How to Plan Your 3-Day Harbin City Private Tour with Ice and Snow Festival with Lunch
If you are looking for a perfect winter getaway, a 3-day Harbin City Private Tour with Ice and Snow Festival with Lunch might be just what you need. Harbin is located in northeast China, and the city has become famous for its annual winter festival. This tour will take you through the fascinating winter festivities which include Ice and Snow Dream Amusement Park, Sun Island Snow Festival, Ice Lantern Show at Zhaolin, and an evening performance to cap it all off. Here are some tips on how to plan your 3-day Harbin City Private Tour.
Day 1: Ice and Snow Dream Amusement Park and Ice Lantern Show at Zhaolin
On the first day of your tour, you will visit the impressive Ice and Snow Dream Amusement Park. The park is located in the city center and has several winter-themed attractions, including a snow sculpture showcase, an ice rink, and an ice slide. There are also plenty of entertainment options for children, making this a perfect family-friendly spot.
After exploring the park, you will head to the Ice Lantern Show at Zhaolin. It is a 30-minute tour through a stunning display of ice lanterns, depicting everything from traditional Chinese architecture to Western fairy tale characters. The ice lantern exhibition starts in early January and runs until early March.
Day 2: Sun Island Snow Festival and Ice and Snow World
The second day of your tour starts with a visit to the Sun Island Snow Festival, famous for its giant snow sculptures. This site is located on Sun Island Park and highlights various international landmarks, and famous personalities created entirely out of snow. The vast sculptures create an incredible atmosphere for an outdoor winter festival.
After exploring the snow festival, you will head to the nearby Ice and Snow World. It is a must-see for any winter travel enthusiasts, covering an area of 700,000 square meters, entirely carved from snow and ice. It looks like a fantasy city of ice architecture with glittering lights, making it a mesmerizing view to be witnessed during night time.
Day 3: Harbin City Tour and Evening Performance
On the third day of your tour, you will have a chance to tour the city of Harbin, learning about the local history and culture from a knowledgeable guide. During this tour, you will visit various significant landmarks throughout the city, including St. Sophia Cathedral- a century-old church built by Russian immigrants, Central Street, and the Harbin Dragon Tower.
Finally, your tour will be capped off by experiencing an evening performance that is specific to the Harbin region. It’s a chance to enjoy the view of folk singing, dancing, and traditional instruments.
What’s included
This tour offers a private guide with driver, daily lunch, and hotel pickup and dropoff. Entrance tickets to all attractions are included if you select the all-inclusive tour package. The upgrade package offers access to additional attractions, including Siberian Tiger Park and Harbin Polarland. The prices vary depending on your package, so make sure to check the details before booking.
Conclusion
A winter tour of Harbin offers fascinating views of winter festivals, carved ice, and illuminated cities – one that you don’t want to miss. This tour offers a private guide with driver to help you navigate the city, and some terrific attractions that are specific to the region. You can book this tour through the Viator website, where you can find the detailed itinerary, make your payment and book the tour online. This is an ideal tour to take advantage of the winter season, and with the help of your local guide, you can focus on enjoying the fun-loving winter atmosphere of Harbin.
Insider’s Guide to Harbin: Exploring Hidden Gems, Local Cuisine, and Unique Experiences
Harbin, the capital of China’s northernmost province Heilongjiang, is famous for its snowy winters, world-renowned Ice and Snow Festival, and Russian architecture. But beyond these touristy highlights, the city has a lot to offer for those who want to go off the beaten path. As an insider, here’s my guide to Harbin’s lesser-known attractions, local cuisine, culture, history, and extraordinary experiences that will make your 3-day private tour unforgettable.
Hidden Gems: Discovering Harbin’s less-known attractions
While everyone visits the Ice and Snow World, head to Zhaolin Park. The park is home to a magnificent Ice Lantern Festival, featuring exquisite ice sculptures illuminated at night. Another unique attraction is the thousand-year-old Hag Sofya Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in China, with a history dating back to the Mongol Empire. For art enthusiasts, the Dongdaemun Street Artist Village is a must-visit spot. It is a vibrant art community where you can meet local artists, immerse yourself in contemporary Chinese art, and buy one-of-a-kind souvenirs.
Local Cuisine: Savoring Harbin’s flavors
Harbin’s cuisine is a unique blend of Chinese, Russian, and Mongolian influences. The city is known for its hearty and warming dishes, perfect for the winter chill. Start your day with a traditional northern Chinese breakfast of savory soy milk, crispy sesame cakes, and fried dough sticks. For lunch, try Harbin’s famous Guo Bao Rou, twice-cooked pork belly that is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. For dinner, indulge in a hot pot feast with local ingredients like fatty lamb, fresh seafood, and seasonal vegetables. And don’t forget to taste the local Harbin beer, brewed with ice-cold water from the nearby Songhua River.
Cultural Experiences: Embracing Harbin’s Traditions
Harbin has a rich cultural heritage that dates back to the Manchu dynasty. One of the most important celebrations in Harbin is the Dragon Boat Festival, held on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. During the festival, locals race dragon boats on the Songhua River and eat zongzi, a traditional rice dumpling wrapped in bamboo leaves. Harbin is also home to a thriving Russian community, and an excellent place to experience a fusion of Chinese and Russian cultures. Visit Saint Sophia Cathedral, a symbol of the city’s Russian heritage, and explore the Russian market, where you can buy traditional Russian souvenirs and snacks.
Local History: Uncovering Harbin’s captivating past
Harbin has a fascinating history that goes beyond being a Russian influence city in China. One such story is that of Jewish refugees who fled persecution in Europe and found sanctuary in Harbin in the 1920s and 30s. Visit the Harbin Jewish New Synagogue, one of the largest synagogues in East Asia, and learn about the lives and stories of the refugees. Another intriguing piece of history is that of the “Ice Cutters” who would dive into the freezing Songhua River to harvest ice. Visit the Ice and Snow World, which uses some of the Ice Cutters’ work to create some of the festival’s ice sculptures.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Making the most of your tour
For a unique adventure, venture outside the city to China’s largest natural ski resort, Yabuli Ski Resort. Skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports are popular activities here. For a leisurely activity, take a long walk along the frozen Songhua River and take in stunning views of the city’s architecture. If you’re into wildlife, visit Harbin Polarland, home to over 800 Arctic and Antarctic animals, including polar bears, walruses, and Arctic foxes. And finally, end your trip with a visit to Harbin’s hot springs, where you can relax and unwind in the natural hot pools and enjoy some traditional Chinese massages.
In conclusion, Harbin is a city that has something special for every type of traveler. With this insider’s guide, you can experience Harbin like a local, discovering hidden gems, indulging in local cuisine, embracing its traditions and history, and enjoying unique experiences.
Table of Contents
