Harbin Ice & Snow

The world’s biggest ice festival, done properly: at the right hours, with warm layers, and with a leader who knows where to find hot food at −20 °C.

Destinations: Harbin

Duration: 5 days · 4 nights
Group: Max 10 guests
Season: Late Dec – mid Feb
Starts / ends: Harbin (HRB)
Temperature: About −25 °C to −10 °C

The route

Harbin
Central Street
Sun Island
Ice and Snow World
Tiger Park

Day by day

DAY 1Arrive in Harbin

Airport pickup. We hand out warm boots and hand-warmers, then take you to Central Street and St Sophia Cathedral. Stay: Central Harbin · Meals: D

DAY 2Sun Island snow sculptures

Sun Island in the morning, while the light is best, then a Russian-style lunch. Stay: Harbin · Meals: B, L

DAY 3Ice and Snow World

Enter in the afternoon and stay as the ice palaces light up after dark. Stay: Harbin · Meals: B, D

DAY 4Tigers & the frozen river

Siberian Tiger Park, then games on the frozen Songhua River. Stay: Harbin · Meals: B, L

DAY 5Departure

Transfer to the airport. Meals: B

What’s included

English-speaking road leader
4 nights in a central 4-star hotel that accepts foreign passports
All festival and park tickets
Loan of winter boots and hand-warmers
Meals as listed
Airport transfers, visa letter, eSIM and Alipay set-up help

Not included

Flights
Visa fees, if your passport needs one
Single room supplement (quoted on request)
International travel insurance

What we put in writing

Group size: Max 10 guests
Vehicle: Private vehicle for our group only, never a shared coach
Shopping stops: None. If one happens, we refund that day
Tipping: No compulsory tips or kitty
Hotels: Each one checked for foreign passports
Tickets: Timed, real-name tickets booked for you

These are part of your booking contract. See our booking terms.

Is this journey right for me?

ColdThis trip is genuinely cold. We send a layering list.

FitnessEasy walking, sometimes on ice.

DatesThe festival’s opening dates are announced each autumn, and we confirm before you pay the balance.

from $1,490 pp≈ $298 per day

Free cancellation for 48 hours
No shopping stops, no hidden fees
Visa letter & Alipay set-up included

Choose a departure

For departures after 31 December 2026: China hasn’t yet announced whether 30-day visa-free entry will be extended. We’ll confirm your entry route after booking, and send a visa letter if you need one. More

Travelers

2 × $1,490$2,980

Deposit to reserve$600

The balance is due 45 days before departure. Cancel for free within 48 hours of booking.

Secure payment link sent by email

Have a question first? Email us and a real person will reply in English.

Before you book

Do I need a visa for this trip?

Passports from 50 countries, including the UK, Canada, Australia and most of Europe, can enter visa-free for up to 30 days (currently until 31 December 2026). US citizens need a tourist visa, or must use 240-hour transit with an onward flight to a third country. Check your passport; we send an invitation letter if you need one.

How do I get to the start of the trip?

This journey starts in Harbin (HRB). Most international travelers fly in directly or connect through Beijing, Shanghai or Guangzhou. We suggest flights after you book and meet you at arrivals.

What happens if the trip doesn’t run?

If a departure doesn’t reach its minimum group size, we’ll tell you at least 21 days ahead and you can choose a full refund or a free change of date.

Can I extend the trip or add Beijing or Xi’an?

Yes. Tell us your plans in the booking notes or send us a message, and we’ll help you arrange the extra days.

Not ready to book?

Ask us about Harbin Ice & Snow

Different dates, a private version, travelling with kids or a parent who doesn’t walk far: tell us and a real person will reply within one working day, in English.