7 Days Amazing Northeast China Winter Tour with Changbai Mountain & Wusong Island

Full Itinerary Day by day

Day 1 Harbin Arrival

Ni Hao! Welcome to Harbin, the Capital of Heilongjiang Province, which is well known as the "Ice City" in China. Your local guide will meet you at the arrival hall of airport / railway station. Then you will be escorted to your hotel in a private vehicle. The rest of today is on your own to explore this city.

Arrival Ideas:

Harbin Taiping International Airport is 41 km’s driving distance from downtown area. It has flights from Beijing (2 hrs), Dalian (1.5 hrs), Qingdao (2 hrs), Jinan (2 hrs), Xian (3 hrs), Shanghai (3 hrs), Chengdu (3.5-4 hrs), Ordos (2.5 hrs), Hangzhou (3 hrs), Guangzhou (4-4.5 hrs), Xiamen (4-4.5hrs), Wuhan (3-3.5 hrs), Sanya (5 hrs) and more destinations in China, and more international cities like Seoul, Tokyo, Osaka, Moscow, Phuket Island, etc. While Harbin West Railway Station has high speed trains linking Harbin with Beijing (7~8 hrs), Changchun (1 hr), Shenyang (2.5~3 hrs), Dalian (4~5 hrs), Jilin (2-3 hrs), Tianjin (6.5 hrs), etc.

Evening Ideas (Explore on your Own):

In this evening, you can go to Zhaolin Park to appreciate the largest scale of outdoor ice lantern fair in the world. Complimented as “the non-repetitive fairy tales”, Zhaolin Park Ice Lantern Show is one of the three exhibitions that make up the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival. Spend 1-2 hours to enjoy all the colorful ice lanterns and ice sculptures. (Important Note: It is held every year from January 5^th to the end of February. It is suggested to visit after 18:00 when all the lights turning on.)

Day 2 Harbin (B, L)

Today, after breakfast, your guide and driver will meet you at your hotel. You’ll first visit Sophia Square to admire the holy appearance of the St. Sophia Cathedral from 1907. This must-visit site is a typical Byzantine architecture with a large green dome and was once the largest Orthodox Church in the Far East. The cathedral is the symbolic architecture in Harbin and at present is used as Harbin Architectural Art Gallery and displays some souvenirs. Then, you’ll visit the nearby exotic Zhongyang Pedestrian Street from 1900. Stroll along this 1,400 meters long historic street to appreciate the 71 precious buildings in different styles with long history, including Renaissance, Baroque, etc. (The Stalin Park is very close to the pedestrian, so if you are interested and time permits, you could walk there to admire the Russian architectures and enjoy many creative artistic sculptures.)

After that, continue your fabulous enjoyment to the Sun Island Scenic Resort, which is a major venue to hold the International Snow Sculpture Art Expo on Harbin Ice and Snow Festival in winter. Walk into this vast pure lovely fairyland of 60,000 square meters and meet the incredible “white visual storm”. Have a close look at the thousands of excellent large-scaled artistic snow sculptures of landscape, cartoon, figures, buildings, etc., which will make you wow at the outstanding talent of the craftsmen who inject life into the cold snow. With so amazing backdrop, you just can’t help taking some great photos to record the nice moment (You are highly advised to wear sunglasses to visit the Snow Sculpture Art Fair since the glary from sunshine on the snow is really intense.)

Then, be escorted to the nearby Siberian Tiger Park, the largest breeding center in the world for endangered Siberian Tigers that. Over 1,300 purebred Siberian Tigers are raised there. You’ll not only pay a safe walk to observe different kinds of tigers (Siberian Tigers, White Tigers, White Lion, Leopard, Liger, etc.), but also take a tourist bus with wire-mesh protection through the park to closely see the tigers and lions and take some photos.

After dinner, you will head to the incredible gorgeous Ice and Snow World, the highlights of annual Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival. Start your freedom stroll in the dazzling magical world of ice where to appreciate over 2,000 pieces of sculptures of ice and snow including pagodas, towers, famous world architectures, landscapes, and so forth dyed with romantic colorful LED lights, which can easily make you want to stay longer in such an “Ice Wonderland in Harbin”. Besides the sightseeing, if you would like to enjoy the festive atmosphere to the fullest, you can choose to have fun with the world longest sliding, or other winter activities on ice, such as ice maze, ice climbing, skating, etc.

Note: 1) Please wear enough layers of proper clothes and warm shoes to keep you away from the freeze especially when you want to stay here longer to enjoy the beautiful scenery. 2) An indoor Ice and Snow Paradise with smaller scale is built in the scenic area of the Ice and Snow World, and tourists could also enjoy the ice and snow there as well when the festival ends. 3) There may be long queues in front of some hot activity items in the Ice and Snow World during traditional Chinese Lunar New Year and weekends, and you could visit there during other dates to avoid crowds. 

Day 3 Harbin - China Snow Town (B)

In this morning after breakfast, your guide will pick you up at your hotel. Then, you’ll be driven 5~6 hours to China Snow Town, the No.1 China Snow Town located in Shuangfeng Wood Farm in Mudanjiang City, about 280 kilometers from Harbin. On route, you’ll enjoy the beautiful snow scene in the winter wonderland - bright sunshine, clear sky, fresh air, endless snow-capped land, primitive wooden houses…

After arrival, take a short rest in your hotel and then reach up the viewing deck to capture a panoramic view of the amazing China Snow Town, a dreamlike paradise. Later, enjoy a leisure walk along the 500-meter-long Xueyun Avenue with all wooden houses hanging with red lanterns and if you like, try some local snacks at this lively street. Have fun at Snow Town Photography Ground where you can play with snow, bringing you a happy childhood memory. Later, continue your adventure to Dream Home which is a famous site to shoot some Chinese TV series and movies. Take photos and know the real life of the loggers. Walk around the snow town at your own pace, you can enjoy amazing snowscape and experience the lifestyle of snow town people. When the night falls, enjoy charming night view.

Please Note:

1. Weather Condition & What to Wear: The weather is extremely cold in China Snow Town and the temperature is around -15 ℃ to -35 ℃ during November to February. Take enough warm clothes, shoes, windcap, and gloves with you. And sunglasses, sunblocking scream, antifreeze, high-calorie snacks are also needed.

2. Snow Activities to Enjoy more Fun: Many exciting snow activities are provided in this town. If you are interested, you can try skiing, snowmobiling, dog-drawn sled, horse-drawn sled, etc. You need to pay extra fee for each activity.

3. Photography Tips: If you like photography, you can go to Dream Home to shoot the snow mushrooms, performance of Errenzhuan and take photos of sunset and panoramic view of the whole white world. Remember to bring the cold-proofing and warm your camera.

4. Best Location for Night View: Night scene is the essence of China Snow Town. There are three best locations to appreciate night view - Dream Home, Xueyue Avenue and Fairytale World Plank Road.

Day 4 China Snow Town - Jingpo Lake - Dunhua City (B, L)

In this morning, cherish the time to enjoy the snow scenery and fun activities at China Snow Town. After the happy moment at this beautiful town, your guide and driver will escort you to Jingpo Lake with 3-3.5 hours’ driving (about 188 kilometers). Jingpo Lake, literally meaning “Mirror Lake” and reputed as “West Lake in the North”, is the largest alpine lava barrier lake in China and the second largest in the world. It was created by volcanic eruptions as magmatic rocks blocked the flow of the Mudanjiang River. The length of the lake from north to south is 45 km and the widest distance between east and west is only 6 km. In winter time, its crystal clear pools, frozen waterfalls, dense forests and volcanic landform will create a spectacular scroll. Upon arrival, there are three must-do things which would be the highlight of your today’s trip. You will first pay a visit to Diaoshuilou Waterfall flowing through limestone cliffs before cascading 20 meters into Heilong (Black Dragon) Pool. Enjoy the cliff dive performance by Di Huanran who is a 60-year-old men on 36 years of cliff diving and broke world record in 2008. Walk around Heilong Pool and appreciate the beautiful rime hanging on the trees. Move to witness the amazing Ice Fishing scene which is held from December to March. The Worshiping Ceremony is held on January 6 every year that you can not only participate in ice fishing activities, but also taste authentic local fish dishes.

After the tour, drive to Dunhua City (about 135 km with 1.5-2 hours’ driving) for accommodation.

Day 5 Dunhua City - Changbai Mountain - Erdaobaihe Town (B, L)

After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up at the hotel. Have 3-hour scenic driving for 180 kilometers to Changbai Mountain. Also known as Ever White Mountain in Chinese and Changbaek-sanjulgi in Korean, Changbai Mountain range forms the border between the Chinese provinces of Liaoning and Jilin and North Korea. It is one of the top ten famous mountains in China, where the top of the mountain is covered with snow all the year round. It is a dormant volcano boasting rare animals, lush forests, clear lakes and bubbling hot springs. The most beautiful of the lakes is Tian Chi (Heavenly Lake), the deepest alpine lake in China. Changbai Mountain is divided into four slopes - North, South, West and East (within the territory of North Korea). The most recommended part is visiting the Northern Slope which has the most attractions and is easily access to Heavenly Lake. Take the sightseeing bus and vehicle directly reaching up to Heavenly Lake which is at 2189 meters above the sea level. This lake has been recognized as the highest volcanic lake in the world by Guinness Book of Records. With white clouds and blue sky, Heavenly Lake surrounded by 16 peaks is like a jade in the sky. Catch the rare time to enjoy unbelievable panoramic view of this beautiful lake. After that, get down for for further sightseeing and enjoy different winter views. You will head to Changbai Waterfall with its water melted from Heavenly Lake at a height of 68 meters, making the longest volcanic waterfall in the world. Overlook the grand waterfall at the viewing deck that you can see two strands just like two huge flying dragons above the ground. Get back to Small Heavenly Lake hidden in the primitive birch forest where ou can enjoy some walking along the river. Move to Green Deep Pool which is reputed as “Little Jiuzhai Valley in Northeast China” with emerald water and small waterfalls falling from the cliff - very elegant. The last spot is Valley Forest. When the volcano erupted, the volcano cone broke and collapsed, forming a valley of 50 meters deep and about 3,000 meters long from north to south. There are tall ancient trees and huge rocks at the bottom of the valley, making it a natural oxygen bar. Take a short walk in the primitive forest. After that, take the sightseeing bus to get down the mountain.

After the tour, you will be taken to the hotel in Erdaobaihe Town. Have a good rest tonight.

Warm Tips:

Weather Condition & What to Wear: The weather is extremely cold in Changbai Mountain and the temperature is around -15 ℃ to -30 ℃ during November to February. Take take all your warm gears, like cotton trousers, thermal underwear, down jacket, fleece gloves, wool hat, thermal underwear, etc.

Day 6 Erdaobaihe Town - Jilin City (B, L)

After breakfast, your guide and driver will take you to Changbai Korean Folk Village located about 3.5 km in the east of Changbai County. This ethnic village is situated at the Southern Slope of Changbai Mountain and at the source of the Yalu River. The Korean group is one of the 56 ethnic groups officially recognized in China. Buildings in the village fully present the traditional customs and styles of the Korean ethnic group. Enjoy a relaxing walk in the village and have a look at its Memorial Archway, the Magpie Bridge, Bronze Bull, waterwheel, rare stone garden, square, cultural wall, and scenic walls, etc. Without stepping on the territory of North Korea, you can fully enjoy Korean ethnic culture in this folk village.

After the tour, be escorted to Jilin City which needs about 6 hours’ driving for 433 kilometers. Upon arrival, your guide will help you check in your hotel. If your energy permits, go for a relaxing visit to Beishan Park. Known as the “sacred ground for nine dragons”, Beishan Park has a history of over 300 years, with well blending of traditional Chinese culture including Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism and folk culture. Watch local kids and adults playing happily ice skating, skiing, etc. on the large square to feel the sports atmosphere in winter. Walk up along the steps to breathe the fresh cool air and climb up to octagonal Lanyue Pavilion to have a panorama of Jilin city dressed in white and silver like a snow beauty!

Day 7 Jilin City - Wusong Island - Jilin Departure (B, L)

You will get up early today! After your breakfast at the hotel, your guide and driver will meet you at the hotel and then drive about 1.5 hour to visit Wusong Island (Rime Island for its beautiful rime scenery). With the best type of rimes with outstanding thickness, density and structure, much more beautiful than those in the rest of China, Wusong Island is the best place to see the natural miracle of rimes in the whole country.

Walk to say hello to the sunrise of the day. As the sun rises, more radiance sends out to to change the sky into golden, orange, pink, rose, purple, etc., and the mists over the water rise gradually to make the outline of the trees partly hidden and partly visible, which is a superb dreamy visual feast of this winter! Press your shutter as free to record such gorgeous natural masterpiece. Then, after the sky gets bluer, walk around the snow covered path, along the water and under the trees to admire the white and silver rimes decorating like the special winter jade flowers on the new dressing from winter. Enjoy your romantic dating with the fabulous sightseeing and take more amazing photos! (Best Time for Wusong Island rime photography: rimes usually occur from December to middle February in winter, and January is the month with more frequent rime days. As rimes drops after noon hours, 07:00-11:30 is the best time for shooting the rimes and the sunrise of the day with 10:00-11:30 being the best time for rimes with blue sky.)

After the tour, your guide and driver will escort you to the airport or train station for your flight / train to next destination or home. Service ends!

The quotation for this trip is from Request Per Person

1. This price is for one person, based on a group of 2 adults sharing one standard double-bed room in 4-star hotel and traveling with our private tour in low seasons.
2. This price is subject to change according your traveling season, group size, hotel class, change of activities in your itinerary and possible fluctuation of currency exchange rate. If you want a lower price, you can get more people to join you, or use economy class hotels.
3. This price is only valid to March 31, 2025.
4. Reference exchange rate of USD 1=RMB 7.00. The final quote is based on current exchange rate. It may change according to the currency fluctuation, while the RMB quotation will be remained the same.

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Once you arrive in the destination, the patient and punctual guides will pick you up and take you to get under skin of the city at your own pace. By in-depth discovery and explanation, they’ll show you more about the history, culture, customs and authentic local life. Throughout the journey, they're not only expert guides who take care of all the details but also fellow travelers who are dedicated to help you explore in comfort and style.

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The hotels we choose are based on star rating, great locations, well-equipped facilities, cozy bed, high quality service and guests’ feedbacks. Choices are a lot ranging from luxury 5 star, comfortable 4 star to budget 3 star. You could decide where to stay to best suit for your budget and likes. Generally, the hotels have both Western and Chinese breakfast with a wide choices.

If you have already got an ideal hotel, please feel free to tell our travel consultants and they'll book the hotel for you.

Have good sleep in our well-selected hotels in all the destinations of China.

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We can satisfy all the dietary requirements no matter you want Chinese local food, western food, vegetarian food or muslin food.

The restaurants we will take you for lunch or dinner are all designated tourist restaurants approved by local tourist administration bureau. They have very good sanitary conditions and the food is prepared fresh and clean.

There will be some meals excluded in your itinerary as you like, and your private guide will be delighted to give you some suggestions and take you to the local restaurants to taste like Beijing Roast Duck, Xian Dumpling Dinner, Sichuan Hotpot, etc., if you are interested in local food tasting.

All the dining options will satisfy your stomach!

Check What our delighted customers are saying about our services

Hi Wonder,

I apologize for the delayed response as I've been occupied with work.

In response to your query, here are my feedback:

1. Is your travel consultant of our company fast enough to answer your E-mail and patient enough to answer your questions?
Absolutely, you were incredibly prompt in responding to my numerous queries and helped ensure a smooth trip planning process.

2. How is tour arrangement, including the drivers,tour guides,hotels,etc?
The trip was fantastic. Our guide, Jerry, was exceptional and extremely knowledgeable, making our visit to Huangshan truly memorable.

3. Would you like to recommend our company?
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Regards,

Alvin

Alvin‚ Singapore, April 15, 2024

Hi Samantha,

yes we had a good time at the panda volunteer program. Thanks for helping us to arrange it.

Isaac

Isaac ‚ Singapore, April 14, 2024

Hi Rita,

Thank you very much for organizing the tour. We enjoyed it a lot. We also had been quite lucky with the weather in Jiuzhaiguo. Colors of the lakes has been fantastic. I still owe you the feedback - it will take some time as I’m quite busy now. But we already filled the feedback forms with the guides. Thanks to Jason and Michael nd they has asking me about my tour. I hv recommend them to contact you.

Uwe

Uwe‚ Germany, April 13, 2024

Hi Samantha,

we had such a great time in Guilin and had a great experience with our tour guide Lynn! Thank you. It has been wonderful so far! We are very pleased with the tour.

Qiuqiu

Qiuqiu‚ USA, April 13, 2024

Hi Wonder,

Feedback as follows:

1. Yes, the travel consultant is very prompt in responding to queries etc

2. All the arrangements are excellent, no complaints at all, the tour guides are very knowledgeable and helpful and courteous.

3. Definitely, already recommended to some of my friends who are planning to go to China this year.

Winnie

Winnie‚ Malaysia, April 12, 2024

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"We are a group of 4 family members.All senior citizens from United States. We requested Jack Li from China Discovery to design a 20 days custom tour to visit and experience Shanghai, Zhangjiajie..." read more »

Reviewed on April 22, 2024