Best 10 Days China Dongbei Tour for Winter Adventure

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Shenyang Arrival & Shenyang Tour ( L )
   Shenyang Imperial Palace, Qing Dynasty Street, Commander Zhang's Mansion, Lady Zhao Si’s Building, Zhongjie Pedestrian Street

   Upon your arrival at Shenyang airport / train station, the local English speaking tour guide and driver will pick you up from the exit gate by holding a welcome board with your name.

   Your exploration begins with the visit to Shenyang Imperial Palace. Located in the center area of Shenyang city, it was the royal palace of the initial Qing Dynasty and had served two great Emperors: Nurhaci and Huang Taiji. Covering the area of 63,272 square meters, Shenyang Imperial Palace, together with Forbidden City in Beijing, were the greatest and best-preserved imperial palaces in China. Visiting this huge palace, you will learn more history about the Qing Dynasty.

   Later, continue your visit to Qing Dynasty Street. The former name was Xinzheng Street, built in the 31^st year of Guangxu, Qing Dynasty, was a prosperous street which full of restaurants, inns, bistros and tea houses in ancient times. Nowadays, it is one of the most popular sights for people who go to Shenyang. Strolling down the street, you will not only see many local snacks and stores, but also be attracted by the special Qing Dynasty buildings.

   After lunch, move on to visit the Commander Zhang's Mansion, also called the former residence of Zhang Xueliang, a great general during China Civil War Period. Covering an area of 36, 000 square meters, this mansion is famous for its diversified architectural styles including Chinese traditional style, Chinese and Western-style, Roman style, European style as well as Japanese style. Thus, it was listed as the National Modern Architectural Complex by our country in late 20th century. Today, you will follow your guide to visit this huge architectural complex by visiting its main buildings: Daqing Building, Xiaoqing Building, The Red Buildings and Lady Zhao Si’s Building.

   You will spend longer time in Lady Zhao Si’s Building, once was the former residence of General Zhang Xueliang’s lover, Zhao Yidi. This building was specially built in Japanese style, and looked like an isolated castle inside the entire mansion. Visiting it, you will better know the romantic love story between General Zhang and Lady Zhao.

   Last, you will come to the Zhongjie Pedestrian Street. Regarded as the earliest commercial and pedestrian street in Shenyang, this 1,500-meter street has over 350 years’ history. The lively night market, prosperous gold and silver market, stone market and grain market will definitely worth your visit.

   Accommodation: Overnight in Shenyang

   

2. Day 2: Shenyang - Dalian by High-speed Train ( B, L )
   Binhai Road, Dalian North Bridge, the Sculpture of Tiger Groups, Xinghai Square

   In the morning, the driver will pick you up from the hotel lobby and drop you off at Shenyang train station for you to catch a morning high-speed train to Dalian. The train rides around 2 hours, you can enjoy the scenery on the way.

   When you arrive at Dalian north train station, there will be the local English-speaking tour guide and driver picking you up from the exit gate by holding a welcome board with your name. You will officially start the visit with Binhai Road, the over 30 kilometers coastal highway along the East and South of Dalian City. Taking shuttle bus along the road, you will see the green mountains, blue seas, peaceful path combined with bridges and beaches... That must refresh yourself from the bustling city life.

   Later, continue your visit to Dalian North Bridge. This 230-meter bridge was built to enhance the good friendship between Dlian and Kitakyushu ( a Japanese port city ), so that it was regarded as a symbol of friendly relations between China and Japan.

   After that, move on to the Tiger Beach to have a look of the sculpture of tiger groups. Next, transfer to Xinghai Square for further sightseeing. As the symbol building of Dalian city, Xinghai Square covers 1760,000 square meters, was one of the most important buildings which built to memorize Hong Kong’s Return in 1997. There are 4 main scenic areas: Xinghai Square, Fountain Scenic Area, Century City Sculpture Square and Central Lawn Area. You will follow your guide to explore 2 or 3 areas of them according to your interests.

   Accommodation: Overnight in Dalian

   

3. Day 3: Dalian-Changchun-Jilin ( B, L )
   The Museum of the Imperial Palace of Manchukuo, Eight Branches of Manchukuo, Cultural Square

   Today you will head to Jilin via the visit in Changchun. After hotel breakfast, taking morning high-speed train which rides around 3.5 hours to Changchuan. Upon your arrival at Changchun train station, the local English speaking tour guide and driver will be waiting for you at the exit gate by holding a welcome board with your name.

   No doubt the first site will be The Museum of the Imperial Palace of Manchukuo. Located in Jinlin City, this Museum was built on the former site of Imperial Palace of Manchukuo and has served China’s last Emperor, Puyi, from the year of 1932 to 1945. It was also the head office of puppet Manchukuo which controlled by Japanese Army at that period. Now, the Museum has become an amazing exhibition hall including cultural relics of Manchukuo, modern Japanese and the Northern China. Walking inside the museum and listening to your guide to explain more about Puyi and this Palace, you will know more about this special and hard history of China.

   Next, continue your visit to the Eight Branches of Manchukuo, in Chinese is Badabu, were the eight governing branches in the period of puppet Manchukuo, including Military Department, Ministry of justice,Ministry of economy, Ministry of transportation, Ministry of culture and education, Foreign Ministry and Ministry of people’s livelihood. Each building has its unique architectural style, you will find its beauty when you are walking around there.

   Later, you will head to Jilin. When your van pass by Cultural Square, the largest entertaining square in Chuangchun city, you can have an exterior look of the entire square. If time permits, you can pull over and stroll down the square to further explore the local culture and history.

   Accommodation: Overnight in Jilin

   

4. Day 4: Jilin-Erdaobaihe-Changbai Mountain ( B, L )
   Rime Corridor along Songhua River, Korean Folk Village

   To catch the amazing rime, you are suggested to get up early this morning with take-away breakfast. When the van driving along the road, you can enjoy the beautiful rime corridor along Songhua River. Usually, this magical scenery only appear from 6:00 to 09:00 in the winter morning, if you are lucky to witness it, don’t forget to take your camera!

   Then, you will head to the exciting Changbai Mountain, today’s destination. Entirely you will drive 4-5 hours on road, but you hardly will feel bored since the ice and snow scenery on the way would definitely worth your attention.

   Before arriving at Erdaobaihe, the small town where you will stay overnight for today, you can pay a visit to the Korean Folk Village which is a local village themed Korean local culture, handcrafts and small gifts.

   Later, transfer to Erdaobaihe local hotel for overnight. Have a good rest and be prepared for tomorrow’s mountain hiking!

   Accommodation: Overnight in Erdaobaihe

   

5. Day 5: Changbai Mountain Tour ( B, L )
   North Slope Scenic Area of Changbai Mountain, Tianchi (Heaven Lake), Changbai Waterfall, Xiao Tian Chi ( the smaller heaven lake), Changbai Hot Springs

   Changbai Mountain, a dormant volcano located in Antu Country of north China, famous for its rich natural resources including forests, wild animals, lakes, rivers and mineral resources etc. Today, you will visit the North Slope Scenic Area of Changbai Mountain by visiting its main spots.

   Tianchi (Heaven Lake): regarded as the most beautiful and excited spot on Changbai Mountain, it looks like a great blue mirror covering above the black ground. Since the weather around the mountain is very changeable, you may not able to see the true face of the lake if it is foggy. Thus, it is said that if you can witness the real lake on your first-time visit, you must be very lucky. You can imagine how many people waiting there to uncover the hidden mystery of this amazing lake every year!

   Changbai Waterfall. In the north part of the Heaven Lake, there is an elegant waterfall flowing between two mountain peaks, that is the famous Changhai Waterfall. Looking from afar, you will find it is just like an amazing Milky Way; if you come closer, the loud sound of running water and cooler temperature definitely will refresh yourself.

   Xiao Tian Chi ( the smaller heaven lake). Near the Changbai Waterfall, there are 2 smaller lakes which are also worth to visit. Standing by the lake, you must be deeply attracted by the crystal water and get the true peace.

   Changbai Hot Springs, also called Julong Hot Springs, located no more than 1 kilometer from Changbai Waterfall, has covered an area of 1,000 square meters including over 10 springs in different size. If you have interests, you can enjoy an relaxing hot-spa in this wonderland.

   At end of the visit, you will head to Dunhua city for overnight.

   Accommodation: Overnight in Dunhua

   

6. Day 6: Dunhua-Jingpo Lake-Snow Town ( B, L )
   Jingpo Lake, Snow Town

   Today you will drive to Snow Town via Jingpo Lake, the largest mountain barrier lake in China. Every year, the lake starts freezing from late November, and the ice layer even can reach up to 70cm. Thus, it becomes the best skating rink, also the perfect place for winter hunting. Many winter activities like ice fishing, fish cooking competition etc.held here every winter, you may not want to miss it!

   After lunch, continue drive to Snow Town. The full name called “China Snow Town National Forest Park”, is located in Mudanjiang city, Heilongjiang province. It covers an area of 17,916 hectares and is 1,100 meters above sea level. Because of the frequent intersection of cold air of lake Baikal and sea warm current of Sea of Japan, it forms the unique climate that snow period lasts for seven months (from October to May in next year) and the snow thickness can be up to 2 meters. Thus, with the heavy snowfall and high viscosity of the snow, it enjoys the great reputation as famous “China’s snow town”.

   In the evening, you can stroll down Xueyun Street on your own to explore the bustling night market, enjoy relaxing walk, taste some local snack or join the local bonfire party...

   Accommodation: Guesthouse in Snow Town

   Special note: The accommodation resources in Snow Town are very limited when it comes to the peak season in every winter. Thus, the usual hotel standard is local guesthouse with at least 2 pax sharing one room. If you are looking for better hotel instead of guesthouse, please inform us as early as you can because good hotels sell too fast in Snow Town, usually needs reserve a few months ahead.

   

7. Day 7: Snow Town - Yabuli Ski Resort ( B, L )
   Snow Town, Yabuli Ski Resort

   This morning, you are free to enjoy the leisure time in Snow Town. You can use your camera to record this amazing place! There are some special photogenic sites in this town need pay in cash and which were NOT included in the current tour package ( optional ). Thus, if you would like to be there, feel free to ask your tour guide for assistance.

   Optional Early Morning Activity: If you are looking for something special in the early morning, you may hop on a shuttle bus and transfer to Yangcaoshan Mountain to appreciate the marvelous sunrise ( on your own expense ).

   Later, drive around 2.5 hours to the exciting Yabuli Ski Resort. Upon arrival at Yabuli Ski Resort, follow your guide to fill your stomach at a local restaurant, then your skiing begins! The tour guide will help you to get the main entrance tickets and rent the basic ski equipment for you to ski on your own.

   Friendly Tip: Only skiing in primary ski field was included in the current tour package, which including 3 hours skiing with equipment like skiing boots, snowboard and ski poles. If you would like to have more time for skiing, please pay in cash on your own.

   The resort enjoys a snow cover period of 170 days and skiing period 120 days, and the snow depth averages 30 cm – 50 cm at the foot of the mountain and reaches 1m on the mountain. Its best snow conditions make it a perfect place for both skiing racing and ski-touring. It boasts a total of 17 ski runs, from elementary, intermediate to advanced, as well as various cableways. No matter you are first time normal visitors or professional skiers, you will find the one suitable for you. There are also many entertainment activities such as snowmobiling, snow tubing, and horse-drawn sledge. You will have great fun in this heaven for skiing.

   Accommodation: Overnight in Yabuli

   

8. Day 8: Yabuli - Volga Manor ( B, L )
   Volga Manor

   After breakfast, drive around 2 hours to Volga Manor, a wonderland with Russian-themed culture, buildings and foods. Located around 50 kilometers from Harbin city, this amazing park covers over 600,000 square meters along the Ashi River, including restaurants, entertainments, rivers, bridges, wetlands and over 30 different Russian-style architectures, so that it can accommodate up to over thousand people for different activities. Today, you will fully enjoy the highlight spots of this manor.

   Saint Nicholas Church, also regarded as the architecture art gallery, is the landmark of Volga Manor. Took the old Saint Nicholas Church as a prototype, it was rebuilt in July of 2006 since the original church was damaged before the founding of People’s Republic of China. Now, you can admire the old Russian architectures here.

   Pushkin Salon. This unique building with red brick walls has typified the rich extremes of Russian architecture which can be traced back to the late 19^th century. There is a huge bronze statue of Pushkin standing in front of the door as if to welcome visitors from all over the world.

   Pavlov Castle. The original Pavlov Castle, as one of the most famous castles in ancient Russia, was designed by a famed Russian designer from 1795 to 1797, which was. Here will you see this reconstructed building almost the same as the original one. Inside the castle, you will find a lot of exhibitions about the Russian arts and paintings.

   Villa of Forest. Covering over 1,000 square meters, this villa was designed by a Russian designer which surrounded by trees, rivers and wetlands. Walking through the villa or stay one night there, you will find the true peace.

   Besides, there is also the authentic Russian music and dance show available in the manor, you can enjoy it if it is not a Monday ( the show closes on each Monday).

   After all the activities, you will check into hotel which inside the Volga Manor. If you are not exhausted, you can wonder around the manor in evening on your own to enjoy the special night view.

   Accommodation: Overnight in the Volga Manor

   

9. Day 9: Volga Manor - Harbin ( B, L )
   Northeast Tiger Park, Sun Island, Central Street, Saint Sophia Church

   After breakfast, drive around 1.5 hours to the ice-city, Harbin. The first site will be the Northeast Tiger Park, a northeast tiger breeding and research center with 700+ Siberian tigers live there, and there are over 100 Siberian tigers and lions are open to public. Thus, you will see tigers in different life stages and learn more about the current living situation of Siberian tigers in China.

   

   Later, move on to Sun Island. As an island in the Songhua river of Harbin city, it is located between the new and old city of Harbin and is divided into eastern district, central district and western district. With the rapid development of tourism, it has become a mufti-functional scenic area composed of ice and snow culture, folk culture and other natural resources, which is also a renowned summer resort and an ecological area along the Songhua river in China. In winter, you can enjoy the wonderful Sun Island Snow Sculpture there ( optional ).

   Friendly tips:

   1. People also can take cable car along the Songhua River to arrive at Sun Island Park. It is an optional choice to better enjoy the Songhua River view. If you would like to take it, please pay in cash at the spot ( approximate CNY100 /way).
   2. There is Sun Island Snow Sculpture exhibition in Sun Island every winter, the entrance fee is around CNY180-280 per person. If you’d like to visit it, please pay in cash on your own.

   After that, drive to Harbin city and enjoy the relaxing sightseeing in the famous Central Street, a bustling pedestrian street in Harbin city. Walking along the street, you will find many old buildings designed in various western styles in early 1900s. And of course you will be attracted by the lively vendors, restaurants, pubs as well as snacks.

   Later, continue your visit to Saint Sophia Church. It is a typical Byzantine architecture style Orthodox Church built in 1907 by Russian. Through the visit of this church, you will read the rich history of Harbin and even northeast part of China. Also, you can enjoy some relaxing walk in the Saint Sophia Church square to see how local people live, chat and exercise there.

   Optional Night Activity: If you would like to visit the Ice and Snow World, please pay the entrance fee on your own ( around CNY300-350 / pax ). Please feel free to ask your tour guide for assistance.

   Ice and Snow World: Relying on the advantages of Harbin’s ice and snow in winter, the large-scale ice and snow art boutique project was launched to show the ice and snow culture and charm of Harbin that is a renowned tourism city in northeast China. Nowadays, it is a must-visit place in Harbin in winter. There are various kinds of ice sculptures, exciting snow entertainment projects and interesting themed performances.You will stroll around to enjoy the world’s finest examples of ice art against the dazzling lights.

   Accommodation: Overnight in Harbin

   

10. Day 10: Harbin Departure ( B )

    Free and easy on your own until the pickup time for departure. Our driver will meet you at the hotel lobby and transfer to Harbin airport / train station to see you off.

    Accommodation: N/A