How to Plan Your 2-Day Harbin City Private Tour with Ice and Snow Festival with Lunch

If you’re planning a trip to Harbin during the winter, one thing you do not want to miss is the Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival. This festival, which takes place every year from late December to late February, features breathtaking ice sculptures, winter sporting events, and more. It’s an experience that truly belongs on every traveler’s bucket list.

However, with so much going on during the festival, it can be challenging to make the most of your visit without feeling overwhelmed. That’s why we recommend booking a private 2-day tour of the festival. With a private tour guide to lead the way, you’ll be able to see all the highlights without worrying about planning out your itinerary or navigating the crowds.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to planning your private tour:

Step 1: Choose the Right Tour Package

The first thing you’ll need to do is decide which tour package fits your needs. The tour offered by Viator includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a private tour guide, and transportation by private vehicle. You can also upgrade to include entrance fees to the festival exhibits if you choose.

Step 2: Pick Your Pickup Point and Time

When you book your tour, you’ll be asked to select a pickup point and time. The pickup points vary depending on the package you choose, but you’ll have plenty of options in central Harbin. The tour typically starts at 9:00 AM, so make sure you choose a pickup time that gives you plenty of time to get ready in the morning.

Step 3: Get Ready for Your Tour

The next day, make sure you’re ready in the morning for your pickup. Dress warmly, as temperatures in Harbin during the winter can be extremely cold. Bring along any personal items you’ll need for the day, such as a camera or water bottle.

Step 4: Enjoy Your Private Tour

Once your tour guide picks you up from your hotel, it’s time to let the adventure begin! During the tour, you’ll visit some of the top exhibits in the Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival. Your guide will lead you through the exhibits, offering information and context along the way. Lunch is included in the tour package, so you won’t have to worry about finding a place to eat. You’ll also have transportation provided, so you won’t have to worry about navigating the festival on your own.

Step 5: Book Your Tour

Ready to book your private tour of the Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival? Follow this link to book your tour online.

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor to Harbin, a private tour of the Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival is an experience you won’t forget. With a reliable tour guide to lead the way, you’ll be able to make the most of your visit and create unforgettable memories.

Insider’s Guide to Harbin, China

If you’re looking for a winter wonderland experience, Harbin is the perfect destination. Known for its Ice and Snow Festival, this northeastern Chinese city offers a magical winter wonderland experience that you’ll never forget. Here’s how to plan the perfect two-day Harbin City Private Tour with Ice and Snow Festival with lunch.

Local Attractions

Harbin is renowned for the Ice and Snow Festival, which is the city’s biggest attraction. Every year, the festival offers magnificent ice sculptures and stunning illuminated creations that transform the city into a winter wonderland. It is usually held from the end of December to February, so be sure to check the festival’s website for exact dates.

Other attractions in Harbin include the Saint Sophia Cathedral, which is an Orthodox church dating back to the 1900s. It boasts beautiful architecture and has been turned into a museum, showcasing the city’s past.

If you’re looking for a more traditional Chinese experience, visit the Zhongyang Street pedestrian mall. The street is lined with historic buildings and offers traditional Chinese shops and restaurants.

Dining Spots

Harbin’s cuisine is a unique blend of Russian and Chinese flavors. One of the best places to sample this cuisine is at the Lao Chang Chun Dumpling Restaurant. The restaurant has been around since 1906 and serves some of the best dumplings in the city.

Another spot to try is Xue Wei Yuan, which is famous for its BBQ lamb skewers. The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere, perfect for warming up in the cold Harbin winter weather.

Cultural Experiences

Harbin is a city steeped in culture. Take a trip to the Harbin Song and Dance Theater to experience traditional Chinese performances. You can also visit the Harbin Grand Theater to catch some of the latest shows and concerts.

If you’re interested in learning more about Harbin’s history, visit the Heilongjiang Provincial Museum. Here, you’ll find exhibits showcasing everything from the city’s earliest settlers to its modern industries.

Local History

Harbin has a rich and complex history. The city was first settled by nomadic tribes and later became a hub for trade between China and Russia. In the early 20th century, the Russians built many of the city’s iconic buildings, including the Saint Sophia Cathedral.

During World War II, Harbin was occupied by the Japanese, and the city’s architecture, food, and culture were influenced by this occupation. After the war, the city became a hub for Chinese heavy industry.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

If you’re interested in getting off the beaten path, head to Harbin’s Ice Lantern Garden Party. This is another winter festival held each year, featuring illuminated ice sculptures and traditional Chinese performances.

Another lesser-known attraction is the Siberian Tiger Park. Here, you can see Siberian tigers up close, a unique experience that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

Conclusion:

Harbin is a beautiful and unique city that offers a true winter wonderland experience. With its stunning ice sculptures, delicious cuisine, and rich history and culture, it’s a destination that should be on every traveler’s list. Plan your two-day Harbin City Private Tour with Ice and Snow Festival with lunch, and you won’t be disappointed.