- Overview
- Captured moments
- Day by day
- What's included
- Travel notes
- Not included
- Your questions answered
The city of Harbin transforms each winter into a vast, illuminated world of ice, where entire cities rise from frozen rivers and glow against the night sky. The annual Ice Festival is where winter is experienced at its most striking and immersive.
Experience highlights
- Discover Beijing’s cultural landmarks, including the Forbidden City and the Great Wall
- Explore the Harbin Ice Festival with monumental ice sculptures and illuminated ice architecture
- Take part in a hands-on snow and ice sculpting workshop
- Experience winter activities in Yabuli, from tobogganing to snow play
- Admire Shanghai's evening skyline with a cruise along the Bund
Beijing sets the tone, where ancient history unfolds across the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, and quiet temple courtyards. Here, the journey begins with cultural depth, grounding you before the landscape shifts north.
In Harbin, winter takes over completely. Days are spent among intricate snow sculptures and frozen riverbanks, while nights reveal the full scale of the Ice Festival, illuminated in colour and light. It’s a place where the cold is not endured, but experienced.
In Yabuli, the pace changes. Snow becomes part of the experience, with time for winter activities, and moments of warmth between outdoor adventure and hot springs.
The journey closes in Shanghai, where the energy lifts and the skyline reflects across the river, offering a final contrast to days shaped by winter, stillness, and scale.
A journey of contrast and experience, where China is revealed through light, landscape, and season.
Limited to just 12 travellers to keep the experience intimate.
This journey unfolds across northern China in the depth of winter, moving from the cultural landmarks of Beijing to the frozen landscapes of Harbin and beyond. Days are shaped by the season itself, from ancient walls and temple courtyards to illuminated ice cities and snow-covered terrain.
As the journey progresses, time at the Ice Festival is balanced with hands-on experiences and moments that shift the pace. From intricate ice sculptures and frozen riverbanks to winter activities in Yabuli and the final contrast of Shanghai’s skyline, the experience moves with a natural rhythm between exploration and stillness.
Our itinerary is shaped around the winter season and the conditions that define it. As with all seasonal journeys, timing and sequence may shift slightly to reflect local conditions and ensure each experience is delivered at its best.
Itinerary
Day 01 | Beijing
Date : 14/01/2027
First Impressions | Through the Hutongs
   
Highlights
Hutong tastings • Welcome dinner • Evening Beijing exploration
Along the way
Stepping into Beijing's historic hutongs, our local guide introduces a side of China's capital that is best experienced on foot. Narrow alleyways weave between traditional courtyard homes, family run eateries and neighbourhood shops, revealing generations of everyday life that continue beneath the shadow of the modern skyline.
Every stop offers another taste of northern China, from hand pulled noodles and dumplings to skewers and comforting winter dishes. Between each tasting, our guide shares stories of Beijing's history, neighbourhood life and changing identity, revealing how food and culture have remained closely connected for generations.
Red lanterns glow above the hutongs as evening settles across the capital, revealing a very different side of Beijing. Ancient traditions and modern city life exist comfortably alongside one another as we gather for our Welcome Dinner, marking the beginning of our journey through China together.
Behind the design
Arrival days are designed to land softly. Guests often arrive at different times after long international journeys, so rather than launching straight into sightseeing, our Three Tenths Signature Welcome brings everyone together through local food in a relaxed and informal setting. It creates natural conversation, allowing strangers to become travelling companions before the journey truly begins. Beijing's hutongs provide the perfect setting to experience everyday local life before exploring the country's great imperial landmarks.
Inclusions
Airport transfer • Guided hutong tasting experience • Evening Beijing exploration • Welcome Dinner • Accommodation in Beijing
Day 02 | Beijing
Date : 15/01/2027
Ritual and Empire | The Rhythm of Beijing
   
Highlights
Temple of Heaven • Tai Chi experience • Forbidden City • Tiananmen Square • Lama Temple
Along the way
Beneath ancient cypress trees at the Temple of Heaven, a guided Tai Chi session introduces the principles of balance and harmony that have shaped Chinese philosophy for centuries. Surrounded by one of Beijing's most significant ceremonial spaces, it's a peaceful beginning before the city's grand landmarks unfold.
Towering crimson walls reveal the vast courtyards of the Forbidden City, where centuries of emperors once ruled from the heart of imperial China. From here, we continue to Tiananmen Square before visiting the Lama Temple, where incense drifts through colourful courtyards as monks quietly continue traditions that remain part of everyday life today.
This evening, we come together for dinner before returning to the hotel, reflecting on a day that has revealed both the imperial grandeur and enduring spiritual traditions of China's remarkable capital.
Behind the design
Rather than rushing between Beijing's famous landmarks, we've balanced the city's grand imperial history with the quieter traditions that continue to shape everyday life. Beginning with Tai Chi at the Temple of Heaven creates a more meaningful introduction to Chinese culture before exploring the scale and splendour of the Forbidden City.
Inclusions
Breakfast • Temple of Heaven visit • Tai Chi experience • Guided Forbidden City tour • Tiananmen Square visit • Lama Temple visit • Dinner • Accommodation in Beijing
Day 03 | Beijing
Date : 16/01/2027
The Great Wall | Walking the Ridgeline
   
Highlights
Mutianyu Great Wall • Cable car ascent • Curated picnic style lunch • Optional toboggan descent • Dinner at the Wall
Along the way
A cable car carries us to the quieter Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, where one of the world's greatest engineering achievements winds across the surrounding mountain ridges. Stretching for more than 21,000 kilometers across northern China, the Wall was built over centuries to protect successive dynasties, with Mutianyu remaining one of its best preserved sections. There's time to explore at your own pace, wandering between watchtowers and ancient stone pathways while taking in the extraordinary scale of both the Wall and the landscape it was built to defend.
A carefully prepared picnic style lunch allows us to remain immersed in the experience rather than rushing away. For those seeking a little extra adventure, the toboggan descent offers a fun and memorable ride back down the mountainside, while the cable car remains available for anyone preferring a more leisurely return. Either way, there's one final opportunity to admire the Wall before leaving this extraordinary landmark behind.
Dinner is served beneath the Great Wall in the surrounding village, offering a quieter perspective on one of China's greatest icons. It's a memorable way to conclude the day before our journey continues north tomorrow.
Behind the design
The Great Wall deserves more than a quick photo stop. We've chosen the quieter Mutianyu section, allowing time to explore at your own pace, enjoy lunch overlooking the mountains and finish with dinner beneath the Wall itself. It's a slower, more immersive experience of one of the world's greatest landmarks.
Inclusions
Breakfast • Guided visit to the Mutianyu Great Wall • Cable car ascent • Curated picnic style lunch • Toboggan descent • Dinner beneath the Great Wall • Accommodation in Beijing
Day 04 | Harbin
Date : 17/01/2027
Where Winter Begins | Ice, Light and Wonder
   
Highlights
Domestic flight to Harbin • Harbin Ice and Snow World • Late lunch • Free time to explore • Evening illuminations
Along the way
Towering castles, bridges, cathedrals and entire cityscapes carved from crystal clear blocks of ice reveal the astonishing scale of Harbin Ice and Snow World. Recognised as one of the world's largest ice and snow festivals, its extraordinary sculptures are rebuilt from scratch every winter, creating an experience unlike anywhere else on Earth.
A relaxed lunch within the festival allows us to remain immersed in the atmosphere before continuing our exploration. Rather than rushing from attraction to attraction, there's time to appreciate the remarkable craftsmanship, discover hidden corners and experience the festival at an easy pace.
Thousands of lights gradually illuminate the ice from within, transforming transparent sculptures into glowing shades of blue, pink, green and gold. The familiar pathways take on an entirely different character after dark, revealing why the festival is celebrated as much for its breathtaking evening atmosphere as for its remarkable artistry.
Behind the design
Harbin Ice and Snow World changes dramatically between day and night, yet many visitors only experience one or the other. We've deliberately allowed time to enjoy both, revealing the extraordinary craftsmanship in daylight before watching the entire festival transform into a spectacular display of colour after sunset.
Inclusions
Breakfast • Domestic flight to Harbin • Entry to Harbin Ice and Snow World • Lunch • Dinner • Accommodation in Harbin
Day 05 | Harbin
Date : 18/01/2027
Light Beyond Ice | Craft, Perspective and Play
   
Highlights
Songhua River Cable Car • Snow and ice sculpture workshop • Return to Ice and Snow World • Free time to explore • Harbin Ferris Wheel
Along the way
Sweeping views from the Songhua River Cable Car reveal frozen waterways, historic districts and the vast winter landscape that defines Harbin. From above, the city's relationship with the river becomes unmistakable, explaining how this remarkable frozen landscape has shaped both everyday life and the world famous winter festival.
A hands on snow and ice sculpture workshop introduces the techniques local artists use to transform simple blocks of ice into remarkable works of art. Learning directly from skilled craftspeople offers a new appreciation for the patience, precision and creativity behind everything we've admired throughout the festival.
Returning to Ice and Snow World, there's time to revisit favourite sculptures, capture them in changing light or simply continue exploring at your own pace. The Harbin Ferris Wheel provides a spectacular finale, revealing the glowing ice palaces, illuminated streets and frozen river from high above the city.
Behind the design
Rather than treating Ice and Snow World as a single visit, we've chosen to return for a second day. Experiencing the festival from new perspectives, creating your own ice sculpture and viewing the illuminated city from above transforms a visit into a far richer and more immersive experience.
Inclusions
Breakfast • Songhua River Cable Car • Snow and ice sculpture workshop • Return entry to Harbin Ice and Snow World • Harbin Ferris Wheel • Dinner • Accommodation in Harbin
Day 06 | Harbin
Date : 19/01/2027
The City Behind the Festival | Streets, Stories and Winter Life
   
Highlights
Sun Island Scenic Area • Zhongyang Street • Saint Sophia Cathedral • Ice Lantern Garden Party
Along the way
Monumental snow sculptures dominate the winter landscape at Sun Island Scenic Area, where remarkable works of art are carved from compacted snow rather than crystal clear ice. Set amongst peaceful parkland, they reveal another side of Harbin's celebrated winter craftsmanship while offering a quieter contrast to Ice and Snow World.
European façades, local bakeries and bustling cafés line Zhongyang Street, reflecting Harbin's unique blend of Chinese and Russian heritage. A leisurely walk reveals the city's everyday rhythm before we continue to Saint Sophia Cathedral, whose distinctive onion domes remain one of Harbin's most recognisable landmarks.
The Ice Lantern Garden Party provides a fitting finale to our time in Harbin. Smaller in scale but rich in atmosphere, its beautifully illuminated displays invite a slower pace, offering a more intimate glimpse into one of the city's oldest winter traditions before tomorrow's journey into the mountains.
Behind the design
Harbin's winter story extends well beyond Ice and Snow World. We've chosen to balance its world famous attractions with experiences that reveal the city's distinctive heritage, from Russian inspired architecture and historic streets to one of Harbin's oldest winter traditions, creating a richer understanding of the place behind the festival.
Inclusions
Breakfast • Sun Island Scenic Area • Guided walk along Zhongyang Street • Street style lunch • Saint Sophia Cathedral • Ice Lantern Garden Party • Dinner • Accommodation in Harbin
Day 07 | Yabuli
Date : 20/01/2027
Into the Snow | Play, Mountains and Hot Springs
   
Highlights
High speed train to Yabuli • Snow tubing and winter adventures • Forest hot springs and spa
Along the way
A high speed train carries us into the snow covered mountains of Yabuli, where forests, wide open valleys and crisp winter air reveal a very different side of northeastern China. Swapping city streets for mountain landscapes, today's experiences celebrate the simple joy of being outdoors in winter.
Snow tubing and a variety of winter park activities invite you to embrace the season at your own pace. Whether you're racing down snowy slopes or simply enjoying the mountain scenery, there's plenty of time to experience why Yabuli has become China's best known winter playground.
Forest hot springs provide a peaceful contrast to the day's adventures. Surrounded by snow covered trees, the naturally heated mineral pools offer the perfect opportunity to relax before we gather for dinner and settle into the quieter rhythm of the mountains.
Behind the design
After several days admiring winter through remarkable ice and snow sculptures, we wanted you to experience it in a completely different way. Yabuli shifts the focus from observation to participation, combining playful outdoor activities with the restorative warmth of forest hot springs to reveal another side of winter in northeastern China.
Inclusions
Breakfast • High speed train to Yabuli • Snow tubing and winter park activities • Lunch • Forest hot springs and spa entry • Dinner • Accommodation in Yabuli
Day 08 | Yabuli
Date : 21/01/2027
Mountain Air | Snow, Silence and Open Slopes
   
Highlights
Skiing and beginner lessons • Ski at your own pace • Traditional winter sleigh ride • Dongbei dinner
Your Three Tenths choice
Today we invite you to experience the snow in the way that suits you best. Choose one of these included experiences:
Beginner Ski Lesson • Build your confidence with expert instruction before exploring the gentle slopes.
Independent Skiing • Make the most of your included lift pass and equipment hire, enjoying the mountain at your own pace.
Relax at the Resort • Prefer to stay off the slopes? Enjoy the winter scenery, cozy cafés and peaceful mountain atmosphere while others ski.
Whichever experience you choose, we reunite for a traditional horse drawn sleigh adventure and enjoy hearty Dongbei dinner, celebrating the generous flavours and warm hospitality of northeastern China.
Behind the design
Not everyone experiences the mountains in the same way. Rather than expecting every guest to spend the day on skis, we've included everything needed to enjoy Yabuli in the way that suits you best, whether that's learning a new skill, exploring the slopes independently or simply embracing the beauty of a Chinese winter.
Inclusions
Breakfast • Full day ski pass with lift access • Ski equipment hire • Beginner ski lesson • Traditional winter sleigh ride • Dongbei dinner • Accommodation in Yabuli
Day 09 | Shanghai
Date : 22/01/2027
From Snow to Skyline | Shanghai in Motion
   
Highlights
Domestic flight to Shanghai • Guided Old City exploration • Yu Garden Lantern Festival • Dinner in Shanghai Old City • Huangpu River night cruise • The Bund
Along the way
Shanghai's historic Old City provides our first introduction to China's most cosmopolitan destination. Walking alongside our local guide, we discover traditional alleyways, bustling markets and centuries old architecture that reveal the city's rich heritage.
Thousands of lanterns illuminate the traditional pavilions, bridges and waterways of Yu Garden, where the Lantern Festival transforms one of Shanghai's oldest districts into a spectacular display of light and colour. There's time to explore at your own pace before we gather for dinner in the heart of the Old City.
The evening continues aboard a cruise along the Huangpu River, where Shanghai's remarkable contrasts come into focus. The grand architecture of the iconic Bund recalls the city's international past, while across the river, Pudong's soaring skyline reflects the confidence and ambition of modern China, creating a memorable finale to our first day in the city.
Behind the design
Yu Garden is beautiful at any time of day, but it's truly magical after dark. Rather than visiting earlier, we've deliberately timed our afternoon to arrive as thousands of lanterns begin to illuminate the gardens. Pairing the festival with dinner and time to explore at your own pace creates an evening that allows you to experience one of Shanghai's most beautiful traditions at its very best.
Inclusions
Breakfast • Domestic flight to Shanghai • Guided Old City exploration • Yu Garden Lantern Festival • Dinner in Shanghai Old City • Huangpu River night cruise • Accommodation in Shanghai
Day 10 | Shanghai
Date : 23/01/2027
Old Soul, Modern City | Shanghai After Hours
   
Highlights
Jing'an Temple • Zhujiajiao Water Town • Traditional boat ride • Farewell dim sum dinner • Shanghai Acrobatic Show
Along the way
Incense drifts through the peaceful courtyards of Jing'an Temple, where centuries of Buddhist tradition continue beneath the towering skyline of modern Shanghai. Surrounded by one of China's busiest commercial districts, it offers a remarkable reminder of how ancient traditions remain part of everyday life.
Our journey then takes us to Zhujiajiao, one of Shanghai's best preserved ancient water towns. Stone bridges arch across peaceful canals as traditional wooden boats glide between centuries old homes, gardens and narrow streets. A guided exploration and relaxing boat ride reveal a quieter side of the region, offering a striking contrast to the pace and energy of the city.
Returning to Shanghai, we gather for a traditional dim sum farewell dinner before the Shanghai Acrobatic Show rounds off the evening. Combining extraordinary athleticism, artistry and precision, it's a spectacular celebration of contemporary Chinese performance and a fitting finale to our time in Shanghai.
Behind the design
Shanghai is famous for its skyline, but some of the region's greatest character lies beyond the city center. We've chosen to include Zhujiajiao because it reveals another side of Shanghai, where ancient canals, traditional architecture and a slower pace provide the perfect contrast before ending our journey with one final evening in the city.
Inclusions
Breakfast • Jing'an Temple visit • Guided exploration of Zhujiajiao Water Town • Traditional canal boat ride • Farewell dim sum dinner • Shanghai Acrobatic Show • Accommodation in Shanghai
Day 11 | Shanghai
Date : 24/01/2027
Zà ijià n and Xièxiè | Until We Meet Again
   
Highlights
Farewell breakfast
Our journey comes to a gentle close this morning as we enjoy one final breakfast together in Shanghai. There's time for one last conversation, another cup of coffee and a final opportunity to reflect on the remarkable contrasts that have shaped our journey through China.
Over the past eleven days, we've experienced China through its extraordinary diversity, from Beijing's ancient hutongs and imperial landmarks to the frozen landscapes of Harbin, the snowy mountains of Yabuli and the remarkable energy of Shanghai. We hope you'll return home with a deeper appreciation for this fascinating country, its rich traditions and extraordinary craftsmanship.
When the time comes, we transfer to the airport for our onward journeys. While our journey may be coming to an end, we hope the experiences we've shared continue to inspire new adventures for years to come.
Inclusions
Breakfast • Airport transfer
Beijing experiences
- Guided hutong tasting experience and evening city exploration
- Tai Chi experience at the Temple of Heaven
- Guided visit through the Forbidden City
- Visit to Tiananmen Square and Lama Temple
- Mutianyu Great Wall experience
- Cable car ascent and optional toboggan descent
Harbin winter experiences
- Two days entries to the Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival
- Evening illumination experience within Ice and Snow World
- Snow and ice sculpture workshop
- Songhua River cable car experience
- Harbin Ferris Wheel winter skyline experience
- Visit to Sun Island Scenic Area
- Exploration of Zhongyang Street and Saint Sophia Cathedral
- Entry to the Ice Lantern Garden Party at Zhaolin Park
Yabuli Mountain experiences
- Snow tubing and winter play park activities
- Forest hot spring and spa experience
- Full day ski pass with lift access
- Beginner ski lesson
- Ski equipment rental included
- Traditional winter sleigh ride through snowy landscapes
Shanghai experiences
- Evening exploration of Yu Garden Lantern displays
- Huangpu River night cruise beneath The Bund skyline
- Visit to Jing’an Temple
- Shanghai Acrobatic Show experience
Food and dining
- 10 included breakfasts
- 5 included lunches
- 10 included dinners
- While many are shared experiences, selected evenings offer the flexibility to enjoy dinner independently if you prefer to discover somewhere of your own
- Shared experiences include:
- Dinner beneath the Great Wall
- Dongbei-style winter dinner experience
- Dim sum farewell dinner
- A selection of local restaurants showcasing regional cuisine and seasonal specialities
- Experiences ranging from street food and northern Chinese winter dishes to refined Shanghai dining
Accommodation
- 3 nights in Beijing
- 3 nights in Harbin
- 2 nights in Yabuli
- 2 nights in Shanghai
- Accommodation is minimum 3-star standard, with exceptional unrated properties chosen when they offer a more memorable experience
- All rooms are private and include en-suite bathrooms
Transport and logistics
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure days
- Domestic flights within China included:
- Beijing to Harbin
- Yabuli to Shanghai
- High speed rail ticket included:
- Harbin to Yabuli
- Private transport between experiences and excursions included
- All entrance fees and logistical arrangements handled throughout
Guidance and support
- Fully guided throughout by a dedicated tour leader and knowledgeable local hosts
- Cultural insight and thoughtful guidance woven throughout the journey
- Seamless coordination throughout, allowing you to stay present in the experience
The Three Tenths Promise
- Maximum 12 guests • Every journey is limited to twelve guests, or fewer
- Inclusive pricing • All gratuities for guides, transport and activities are included throughout
- No "optional" up-selling • Every experience is included because we believe it belongs in the journey
- Thoughtfully paced • Structure when it matters. Freedom when it doesn't
- Hand selected stays • Every stay is personally visited before it's included because where you stay shapes how you experience a destination
Our accommodation
- Our accommodation throughout the journey has been carefully selected to reflect the rhythm and contrast of each destination, balancing modern city stays with quieter mountain environments in northern China
- In Beijing and Shanghai, properties are chosen for their atmosphere, comfort, and proximity to the neighbourhoods and experiences explored throughout the journey
- In Harbin, accommodation is selected to provide warmth and convenience during the Ice and Snow Festival period, offering a comfortable base between days spent exploring the city and winter landscapes
- In Yabuli, accommodation reflects the quieter mountain setting, allowing time to rest and reset between winter activities and time in the snow covered countryside
- Across all locations, properties have been chosen not for excess, but for comfort, atmosphere, and ease throughout the journey
- All rooms are private and include en suite bathrooms
Arrival and departure days
- Airport transfers are included for all guests arriving on Day 1 and departing on the final day of the journey
- Arrival day is intentionally designed with flexibility in mind, allowing time to settle into the hotel, explore the surrounding neighbourhood, or simply pause before the journey begins
- Our first shared experience takes place in the late afternoon on Day 1, allowing guests arriving earlier in the day time to comfortably transfer from the airport and settle in before meeting the group
- Hotel check in is typically available from 3:00pm onwards. Guests arriving earlier may store luggage with the hotel prior to check in
- Your tour host will be waiting to welcome you at the hotel on arrival day, offering assistance with check in and luggage storage where needed, along with recommendations for exploring the surrounding neighbourhood before the journey begins
- On departure day, no activities are planned beyond breakfast, allowing flexibility for onward travel arrangements
- We recommend booking outbound flights departing from midday onwards on the final day to allow comfortable transfer time to the airport
Winter timing
- January marks the height of winter across northern China, when frozen rivers, snow covered landscapes, and winter festivals shape daily life throughout the region
- This period offers the best conditions for experiencing Harbin’s Ice and Snow Festival at full scale, with illuminated sculptures, winter activities, and seasonal events operating throughout the city
- Travelling during January also allows access to winter experiences in Yabuli, including skiing, hot springs, snow activities, and mountain landscapes at their most atmospheric
- While conditions are colder, this season reveals a side of northern China shaped by snow, ice, lantern light, and winter traditions that feels entirely different from the rest of the year
What to expect
- Snow, ice, frozen rivers, and cold temperatures are central to the atmosphere of the journey and shape much of daily life throughout northern China during this season
- Temperatures in Harbin and Yabuli can become extremely cold, particularly during evenings and outdoor winter activities
- Many experiences included in the itinerary take place outdoors, including festival visits, walking tours, winter activities, and time spent exploring snowy landscapes
- Daylight hours are shorter during January, creating long twilight periods and illuminated evenings that contribute to the unique atmosphere of the journey
- Many experiences included in the itinerary are seasonal and only available during the northern winter months
Why January is the best time to go
- Harbin’s Ice and Snow Festival operates at its full scale during January, when sculptures and installations are complete and winter events are fully illuminated and active
- Snow covered landscapes across Harbin and Yabuli create the classic winter scenery associated with northeastern China
- January travel also offers a quieter and more atmospheric side of destinations such as the Great Wall and Temple of Heaven, where winter conditions often bring fewer crowds
- Shanghai during winter offers a different seasonal atmosphere, with lantern displays, illuminated streets, and cooler evenings shaping the city experience in a more reflective way
Seasonal weather
- Winter temperatures across northern China vary significantly between destinations, with Beijing generally ranging between -5°C to 5°C / 23°F to 41°F, while Harbin and Yabuli are considerably colder
- Harbin temperatures commonly range between -15°C to -25°C / 5°F to -13°F, while Yabuli can range between -10°C to -20°C / 14°F to -4°F
- Northern China’s winter climate is generally dry, crisp, and still rather than wet or windy
- Snowfall and icy surfaces are common throughout northern regions during January
- Despite outdoor cold conditions, hotels, trains, restaurants, and indoor spaces throughout the journey are heated
Visa requirements
- Visa and entry requirements vary depending on your nationality, passport, and country of residence
- Guests are responsible for ensuring they meet all passport, visa, transit, vaccination, and entry requirements for China
- We recommend checking official government travel advice and visa information well in advance of departure, as requirements can occasionally change without notice
- China may require visa applications, online pre registration, proof of onward travel, accommodation details, or minimum passport validity periods
- Your passport should generally have at least 6 months validity remaining from your date of arrival, have sufficient pages for entry and exit stamps, and generally be in good condition (unless otherwise stated by local authorities)
- Once your booking is confirmed, additional guidance and supporting travel information will be provided where relevant
- Official visa information for China can be found here
Practical considerations
- This journey includes outdoor winter experiences in cold conditions, particularly in Harbin and Yabuli
- Warm winter clothing is essential, including thermal layers, insulated footwear, gloves, scarves, hats, and winter jackets
- For certain activities, additional winter outerwear may be provided by local operators (as noted in the itinerary)
- Walking conditions may include snow, ice, uneven surfaces, and extended time outdoors during festival visits and winter activities
- Luggage transfers are minimal throughout the itinerary, though packing for cold weather conditions is recommended
Flights and arrival
- International airfare to and from China: Multi city international airfare required
- Arrive: Beijing (PEK) or (PKX)
- Depart: Shanghai (PVG) or (SHA)
Travel requirements
- Travel insurance (required for participation)
- Relevant visas where applicable (see Travel notes section)
Personal expenses and free time options
- Meals and drinks not specified in the itinerary
- Personal purchases and incidental expenses
- Optional activities during periods of free time
No prior skiing or snowboarding experience is required.
Beginner ski lessons are available in Yabuli for guests trying skiing for the first time, while more experienced skiers are free to explore the slopes independently throughout the day.
The journey is designed for a range of experience levels, including travellers who simply want to enjoy the winter landscapes, atmosphere, and mountain setting.
Warm winter clothing is essential, particularly for Harbin and Yabuli where temperatures regularly remain below freezing.
We recommend thermal base layers, insulated winter jackets, waterproof footwear with grip, gloves, scarves, hats, and thick socks suitable for extended time outdoors. Thermal or moisture wicking layers are recommended over cotton where possible, particularly during winter activities.
Winter temperatures vary significantly throughout the journey, with Beijing and Shanghai remaining milder than Harbin and Yabuli.
In northeastern China, temperatures regularly remain below freezing during January, particularly in the mornings and evenings. While conditions are cold, the winter climate is typically dry rather than damp, and indoor spaces throughout the journey are heated.
With proper winter preparation, most guests find the conditions far more comfortable and manageable than expected.
This journey is designed to be immersive rather than physically exhausting, though winter conditions do naturally add a greater level of movement and outdoor exposure throughout the itinerary.
Days may include extended walking, uneven or icy surfaces, and time spent outdoors during winter activities and festival visits.
No advanced fitness level is required, and experiences throughout the journey are balanced with time to rest, warm up, and move at a comfortable pace.