7 Days Shanghai and Harbin Winter Tour

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrival in Shanghai

   Welcome to our 7-day Shanghai to Harbin tour! Upon your arrival in Shanghai, the most prosperous city in China, your Chinese-speaking local driver will pick you up and transfer you to your well-selected hotel. The rest of the day is left for you to explore this metropolis on your own. Feel free to ask your 1-to-1 travel consultant for some recommendations.

   Meal: N/A

   Accommodation: in Shanghai

2. Day 2: Shanghai City Tour
   A Cultural and Modern Blend: Museum, Garden, & Sky-High Views

   After breakfast, your Shanghai tour will takes you to Shanghai Museum, which houses millions of collections and especially features bronze wares, porcelain works, paintings, and calligraphy works. Then, move on to Yuyuan Garden. It is a famous classical garden which was originally built by the owner as a place for his parents to enjoy a tranquil and happy time in their old age.

   

   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. Nearby is the lively Yuyuan Market, where you can get everything from traditional Chinese crafts like chopsticks, fans, and pottery to local delicacies such as steamed buns, crab shell cake, and pork chop with rice cakes. Don't forget to haggle for a better price.

   

   The next stop will be the Shanghai World Financial Center. The building looks like a bottle opener from outside. You will have a chance to go up to the 100th floor to have a marvelous panoramic view of the Huangpu River. Walking on the 55-meter-long transparent sightseeing corridor will be an exciting experience.

   In the late afternoon, wander around Nanjing Road to see traditional department stores and optionally try some authentic Shanghai snacks. Afterwards, stroll on the Bund. You will admire buildings of various styles, enjoy the beautiful Huangpu River, and listen to your guide explaining its history.

   Optional evening activity: If your are interested, we can arrange a wonderful Acrobatic Show for you and you will marvel at the extraordinary talent and skill of the performers (additional cost).

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Shanghai

3. Day 3: Shanghai Cultural Tour
   Discover Shanghai's Past, Present & Future

   The day of exploration in Shanghai begins with a visit to the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall, where you can see the historical changes, future development and overall planning of Shanghai. Through multimedia technology, the exhibition hall vividly demonstrates the urban evolution of Shanghai since its opening in 1843. area vividly displays the urban evolution of Shanghai since its opening in 1843.

   

   Then, head to visit the Jade Buddha Temple and Tianzifang, popular attractions for Shanghai tours. Jade Buddha Temple is a historic Buddhist temple enshrining two Jade Buddhas, a precious heritage of Buddhist culture and art. Tianzifang is 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.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Shanghai

   

4. Day 4: Zhujiajiao Water Town Tour to Harbin
   Step Back in Time at Zhujiajiao Water Town

   After breakfast, meet your guide and driver in your hotel lobby. Then we depart to Zhujiajiao Water Town, the Venice of Shanghai.

   You will stroll along the old-time town while listening to the guide's introduction about its history. The town can dates back to even 1,700 years ago, as early as the time of the Three Kingdoms. In the Song and Yuan Dynasties, the village grew into a town and got the name "Zhujiacun Village". The appearance of the town we see today was left from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).

   

   Nowadays the ancient town is best known for its bridges, old streets, and gardens built during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The highlights to see here are Fangsheng Bridge, Baoguo Temple, Town God's Temple, and Zhuxi Garden. Capture snapshots of charming alleyways and ancient stone houses. Also, you can take the optional boat cruise here if you are interested.

   After the tour, say goodbye to Shanghai and your guide and driver will escort you to the airport for your flight to Harbin.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Harbin

5. Day 5: Harbin Tour
   Harbin's Winter Adventure: History, Nature, and the Magic of Ice

   Get your Harbin tour started with a visit to the iconic St. Sophia Church, which is a symbol of Harbin's rich history. You will marvel at the Byzantine architecture and the green domes of this Russian Orthodox church. Then, have a leisurely walk along Central Street, a more than 100-year-old shopping street with classic Baroque-style European architecture and stores. During the Ice and Snow Festival, there are interesting ice and snow sculptures everywhere, and you can take photos with them.

   

   Afterwards, head to Stalin Park, an open landscape park on the banks of the Songhua River, where the famous Flood Control Memorial Tower is located. Tourists can see some art sculptures and buildings imitating Russian classical style here. Make a stop along the banks of the Songhua River. You can enjoy optional winter activities such as ice skating, ice biking, or witnessing the winter swimmers plunging into the icy waters.

   Later in the afternoon, we go to visit the Temple of Bliss. It is one of the four famous Buddhist monasteries in the three northeastern provinces. The whole building of the temple looks elegant and dignified, and resplendent.. You can see the Seven-Storeyed Pagoda inside the temple. End your day with a visit to the enchanting Ice Lantern Fair in Zhaolin Park. Witness more than 200 pieces of ice sculptures and experience various rides such as, ice slides, ice maze, spinning top on ice, and ice skating.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Harbin

   

6. Day 6: Harbin Ice Festival Tour
   Snow and Ice Sculptures & Interesting Ice Activities at Enchanting Ice and Snow World

   After breakfast, go to Sun Island Scenic Area, situated by the Songhua River. During the International Snow Sculpture Art Expo, Sun Island is transformed into an outdoor art gallery. Unlike the ice sculptures we'll see this evening at the Ice and Snow World, the ice sculptures here are more suitable for viewing during the day. You will enjoy the intricate large-scale snow sculptures from Chinese and foreign artists, which are beautiful and artistic in appearance.

   Then, transfer you to the Siberian Tiger Park adjacent to the scenic 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.

   

   In the evening, experience the magical Harbin Ice Festival at Ice and Snow World, which 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 + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Harbin

   

7. Day 7: Departure from Harbin

   Today is your final day of this 7-day Shanghai Harbin tour. You have the morning free to relax at your own pace.

   Your driver will then escort you to the airport or railway station for your onward journey to your next destination. Thank you for choosing China Xian Tour. We are always here serving you and hope to see you again!

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: N/A