China Tour: Discover Harbin – Snow Town – Mudanjiang – Ice and Snow World 6 Days 5 Nights | Departure from Saigon

Detailed itinerary

• DAY 1: HO CHI MINH CITY – GUANGZHOU – HARBIN

  Guests gather at Column 12, Gate D2, International Departure Terminal, Tan Son Nhat Airport (2nd Floor), where the tour leader will assist with flight check-in. Flight SGN – CAN CZ3070 departs at 11:55 and is scheduled to land in Guangzhou at 16:10.

  After completing immigration procedures, the group continues with the connecting flight CAN – HRB CZ5301, taking off at 18:40 and arriving in Harbin at 23:05. Inflight snacks will be served during the journey.

  Upon arrival in Harbin, the group will be met by a driver and tour guide at the airport and transferred to a winter clothing shop. Guests are free to choose attire suitable for Harbin's severe winter weather, where temperatures typically hover around -20°C. This is especially important if clothes brought from Vietnam are not warm enough.

  Afterward, the group will head to the hotel for check-in and rest, preparing for the exploration of Harbin the following day.

• DAY 2: HARBIN – YABULI – SNOW VILLAGE (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner):

  Morning:

  Guests will start the day with breakfast at the hotel before checking out and departing for Yabuli Ski Resort, one of China's largest and most famous natural ski resorts. After approximately a 3-hour drive, the group will arrive at Yabuli, known not only as the training center for the national ski team but also as an ideal destination for winter sports enthusiasts. It successfully hosted the 2009 Winter Universiade, attracting numerous domestic and international visitors.

  Yabuli Ski Resort features 18 slopes with a total length of up to 30km, catering to everyone from beginners to professional athletes. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy a 3-hour exciting skiing session, with equipment such as ski boots, skis, and poles included in the service. Additionally, guests can participate in other unique activities such as horse-drawn sleigh rides or dog sledding – thrilling experiences steeped in local culture (costs included).

  Yabuli Ski Resort is not only an ideal place to enjoy the fresh mountain air and white snow, but it also offers relaxing moments and opportunities to challenge oneself through winter sports. Notably, the white snow covering the entire area creates a majestic natural landscape, making anyone feel as if they have stepped into a fairy-tale world.

  Lunch:

  After enjoying the skiing activities at Yabuli, the group will have lunch at a local restaurant before continuing the journey to Snow Village – dubbed the "No. 1 Snow Village in China", featuring fairy-tale winter beauty. After about a 2-hour drive, guests will admire the stunning scenery of Snow Village, where snow covers everything from traditional wooden houses to forest canopies, creating a magical white landscape.

  Throughout the journey, guests will have the chance to admire the romantic winter environment with soft snowfall everywhere, from small paths to rustic houses, bringing a sense of peace and tranquility. The breathtaking scenery at Snow Village will surely be a highlight of the trip, leaving every traveler in awe and eager to capture these memorable moments.

  Evening:

  Upon arrival at Snow Village, the group will enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, where guests can taste the typical cuisine of the snow region. Next, guests will check in to the hotel and rest. In the evening at Snow Village, guests are free to stroll amidst the enchanting atmosphere illuminated by twinkling lanterns lighting up the white snow, creating a warm and romantic scene.

  Besides exploring the tranquil atmosphere of Snow Village, guests can also visit local specialty shops to buy souvenirs for family and friends, or visit the Snow Village Post Office – where travelers can send meaningful postcards from the land of white snow.

  Weather permitting, guests may also have the opportunity to join the thousand-person bonfire party – a unique event where everyone dances and sings together under the snowy sky, immersing themselves in a vibrant and warm atmosphere amidst the freezing winter.

• DAY 3: SNOW VILLAGE – MUDANJIANG (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner):

  Morning:

  After breakfast at the hotel, the group will set out to explore the Yaxue Highway – the vital arterial road connecting Snow Village with Yabuli and Harbin. Yaxue Highway not only plays a crucial role in regional transportation but is also one of the most beautiful snow-viewing roads in China, famous for its endless miles of snow-covered landscapes. This is an ideal spot for guests to freely take photos, enjoy the scenery, and capture beautiful moments amidst fresh morning nature.

  In particular, guests will also have the opportunity to experience a snowmobile ride – an exciting activity that allows visitors to explore the snowy terrain on special snowmobiles. Each guest will get one free experience (included in the tour), promising unforgettable moments conquering snowy roads under the early sun.

  Lunch:

  After enjoying the beautiful landscape and morning activities, the group will move to a local restaurant for lunch, savoring traditional dishes and snow region specialties. Afterward, guests will continue the journey to Mudanjiang – one of the most important cities in Heilongjiang Province.

  Afternoon:

  The journey to Mudanjiang takes about 3.5 hours. During the drive, guests can relax and view the roadside scenery depicting Northern China's iconic winter landscape. Mudanjiang is not only the third-largest city in Heilongjiang Province but also the political, economic, cultural, transportation, and technological center of the eastern part of the province. As Heilongjiang's southernmost city, Mudanjiang offers visitors unique cultural and historical experiences of the northern region.

  Upon arrival, the group will take time to explore Mudanjiang – a modern and thriving city that still preserves traditional northeastern Chinese characteristics. With its signature cold climate, the city stands out with European-style architecture combined with local culture, creating a unique fusion rarely found elsewhere.

  Evening:

  After a long day of travel and exploration, the group will enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, where guests can relish the special dishes of Mudanjiang, highlighted by northeastern Chinese flavors. After dinner, guests will check in to the hotel and rest, preparing for the next day's exploration of Mudanjiang.

  The evening is free time; guests can choose to walk around downtown Mudanjiang to enjoy the cool air and admire the night scenery, or relax at the hotel after a memorable day.

• DAY 4: MUDANJIANG – HENGDAOHEZI – YINGJIE HOT SPRINGS (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner):

  Morning:

  After breakfast at the hotel and completing check-out procedures, the group will begin exploring Hengdaohezi Town – a small town about a 1-hour drive from Mudanjiang. Known as the Russian Town, it boasts charming beauty with mountain landscapes blanketed in white snow. Situated between Mudanjiang and Hailin, the town stands out with dramatic natural scenery of the Changbai Mountains and primeval forests, especially in winter. When snow blankets the area, the town turns into a magical painting, attracting visitors from all over.

  Throughout the trip, guests can take in the sights and snap stunning photos against the pristine white snow backdrop. Hengdaohezi Town is rich in classic Russian architecture, featuring characteristic Russian-style houses and buildings, creating a romantic atmosphere like stepping into a winter fairy tale.

  Lunch:

  The group will stop at a local restaurant to enjoy lunch featuring regional specialties of Heilongjiang. Afterward, guests will continue visiting prominent attractions in town, including:

  • Oil Painting Village: Where visitors can admire and purchase beautiful oil paintings depicting majestic winter scenery or daily local life.
  • Locomotive Depot: An interesting sight for history, culture, and industry enthusiasts, preserving old-era locomotives that testify to the region's railway development history.
  • Old Street with Russian Architecture: In particular, the old street feels like stepping into a small Russian town with classic buildings, wooden houses, and distinctive domes, creating a highly unique and fascinating cultural space.

  Afternoon:

  After exploring the town, the group will depart for Yingjie Hot Springs Resort, a famous destination in the region located about a 3.5-hour drive away. This hot spring resort is an ideal place for guests to relax and enjoy hot spring bathing services after exciting sightseeing days. The hot spring water at Yingjie is rich in minerals, offering fantastic health benefits, helping the body unwind and recharge after a long day. Guests will have the opportunity to soak in hot pools amidst beautiful mountain scenery, with fresh and crisp air.

  Evening:

  Upon arriving at Yingjie Hot Springs Resort, the group will have dinner at a local restaurant, where guests can continue experiencing traditional northeastern Chinese dishes. Afterward, the group will check in to Yingjie Hotel and rest.

  In the evening, guests are free to enjoy hot spring bathing right at the hotel. This is a wonderful opportunity to relax both body and mind after vibrant days of exploration. Note: guests should bring their own swimwear to participate in the hot springs. With luxurious space and thoughtful service, Yingjie Hot Springs Resort will surely deliver wonderful and memorable experiences.

• DAY 5: YINGJIE HOT SPRINGS – JINYUAN SCENIC AREA – HARBIN (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner):

  Morning:

  After breakfast at the hotel, the group will check out and begin exploring Jinyuan Tourist Area, a renowned location about a 1.5-hour drive from Yingjie Hot Springs. Jinyuan Tourist Area is surrounded by majestic mountain ranges and clear blue lakes, creating a beautiful natural environment. It is famous for the winter ice fishing traditions of the Jurchen people, a long-standing survival tradition combined with unique reenactments of local life and culture.

  Visiting Jinyuan, guests will experience winter net fishing on ice – an exciting and challenging activity. However, successful fish catching depends on weather conditions. Guests will witness how local people pull nets to catch fish through the ice, a tradition dating back to ancient times. Afterward, the group will savor a hot and delicious bowl of fish soup, a must-try specialty when visiting Jinyuan (cost included).

  Lunch:

  The group will have lunch at a local restaurant, tasting authentic dishes of the Heilongjiang region. After lunch, the group will head back to Harbin City, a journey taking about 1.5 hours.

  Afternoon:

  Upon reaching Harbin, guests will continue their tour to the city's famous landmarks:

  • Saint Sophia Cathedral Square: One of Harbin's architectural icons. Built in 1907 with classic Russian architecture, the cathedral is currently preserved and used as the city's Architecture and Art Museum.
  • Central Street: This is the most beautiful pedestrian street in Harbin, featuring an array of shops, cafes, and unique architecture along both sides, creating a lively yet romantic atmosphere.
  • Flood Control Monument: Located on the banks of the Songhua River, the monument was built to commemorate the successful 1957 flood control effort. It stands as one of the heroic symbols of Harbin and is a must-visit destination.
  • Middle East Railway Bridge: With over 100 years of history, this bridge is not only an important transportation structure but also a historic symbol of Harbin, capturing the city's modern historical milestones.

  Evening:

  After visiting these famous landmarks, the group will enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Guests will also have the opportunity to try Modern Ice Cream, Harbin's famous treat, a must-try delicacy even in the freezing cold of winter.

  After dinner, the group continues to explore Harbin Ice and Snow World – one of the world's largest ice and snow art projects, established in 1999. It showcases the largest collection of ice artwork, with unique ice sculptures creating a brilliant and magical artistic space.

  Note: If weather conditions do not allow Harbin Ice and Snow World to open, the itinerary will be replaced with a visit to the Indoor Ice Lantern Exhibition.

  At the end of the tour, the group will check in and spend the night at a hotel in Harbin, preparing for the upcoming activities.

• DAY 6: HARBIN – GUANGZHOU – HO CHI MINH CITY (Breakfast):

  Morning:

  Guests will enjoy an early breakfast at the hotel before checking out to prepare for the return flight to Ho Chi Minh City. At the appointed time, a vehicle will transfer the group to Harbin Taiping International Airport for the flight back to Vietnam, with a transit stop in Guangzhou.

  Flight HRB – CAN departs at 12:00 and is scheduled to land in Guangzhou at 17:05. The group will then connect to the flight CAN – HCM departing at 20:15 and landing at Tan Son Nhat Airport at 22:10. Inflight snacks will be served throughout the journey for comfort and convenience.

  Upon landing at Tan Son Nhat Airport, the group will complete immigration and baggage claim procedures. Here, the tour leader will bid farewell to everyone, thank you for joining, and look forward to seeing you on future journeys.