10 Days Shenyang Dalian Dandong Changbaishan Harbin Tour
Tour Overview
Northeast China or Dongbei, as the name suggests, refers to the region of Northeast China, mainly including Liaoning Province, Jilin Province, and Heilongjiang Province. This 10-day Dongbei China tour will take you through these three provinces to explore a series of natural wonders and cultural treasures.
Starting from Shenyang, passing through Dalian, Panjin, Dandong, and finally reaching Harbin. On the way, you can visit historical sites such as the Shenyang Palace Museum, Lvshun Military Port, Duanqiao Bridge, Center Street… In addition, you will also appreciate some unique natural scenery, from the spectacular Red Beach to the charm of Dalian’s seaside and the magnificent view of Changbai Mountain. Finally, immerse yourself in the Russian style of Harbin and appreciate the numerous architectural styles.
Travel destinations: Shenyang, Dalian, Dandong, Changbaishan, Harbin
Suitable for: Culture Explorers, History Buffs
Tour type: Private
Highlights of this tour:
- Explore imperial history by visiting the magnificent halls and tranquil gardens of Shenyang Imperial Palace.
- Capture the breathtaking hues of Red Beach in Panjin.
- Visit the largest city square in Asia – Xinghai Square.
- Discover the maritime heritage of Lvshun Military Port.
- Walk up the famous Duanqiao Bridge in Dandong to get a close-up view of the traces of past wars.
- Enjoy a Changbai Mountain tour to admire Heaven Lake and Changbai Waterfall.
- Immerse in a fairytale world full of Russian flavor with more than 40 Russian-style buildings.
- See the majestic wild tigers in a semi-natural environment – Siberian Tiger Park.
- Admire the Byzantine St. Sophia Cathedral and take a leisurely walk on Central Street.
Day-by-day Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in ShenyangDiscover the Imperial History and Visit China's First Commercial Pedestrian Street
Welcome to the 10-day China Dongbei tour starting at the birthplace of the Qing Dynasty (1616-1911) - Shenyang. Upon your arrival, your private guide and driver will pick you up at the exit of the Arrival Hall and then transfer you to our first stop, Shenyang Imperial Palace. It is one of the two remaining complete palace complexes in China. You will enjoy the exquisite ancient palace architecture as well as a large number of palace artifacts left over from the old Imperial Palace.
Shenyang Imperial Palace Next, explore Manchurian Street, where you will discover local cuisine and glimpse modern lifestyle in Shenyang. Then, go to appreciate Nanguan Catholic Church from outside. It is a typical Gothic architecture of the European Renaissance period and the largest and oldest Catholic church in Northeast China in terms of building area.
Finally, take a stroll through the bustling Shenyang Middle Street Pedestrian Mall, which is China's first commercial pedestrian street and is known as the "Number One Street in Northeast China". Taste local specialties and purchase souvenirs if there are any you like.
Meal: Lunch + Dinner
Accommodation: in Shenyang
- Day 2: Panjin and Dalian TourMarvel at the Beautiful Red Beach Up Close
After breakfast, drive for about 3 hours to Panjin to enjoy the beautiful Red Beach (available from mid May to mid October). The corridor within the scenic area is 18 kilometers long and is known as the "world's red coastline", providing visitors with a close-up view of the "red ocean".
In addition, you will also visit a peaceful temple nearby. It is said that it was built to pray for the safe return of local fishermen. Your tour guide will tell you about the lives of fishermen in the area. After the visit, your China tour in Dongbei continues to the coastal city of Dalian.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Accommodation: in Dalian
Panjin Red Beach - Day 3: Dalian Sightseeing TourExplore the Maritime Relics and Visit the Largest City Square in Asia
Today's Northeast China tour begins at the historic Lvshun Military Port. The port was a world-renowned military fortress from 1880 to1890. Nowadays, this place is used as a training base for the North Sea Fleet. Standing near Baiyu Mountain Tower, admire the beautiful ocean view. Your tour guide will share with you some historical and architectural significance related to the port.
Baiyu Mountain Pagoda Next, you will be transferred to Xinghai Square, the largest city square in Asia. Built to commemorate Hong Kong's return to China, it is also one of the iconic buildings of Dalian city, with a grand square design and intricate copper sculptures. Walk to the Huge Book Sculpture, the highest point of Xinghai Square, where you can see the endless blue sea and the cross sea bridge.
Your next stop is Friendship Square, which is a place for locals to gather and chat. Finally, the tour guide will take you to gain a deeper understanding of Dalian's diverse history at Zhongshan Square and Japanese Street.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Accommodation: in Dalian
- Day 4: Dandong Exploration TourVisit the Famous Duanqiao Bridge and Touch the Traces of Past Wars
After breakfast, we drive to Dandong, a city bordering North Korea. Our visit begins at Yalu River Park. The Yalu River is named after the color of its water. The emerald green river water is like the shimmering green of a duck's neck, so people called it the Yalu River. Here you will see the famous Duanqiao Bridge, built in 1909. It was destroyed by American planes during the Korean War in 1950, and the bridge piers still exist. You can walk up the bridge and get a close-up view of the traces of past wars.
Duanqiao Bridge on the Yalujiang You can choose to take a boat tour of the Yalu River, see the residential buildings in North Korea up close, and learn about their daily lives (at your own expense).
Spend your free time exploring the Andong Street. Andong is the name of Dandong from 1876 to 1949, a period spanning over a hundred years that combines the unique history of the Qing Dynasty, the Republic of China, and the colonial era. Andong Street is a microcosm of this period of history. You can enjoy a variety of buildings, taste local snacks, and appreciate various folk arts.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Accommodation: in Dandong
- Day 5: Journey to Tonghua and Erdaobaihe
Today's China tour takes you to Tonghua in Jilin and then continues to Erdaobaihe Town. The whole ride takes about 7.5 hours. Appreciate the changing scenery along the way. In some safe locations, we can stop and take some beautiful photos.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Accommodation: in Erdaobaihe Town
- Day 6: Changbai Mountain TourAppreciate the Largest Volcanic Crater Lake in China on Changbai Mountain
After breakfast, head to the natural wonderland of Changbai Mountain. Changbai Mountain is an ancient dormant volcano, and its abundant resources have nurtured the primitive ethnic groups and culture of Northeast China. The tour guide will take you to the mountaintop to visit Heaven Lake.
It is the largest and highest volcanic crater lake in China naturally formed by volcanic eruptions, and also the highest and best preserved volcanic crater lake in the world. Heaven Lake has no supplementary water source except for natural precipitation, but the lake water flows out continuously throughout the year, which is a mystery of nature. Take some time to appreciate the beautiful scenery surrounding it.
Changbai Waterfall Next, head to spring at the northern slope of Changbai Mountain - Julong Spring. It colors the surrounding rocks and gravel with brilliant hues of gold, blue, and emerald green. Vapor is its characteristic, especially in winter. Surrounded by a blanket of silver-white snow, this place is indeed steaming hot and has a unique scenery.
Afterwards, hike to Changbai Waterfall. From a distance, it looks like a ladder, so people call it 'Tongtian River'. The river cascades down from the wall, forming a majestic waterfall with a drop of 68 meters.
After the Changbai Mountain tour, you will be transferred to Dunhua. If you travel from September to October, you will see the vibrant red leaves of Mount Wuhua.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Accommodation: in Dunhua
- Day 7: Dunhua to Harbin TourUnderstand the Living Environment of Endangered Siberian Tigers
After breakfast, drive to Harbin, aka the Ice City. Upon arrival, start your Dongbei China tour in Harbin at the Siberian Tiger Park. Here you can go up close to see endangered wild Siberian tigers and your tour guide will explain to you the conservation work of endangered animals and their living habits.
Siberian Tiger Park The van takes you to pass by the Harbin Grand Theater and the historic Harbin Manzhouli Railway, offering a glimpse of their architecture and the history of their construction.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Accommodation: in Harbin
- Day 8: Harbin Russian Experience TourSpend a Leisurely Day at a Russian Style Manor
Today we will spend most of the day at Volga Manor. Located on the outskirts of Harbin, this is a fairytale world full of Russian flavor with more than 40 Russian-style buildings, including red old castles and blue-roofed cabins. In this manor, you can experience various amusement facilities. In addition, cultural experiences, dining and lodging are all available, making it perfect for a visit with family and friends.
Volga Manor in Summer If you are interested, you can draw a traditional Russian doll (for an additional fee). We will arrange a sumptuous Russian style lunch for you. In the afternoon, you can explore at your own pace.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Accommodation: in Harbin
- Day 9: Harbin Culture TourStroll along Central Street and Admire Byzantine Style Architecture
After breakfast, begin your Harbin tour at Stalin Park, an open landscape park on the banks of the Songhua River, where the famous Flood Control Memorial Tower is located. You can see some art sculptures and buildings imitating Russian classical style here. Make a stop along the banks of the Songhua River.
Then, take a leisurely walk along the bustling Central Street, a more than 100-year-old shopping street with classic Baroque-style European architecture and stores. While visiting, you'll catch a view of the magnificent St. Sophia Church, a symbol of Harbin's rich history. Marvel at the Byzantine architecture and the green domes of this Russian Orthodox church. After lunch, your driver will escort you to the railway station to take the high-speed train to Shenyang.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Accommodation: in Shenyang
China Xian Tour's Customers at St. Sophia Cathedral in Winter - Day 10: Departure from Shenyang
Enjoy your morning at leisure. You can do some last-minute exploration or shopping. Later, your driver will escort you to take a flight to your next destination or home. Safe travels!
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: N/A
