. This place is very popular with local seniors and children to relax and play in the snow.

   After the visit, your tour guide and driver will escort you to the airport for an onward flight to your next destination. Hope to see you again for your next trip to China. Safe journey!

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: N/A