- Overview
- Captured moments
- Day by day
- What's included
- Travel notes
- Not included
- Your questions answered
Each winter, Harbin transforms into an extraordinary world of ice, where towering sculptures, frozen castles and dazzling displays create one of the world's most spectacular seasonal festivals. But beyond the festival lies a journey through a very different side of China, where imperial history, snow-covered mountains and vibrant modern cities combine to create an unforgettable winter adventure.
Our journey begins in Beijing, exploring the Great Wall, the Forbidden City and centuries of imperial history before travelling north to Harbin, where frozen rivers, intricate snow sculptures and the remarkable Ice Festival reveal why this corner of China has become one of winter's most celebrated destinations.
From there, we escape to the alpine landscapes of Yabuli, with time to enjoy winter activities, peaceful mountain scenery and moments to unwind before continuing south.
The journey concludes in Shanghai, where glittering skylines, historic waterfronts and centuries-old water towns provide a striking finale to an itinerary shaped by contrast.
From imperial landmarks to frozen festivals, mountain retreats and dynamic cities, this is a journey that showcases the remarkable diversity of China through one of its most beautiful seasons.
Limited to just 12 travellers, allowing for a relaxed, personal experience.
This journey unfolds across China in the heart of winter, moving from the cultural landmarks of Beijing to the frozen landscapes of Harbin before continuing through Yabuli and concluding in Shanghai. Days are shaped by the season itself, from ancient walls and temple courtyards to remarkable ice sculptures and snow-covered landscapes.
Time at the Ice Festival is balanced with cultural discoveries, winter activities and opportunities to experience each destination at a relaxed pace. From exploring frozen landscapes in Harbin to skiing or snowboarding in Yabuli and ending among Shanghai's modern skyline, the journey naturally alternates between iconic highlights and quieter moments.
Our itinerary is shaped around the winter season and the conditions that define it. As with all seasonal journeys, the order or timing of experiences may occasionally change to reflect local conditions and ensure every experience is enjoyed at its best.
Itinerary
Day 01 | Beijing
Date : 14/01/2027
First Impressions | Through the Hutongs
   
Experiences
Guided Hutong tour • Evening Beijing exploration
Beijing's historic hutongs reveal a side of the city that has changed remarkably little over the centuries. Narrow alleyways weave between traditional courtyard homes, family-run eateries and neighbourhood shops that have served local communities for generations. As we move between local favourites, our guide shares stories of Beijing's history and changing identity, revealing how food and culture have remained closely connected through generations.
Hand-pulled noodles, dumplings, sizzling skewers and comforting winter dishes offer a taste of northern China as we sample our way through the neighbourhood.
As dusk settles over the capital, our walk continues around the lakes of Shichahai, one of Beijing's favourite evening districts. Willow-lined paths, teahouses, cafés and lively streets reveal another side of the city as there's time to wander beside the lake while lanterns begin to glow above nearby restaurants before enjoying the first of many relaxed dinners together.
Travel
Airport transfer
Meals
Hutong tastings • Group welcome dinner
Accommodation
Night 1 of 3 at a four-star hotel in the Dongcheng district, an atmospheric lakeside neighbourhood known for its scenic setting and lively evening atmosphere.
Day 02 | Beijing
Date : 15/01/2027
Ritual and Empire | Ancient Traditions, Imperial Stories
   
Experiences
Temple of Heaven • Tai Chi experience • Tiananmen Square • Forbidden City • Lama Temple
Few cities balance imperial grandeur and everyday tradition quite like Beijing. Today's exploration moves between both, beginning where locals have gathered for generations beneath the ancient cypress trees of the Temple of Heaven.
Surrounded by one of Beijing's most significant ceremonial spaces, we join a guided Tai Chi session before setting out to explore the city's imperial landmarks. It's a peaceful introduction to the day and a chance to experience a tradition that remains part of daily life for many Beijingers.
A short distance away, Tiananmen Square offers time to reflect on its history before we pass through its famous northern entrance and into the Forbidden City. Towering crimson walls surround vast courtyards where generations of emperors once ruled at the heart of imperial China. As we explore with our guide, the stories behind its palaces, ceremonies and imperial life bring this vast imperial complex to life before there's time to continue exploring independently.
The colourful courtyards of Lama Temple provide a peaceful contrast to the scale of the Forbidden City. Intricate carvings, ornate decorative details and towering sacred statues offer a quieter conclusion to the day as we explore one of Beijing's most important Tibetan Buddhist temples.
Meals
Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner
Accommodation
Night 2 of 3 at a four star hotel in the Dongcheng district, an atmospheric lakeside neighbourhood known for its scenic setting and lively evening atmosphere.
Day 03 | Beijing
Date : 16/01/2027
Above the Wall | Sky, Stone and Mountain Views
   
Experiences
Helicopter Tour over the Mutianyu Great Wall • Cable car ascent • Toboggan descent
The mountains north of Beijing are home to one of the world's most enduring engineering achievements as the Great Wall winds across the ridgelines into the distance. Before setting foot on its ancient stone pathways, a short helicopter flight offers an entirely different perspective, showing the full scale of the Wall as it follows the contours of the surrounding landscape.
Back on solid ground, our guide shares the stories behind the Wall's construction before the cable car carries us to the top. You can choose to explore alongside your guide or continue independently, with the option of walking to Tower 20 on a rewarding two to three-hour round trip. Those preferring a more relaxed pace will have plenty of time to wander between watchtowers and ancient stone pathways, taking in both the scale of the Wall and the mountain scenery it was built to defend.
For anyone seeking a little extra adventure, the toboggan descent offers a memorable ride back down the mountainside, while the cable car remains available for a more leisurely return before we make our way back to Beijing for dinner.
Travel
Return 1 hour private transfer to Mutianyu Great Wall
Meals
Breakfast • Lunch beneath the Great Wall • Dinner
Accommodation
Night 3 of 3 at a four star hotel in the Dongcheng district, an atmospheric lakeside neighbourhood known for its scenic setting and lively evening atmosphere.
Day 04 | Harbin
Date : 17/01/2027
Where Winter Begins | Ice, Light and Wonder
   
Experiences
Harbin Ice and Snow World (Day 1 with Standard Pass) • Free time to explore • Evening illuminations
Towering castles, intricate sculptures and entire frozen cityscapes welcome us to Harbin Ice and Snow World, where blocks of crystal-clear ice are transformed into a city unlike any other. Arriving after our flight from Beijing, there's plenty of time to admire the craftsmanship, discover quieter corners and soak up the winter atmosphere.
Today's visit is designed as an introduction, with the flexibility to explore alongside your guide or independently. Heated pavilions, cafés and restaurants provide welcome places to warm up between wandering the frozen avenues, allowing us to enjoy the festival without feeling rushed.
As daylight begins to fade, thousands of lights gradually illuminate the ice from within, transforming transparent sculptures into glowing shades of blue, pink, green and gold. Familiar pathways take on an entirely different character after dark, revealing why the festival is loved as much for its magical evening atmosphere as for its creative artistry.
Travel
2 hour domestic flight to Harbin
Meals
Breakfast • Dinner
A large indoor food pavilion means there's no need to leave the festival, allowing us to enjoy the changing atmosphere throughout the day.
Accommodation
Night 1 of 3 at a four star hotel in the Daoli District, just steps from Central Street and Saint Sophia Cathedral, where ice lanterns, street food and lively crowds create a wonderful evening atmosphere.
Day 05 | Harbin
Date : 18/01/2027
Frozen Perspectives | Above the River, Beyond the Festival
  
Experiences
Songhua River Cable Car • Harbin Ice and Snow World (Day 2 with Fast Pass) • Ice Car Ballet Show • Super Ice Slide • Snowflake Ferris Wheel
Frozen waterways, historic neighbourhoods and Harbin's winter landscape stretch out beneath us as the Songhua River Cable Car carries us across the city. From above, the river's influence on Harbin becomes unmistakable,showing how this unique setting gave rise to its world-famous winter festival.
Returning to Ice and Snow World, today's Fast Pass allows us to experience the festival from a different perspective. With priority access to the Ice Car Ballet Show, Super Ice Slide and Snowflake Ferris Wheel, there's more time to revisit favourite corners, discover attractions we may have missed yesterday and simply enjoy the atmosphere at our own pace.
Late afternoon is the perfect time to ride the Snowflake Ferris Wheel, where illuminated avenues, soaring ice sculptures and frozen waterways spread out below. As the city begins to glow beyond the festival grounds, Harbin stretches into the distance beneath the winter sky.
Meals
Breakfast • Dinner
Accommodation
Night 2 of 3 at a four star hotel in the Daoli District, just steps from Central Street and Saint Sophia Cathedral, where ice lanterns, street food and lively crowds create a wonderful evening atmosphere.
Day 06 | Harbin
Date : 19/01/2027
Beyond the Ice | Streets, Stories and Winter Traditions
   
Experiences
Sun Island Scenic Area • Zhongyang Street • Saint Sophia Cathedral • Ice Lantern Garden Party
Today's visit to Sun Island Scenic Area offers a different perspective on Harbin's winter festival. Here, sculptures are carved from compacted snow rather than crystal-clear ice, creating a quieter contrast to Ice and Snow World. Set amongst peaceful parkland, they showcase another tradition that has become part of Harbin's long winter.
European façades, local bakeries and bustling cafés line Zhongyang Street, reflecting Harbin's unique blend of Chinese and Russian heritage. There's time to wander at your own pace before continuing to Saint Sophia Cathedral, whose distinctive onion domes remain one of the city's most recognisable landmarks.
Our final evening in Harbin is spent at the Ice Lantern Garden Party. Smaller than Ice and Snow World, its illuminated displays invite a slower pace and offer a more intimate glimpse into one of the city's oldest winter traditions before tomorrow's journey into the mountains.
Meals
Breakfast • Street-style lunch on Zhongyang Street • Dinner
Accommodation
Night 3 of 3 at a four star hotel in the Daoli District, just steps from Central Street and Saint Sophia Cathedral, where ice lanterns, street food and lively crowds create a wonderful evening atmosphere.
Day 07 | Yabuli
Date : 20/01/2027
Into the Snow | Mountains, Adventure and Quiet Evenings
  
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Experiences
Snow tubing • Alpine Mountain Slide • Winter park activities • Traditional horse-drawn sleigh ride
Yabuli's snow-covered forests welcome us to China's best-known ski region. Our high-speed rail journey from Harbin leaves the city behind as mountain landscapes replace frozen streets, setting the scene for two days in the snow.
Snow tubing, the alpine mountain slide and other winter park activities offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy the snow at your own pace. Whether you're looking for a little adventure or simply happy to spend time outdoors, there's time to make the most of Yabuli's relaxed alpine setting.
As daylight begins to fade, we climb aboard a traditional horse-drawn sleigh and glide through Yabuli's snow-covered forests. The sound of bells and the crunch of snow beneath the runners provide a peaceful end to the afternoon, offering a glimpse into the winter traditions of northeastern China.
The evening is yours to enjoy. Warm up in the outdoor Canadian bath overlooking the pine forests, relax in the indoor pool or simply settle into the quieter rhythm of the mountains before dinner.
Travel
1 hour high-speed train to Yabuli
Meals
Breakfast • All-inclusive (meals and drinks, including alcohol)
Accommodation
Night 1 of 2 at a four-star ski lodge in Yabuli, with panoramic views of the snow-covered mountains and on-site access to the ski slopes and restaurant.
Day 08 | Yabuli
Date : 21/01/2027
Mountain Freedom | Ski, Snowboard or Simply Unwind
   
Experiences
Beginner ski or snowboarding lesson • Independent skiing or snowboarding
Today is yours to enjoy in whatever way appeals most. Learn to ski or snowboard with expert instruction, head straight for the slopes if you're already confident, or simply spend the day enjoying the facilities at the resort. Everything you need is included.
Beginner ski or snowboarding lesson • Learn the basics with qualified instructors before heading onto the gentle slopes to build your confidence.
Independent skiing and snowboarding • Your lift pass and equipment hire are included, leaving you free to explore the mountain throughout the day.
Time at the resort • If you'd rather stay off the slopes, enjoy the winter scenery, join one of the resort's fitness classes, relax in the outdoor Canadian bath or indoor pools, or simply settle in with a hot chocolate and watch the mountain from the warmth of the lodge.
Meals
All-inclusive (meals and drinks, including alcohol)
Accommodation
Night 2 of 2 at a four-star ski lodge in Yabuli, with panoramic views of the snow-covered mountains and on-site access to the ski slopes and restaurant.
Day 09 | Shanghai
Date : 22/01/2027
From Snow to Skyline | A New Pace Begins
   
Experiences
Shanghai Tower • Huangpu River evening cruise
Leaving China's winter landscapes behind, we travel south to Shanghai. By late afternoon, snow-covered mountains have given way to glittering skylines as we arrive for the final chapter of our journey.
Our first stop is Shanghai Tower, where panoramic views from China's tallest building showcase the scale of the country's largest city. As daylight fades and thousands of lights begin to illuminate the skyline below, we'll watch Shanghai transform into one of the world's great cityscapes.
After dinner in Shanghai Old City, we'll board our evening cruise, where Shanghai's past and present sit side by side along the Huangpu River. The grand architecture of The Bund recalls the city's international past, while across the river, Pudong's modern towers reflect the ambition of modern China, creating a memorable end to our first day in the city.
Travel
1 hour high-speed train to Harbin • 3½ hour domestic flight to Shanghai
Meals
Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner in Shanghai Old City
Accommodation
Night 1 of 2 at a four star hotel in the Bund district, where historic colonial architecture overlooks Pudong's illuminated skyline across the Huangpu River.
Day 10 | Shanghai
Date : 23/01/2027
Water Towns and Skylines | Tradition Meets Modern China
   
Experiences
Jing'an Temple • Zhujiajiao Water Town • Traditional boat ride • VIP seats at Shanghai Acrobatic Show
We'll wander through the peaceful courtyards of Jing'an Temple this morning, where centuries of Buddhist tradition continue beneath the towers of modern Shanghai, before making our way to Zhujiajiao, one of the region's best-preserved ancient water towns.
Stone bridges arch across tranquil canals as traditional wooden boats glide past centuries-old homes, classical gardens and narrow streets. Our guided exploration and traditional boat ride offer a quieter glimpse of the region, providing a gentle contrast to the energy of Shanghai.
This evening, VIP seats await at the world-famous Shanghai Acrobatic Show. World-class athleticism, precision and artistry combine in a contemporary performance before we enjoy a traditional dim sum farewell dinner, bringing our final full day in China to a fitting close.
Meals
Breakfast • Lunch • Farewell dim sum dinner
Accommodation
Night 2 of 2 at a four star hotel in the Bund district, where historic colonial architecture overlooks Pudong's illuminated skyline across the Huangpu River.
Day 11 | Shanghai
Date : 24/01/2027
Zà ijià n and Xièxiè | Farewell China
   
Our journey comes to a close this morning as we enjoy one final breakfast together in Shanghai.
Over the past eleven days, we've experienced China's remarkable diversity, from Beijing's ancient hutongs and imperial landmarks to the frozen landscapes of Harbin, the snow-covered mountains of Yabuli and the dazzling lights of Shanghai. Few countries offer such dramatic contrasts within a single journey.
We transfer to the airport for our onward journeys. As we part ways, we hope the memories we've shared continue to inspire new adventures for years to come.
Travel
Airport transfer
Meals
Breakfast
Beijing experiences
- Guided hutong tasting experience and evening exploration of Shichahai
- Tai Chi experience at the Temple of Heaven
- Guided visit to Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and Lama Temple
- Short helicopter flight over the Mutianyu Great Wall
- Mutianyu Great Wall experience
- Cable car ascent with optional toboggan descent
Harbin experiences
- Two-day entry to Harbin Ice and Snow World
- Day 1 Standard Pass
- Day 2 Fast Pass
- Ice Car Ballet Show
- Super Ice Slide
- Snowflake Ferris Wheel
- Songhua River Cable Car
- Visit to Sun Island Scenic Area
- Explore Zhongyang Street and Saint Sophia Cathedral
- Entry to the Ice Lantern Garden Party
Yabuli experiences
- Snow tubing and winter park activities
- Traditional horse-drawn sleigh ride
- Beginner ski or snowboarding lesson
- Full-day lift pass
- Ski or snowboard equipment hire
- Access to the resort's outdoor Canadian bath and indoor pool
Shanghai experiences
- Shanghai Tower
- Huangpu River evening cruise
- Visit to Jing'an Temple
- Guided visit to Zhujiajiao Water Town
- Traditional boat ride
- VIP seats at the Shanghai Acrobatic Show
Food and dining
- 10 included breakfasts
- 7 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:
- Group welcome dinner
- Dinner beneath the Great Wall
- Dinner in Shanghai Old City
- 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 at an all-inclusive alpine ski resort
- 2 nights in Shanghai
- Accommodation is minimum 4-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 (Return)
- 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
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 around midday 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 3pm 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.