Overview
This 7-day Northeast China winter tour takes you through the region’s most spectacular cold-season landscapes — from the famous Harbin Ice and Snow Festival to the fairytale village of Snow Town and the volcanic wonders of Changbai Mountain.
Experience enormous ice castles glowing at night, walk through snow-covered villages, witness traditional winter fishing on frozen lakes, and relax in hot springs surrounded by deep snow.
Your journey begins in Harbin and ends in Changchun, combining iconic winter scenery, unique local culture, and unforgettable outdoor experiences.
This trip is ideal for travelers seeking China’s most magical winter destinations in one seamless itinerary.
Tour Highlights
Visit the world-famous Harbin Ice and Snow Festival
Walk through the fairytale landscapes of China Snow Town
Experience traditional winter fishing on Jingpo Lake
Discover the volcanic scenery of Changbai Mountain
Relax in outdoor hot springs surrounded by snow
Try the unique rime-covered river rafting experience
See Siberian tigers up close at the tiger safari park
Explore the fascinating history of China’s Last Emperor in Changchun
Itinerary Quick Look
| Day | Destination | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Harbin | Arrival, Central Street, St. Sophia Church |
| Day 2 | Harbin | Tiger Park, Sun Island Snow Expo, Ice & Snow World |
| Day 3 | Harbin → Snow Town | Scenic drive, Snow Village exploration |
| Day 4 | Snow Town → Changbai Mountain | Jingpo Lake winter fishing, ice waterfall |
| Day 5 | Changbai Mountain | Heavenly Lake, volcanic landscapes |
| Day 6 | Changbai Mountain → Changchun | Rime rafting, reindeer park |
| Day 7 | Changchun | Last Emperor Palace, departure |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Harbin
Welcome to Harbin, the winter capital of China.
Your private guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel.
The rest of the day is free for you to explore the city. Popular places include Central Street, St. Sophia Cathedral, and Zhaolin Park, where many winter ice sculptures are displayed.
Day 2 – Harbin Ice & Snow Festival
Start the day at Siberian Tiger Park, where you can observe the world’s largest population of Siberian tigers from a protected safari bus.
Continue to Sun Island Snow Expo, home to some of the largest and most creative snow sculptures in the world.
In the evening, visit the spectacular Harbin Ice and Snow World, where enormous illuminated ice buildings create a magical winter city.
Day 3 – Harbin to Snow Town
Drive approximately five hours to the famous China Snow Town (Xuexiang).
This small mountain village is known for its extraordinary snowfall, which creates unique “snow mushroom” rooftops and dreamlike winter scenery.
Walk along Xueyun Street, lined with traditional wooden houses, local snacks, and winter souvenirs.
For panoramic views, climb the Bangchui Mountain scenic walkway overlooking the entire snow-covered village.
At night, the village becomes lively with traditional Yangge folk dance performances and festive winter activities.
Day 4 – Snow Town to Changbai Mountain
Travel to Jingpo Lake, where you will enjoy a local specialty cold-water fish lunch.
In winter, the lake features spectacular frozen waterfalls and dramatic ice formations.
A highlight is the traditional winter fishing ceremony, where fishermen demonstrate centuries-old ice fishing techniques.
Continue to Changbai Mountain and relax in a natural hot spring resort surrounded by snow.
Day 5 – Changbai Mountain Exploration
Today you will explore the Changbai Mountain UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Take a vehicle to the summit area to see Heavenly Lake (Tianchi), the largest volcanic crater lake in Northeast Asia.
Other highlights include:
Changbai Waterfall
Julong Hot Springs
Underground Forest Valley
You can also try the famous hot spring eggs, cooked naturally in geothermal water.
Day 6 – Rime Rafting & Travel to Changchun
Begin the day with a unique winter rafting experience along the hot spring river of Changbai Mountain.
Despite temperatures dropping to −30°C, the warm river water creates beautiful rime ice formations along the trees.
Later, visit a charming reindeer park, where you can feed the animals and enjoy snowy winter scenery.
In the afternoon, travel by high-speed train to Changchun, the capital of Jilin Province.
Day 7 – Changchun History & Departure
Visit the Museum of the Imperial Palace of Manchukuo, the former residence of Puyi, the last emperor of the Qing Dynasty.
This site offers fascinating insight into a complex chapter of modern Chinese history.
Afterward, explore The Hill Mall, a uniquely designed shopping complex built like a mountain landscape.
Finally, transfer to Changchun Longjia International Airport for your departure.
Why This Tour Is Special
China’s Most Magical Winter Landscapes
From glowing ice castles to snow-covered villages and volcanic mountains.
Rare Cultural Experiences
Witness traditional winter fishing and local folk performances.
Unique Cold-Weather Adventures
Hot springs, snow rafting, and deep winter scenery.
Smooth Travel Route
Arrival in Harbin and departure from Changchun minimizes backtracking.
Who This Tour Is Perfect For
Winter travel enthusiasts
Photography lovers
Adventure travelers
Visitors wanting to experience China’s coldest and most beautiful region