SNOW MUCH FUN !

HARBIN – YABULI – CHINA SNOW TOWN

7 Days 5 Nights :

Imagine a city where rooftops turn white with snow, streets are decorated with sparkling lights, and magnificent ice castles stand tall in the heart of winter…

This is Harbin, a city in northern China that becomes especially charming when winter arrives. But this journey has so much more excitement in store! We will leave the city behind to experience the ski slopes surrounded by majestic mountains in Yabuli, before continuing to China Snow Town, a small village where every wooden house is blanketed in snow, making it look as though it has stepped straight out of a fairytale.

Throughout these 7 days and 5 nights, we will stroll through winter wonderlands, try exciting activities on snowy slopes, admire the village under the evening lights, and finish our journey in a spectacular ice world illuminated by dazzling colors.

Get your favorite winter clothes ready, and let’s set off on an adventure to experience a winter season filled with beauty, fun, and unforgettable memories!

DAY 1 | BANGKOK – HARBIN

Depart for the Winter Wonderland – Get Ready to Experience the Snow!

Today marks the beginning of our journey as we depart from Bangkok and head to Harbin, the capital city of Heilongjiang Province in northeastern China, renowned for its long winters and world-famous ice festivals.

Our group will meet at Don Mueang International Airport. We will arrange direct flights only, with no connecting flights, before completing check-in procedures and preparing for our journey to Harbin. During the flight, sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey, as an exciting winter adventure awaits us upon arrival.

Getting Ready for the Winter Cold

Harbin can experience extremely cold temperatures during winter, especially when exploring outdoor attractions. A warm winter coat is essential. We recommend dressing in layers and bringing gloves, a knitted hat, a scarf, and insulated shoes with good grip. Don’t forget lip balm and moisturizer to protect your skin against the dry winter air.

Tonight, we will rest on board the aircraft and recharge our energy, ready to explore the beautiful city of Harbin tomorrow!

Transportation: Direct flight from Bangkok to Harbin (non-stop flight only)

Thai AirAsia X :

Flight Duration: Approximately 5 hours 55 minutes

Outbound Flight – XJ750
- Departure: 18:05 – Don Mueang International Airport (DMK)
- Arrival: 01:00 (+1 day) – Harbin Taiping International Airport (HRB)
Return Flight – XJ751
- Departure: 02:15 – Harbin Taiping International Airport (HRB)
- Arrival: 07:45 – Don Mueang International Airport (DMK)
All times are local time.
Meals: In-flight meals according to the airline’s service
Accommodation: Overnight on board the aircraft

DAY 2 | ARRIVAL IN HARBIN

Welcome to Harbin – A Winter City with a European Touch

After an overnight journey, we finally arrive in Harbin, the capital city of Heilongjiang Province in northeastern China. This city has a fascinating character, as its historical development and the former Chinese Eastern Railway brought strong Russian and European influences to its architecture, culture, and cuisine, blending beautifully with the traditional lifestyle of northeastern China.

The moment we step outside and feel the cold air, we will understand just how serious winter can be here! Time to bundle up warmly and head out to discover this charming city.

SAINT SOPHIA CATHEDRAL | A Historic Architectural Landmark

Our first stop is Saint Sophia Cathedral, one of Harbin’s most iconic landmarks and a must-visit photo spot for travelers. The impressive red-brick building stands out with its distinctive green onion-shaped dome and pointed towers, reminiscent of traditional Russian architecture.

Construction of the cathedral began in 1907, and it is one of China’s most remarkable examples of Byzantine architecture. Today, it serves as the Harbin Architectural Art Museum, showcasing the city’s development and the history of this historic building.

The open square in front of the cathedral is a popular photography spot, offering beautiful views of the entire building with its magnificent dome as a backdrop. During winter, when snow covers the rooftops and surrounding ground, the contrast between the red-brick architecture and the white snow makes this landmark even more spectacular.

CENTRAL STREET | A Stroll Along Harbin’s Historic Street

Next, we continue to Zhongyang Dajie, also known as Central Street, one of Harbin’s most famous pedestrian streets, stretching approximately 1.45 kilometers. Both sides are lined with historic European-style buildings featuring Baroque, Renaissance, and Art Nouveau architecture. Each building has its own distinctive details, from decorative entrances and windows to balconies and intricate architectural ornaments.

Take a closer look at the street pavement, which is made of rounded cobblestones resembling small loaves of bread, a unique feature of this historic street. As we stroll along, we will come across shops, bakeries, cafés, and restaurants tucked between the old buildings. Some corners feel just like walking through a European city, even though we are exploring northeastern China.

Along the way, don’t miss the chance to try some of Harbin’s famous local specialties:

Madie’er Ice Cream – A famous creamy milk ice cream bar that many visitors deliberately try even in below-freezing temperatures. It is certainly a fun and memorable winter experience!
Harbin Red Sausage – A firm, flavorful sausage with a distinctive smoky aroma, one of the city’s signature specialties, available at local restaurants and souvenir shops.
Dalieba Bread – A large Russian-style loaf with a relatively firm crust and dense texture, perfect for those who want to experience authentic local flavors.
Guobaorou – Crispy battered pork coated in a sweet-and-sour sauce, a signature dish of northeastern Chinese cuisine. Best enjoyed hot and freshly prepared!

For today’s meals, you can enjoy traditional northeastern Chinese cuisine or Russian-style dishes, another distinctive part of Harbin’s culinary identity, offering flavors quite different from the Chinese food we are familiar with.

In the evening, enjoy another stroll along Central Street as the decorative lights begin to illuminate the area. The historic buildings and storefronts become even more lively and atmospheric. Photography lovers will find beautiful spots throughout the street, while those feeling a little cold can stop by a café or dessert shop to warm up and relax at their leisure.

Later, we will transfer to our hotel in Harbin for a good night’s rest and recharge for tomorrow’s journey to Yabuli, our next destination for exciting snow activities and ski adventures!

DAY 3 | HARBIN – YABULI

Head to the Snowy Mountains – Enjoy a Fun-Filled Ski Day in Yabuli !

This morning, enjoy breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the railway station to board a high-speed train from Harbin to Yabuli, a famous winter resort town in Heilongjiang Province.

Along the way, take a moment to enjoy the scenery through the train windows. The urban landscape gradually gives way to the countryside, small villages, and pine forests covered in snow. As we approach the mountainous area, more and more white landscapes come into view, making us feel as though we are truly entering a winter wonderland.

Upon arrival in Yabuli, we will continue to Yabuli Ski Resort, one of China’s major ski destinations. Known for its mountainous terrain and ski slopes of varying difficulty levels, the resort has also hosted international winter sports competitions.

The first sight that welcomes us is a beautiful mountain range, with pine trees lining the hillsides and white ski slopes stretching down the mountains. Some skiers can be seen gliding down the slopes, while others practice their balance in the beginner areas.

Today’s main highlight is experiencing the excitement of skiing. If you have never tried it before, this is your chance to learn the basics, from putting on ski boots and holding ski poles to maintaining your balance and moving across the snow. You may wobble or even fall a few times at first, but once you get the hang of it, the fun just keeps getting better!

For experienced skiers, the resort offers different slopes to suit various skill levels, from gentle beginner runs to more challenging routes. Please choose only the slopes that are open and appropriate for your abilities.

EXCITING ACTIVITIES AT THE RESORT

Skiing: Put on your ski equipment and experience gliding across the snowy slopes. Perfect for those who want to try a winter sport for the first time. Beginners are encouraged to choose a package that includes equipment and an instructor for a more structured learning experience.
Snow Tubing: A fun activity for those who want a little excitement without having to stand on skis. Simply sit on an inflatable tube and slide down the snowy slope! It is a great way to enjoy some laughs and capture fun photos. Please check whether this activity is available on your travel date.
Cable Car: For those who prefer admiring the scenery from above, take a cable car ride and enjoy views of the mountains and pine forests. From certain viewpoints, you may even see ski trails winding along the mountainsides. This is a great option for those who prefer sightseeing over skiing. Please note that scenic cable car rides may be offered separately from ski passes.

Throughout the day, you can take a break and enjoy warm food and drinks within the resort area, recharging before heading back out for more activities. Those who prefer not to participate in outdoor activities can spend their time admiring the scenery, taking photographs, or relaxing in the common areas.

YABULI | A Relaxing Stay Amid the Snowy Mountains

After enjoying the snow activities, we will transfer to our hotel in Yabuli, check in, and enjoy some free time at our leisure.

Tonight, take it slow and soak up the atmosphere of this peaceful mountain resort town. Enjoy the contrast between the chilly winter air outside and the warmth of your accommodation. It is the perfect time to rest your legs and recharge for tomorrow’s journey to one of China’s most iconic winter destinations: China Snow Town, the snowy village everyone has been looking forward to!

DAY 4 | YABULI – CHINA SNOW TOWN

Enter a Fairytale Village – Snow-Covered Wooden Houses and the Most Beautiful Red-Lantern Street at Night

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel in Yabuli this morning before checking out and departing for China Snow Town (Xuexiang / 雪乡), a famous snow-covered village located in Hailin City, Heilongjiang Province.

We will travel by private van, taking approximately 2 hours, depending on road and weather conditions on the day. Along the way, enjoy views of mountains and pine forests that gradually turn white as we approach the village. On snowy days, the sight of snow-covered branches lining both sides of the road makes the journey feel like entering a true winter wonderland.

Upon arrival at the entrance to the tourist area, we will take the designated internal shuttle service into the village. Then, get ready to explore the village on foot and capture memorable photographs.

What makes China Snow Town so unique is its collection of small wooden houses nestled among the valleys. As snow accumulates in thick layers on the rooftops and eaves, it forms rounded shapes resembling giant white mushrooms. Some look like fluffy clouds, while others resemble enormous dollops of whipped cream resting on brown wooden houses.

These distinctive formations have inspired one of the village’s most popular photography spots, known as Snow Mushroom. From an elevated viewpoint, you can see rows of white rooftops stretching across the village, contrasting beautifully with the surrounding pine forests and mountains. It is a truly charming winter landscape.

XUEYUN STREET | The Main Street Through the Heart of the Village

After checking in and arranging our luggage, head out for a leisurely walk along Xueyun Street, the village’s main street, which stretches approximately 500 meters. Both sides are lined with wooden houses, restaurants, souvenir shops, and local stores.

Take your time and enjoy the atmosphere around you. You will see red lanterns hanging outside shops, rooftops covered in thick layers of snow, and stalls displaying traditional snacks and frozen fruits. Together, these details create the iconic image of China Snow Town.

While exploring, try some local winter-style snacks, such as:

Frozen Pear: Pears that have been frozen until solid and then slightly thawed to soften the outer layer. The inside remains refreshingly cold and juicy, with a naturally sweet taste. This is a common winter treat in northeastern China.
Frozen Persimmon: Persimmons frozen until the fruit inside develops a soft, ice-cream-like texture.
Tanghulu: Fresh fruit skewered on sticks and coated in a crisp layer of sugar. Each bite offers a delightful combination of sweetness and tartness. This popular snack can often be found at street stalls.

DREAM HOME | A Dreamlike Setting and Classic Photography Spots

Another interesting attraction is Dream Home (Meng Huan Jia Yuan), an area showcasing traditional wooden houses and particularly picturesque scenes of a snow-covered village. It features traditional wooden architecture and carefully arranged snowy courtyards, making it ideal for leisurely walks and photography, especially when snow blankets the rooftops in mushroom-like shapes.

The area also features viewpoints and cultural activities from northeastern China at certain times, such as Er Ren Zhuan, a distinctive local folk art combining singing and dancing. The performances are lively, entertaining, and full of color. However, performance schedules and activities should be checked against the seasonal announcements.

Note: Dream Home may require a separate admission ticket from the main China Snow Town entrance ticket.

If weather conditions and time permit, we recommend walking up to the viewpoint at Fairy Tale World or the hillside boardwalk to enjoy an elevated view of the snow-covered wooden houses and the village’s main street.

From above, you can see the snow formations on the rooftops more clearly, along with the mountains and pine forests surrounding the village. This viewpoint offers a beautiful overview of China Snow Town, especially in the afternoon when natural light still highlights the details of the snow.

SNOW TOWN AT NIGHT | When the Entire Village Glows with Red Lanterns

One of the highlights not to be missed is after sunset, when the red lanterns hanging outside wooden houses and shops gradually light up. Against the white snow-covered rooftops, the warm glow creates a beautiful contrast of colors.

The main street becomes livelier as visitors come out to stroll, take photographs, and sample food at local restaurants and stalls. If folk performances or seasonal activities are taking place during our visit, we can also stop by to experience the local atmosphere.

For dinner tonight, enjoy traditional northeastern Chinese cuisine, which often features large pots of soups and slow-cooked stews, perfect for the cold weather. Warm dishes of meat and vegetables simmered together provide a comforting meal after a full day of outdoor exploration.

Tonight, stay overnight in China Snow Town to fully enjoy the village atmosphere after dark and wake up to another beautiful view of the snow-covered landscape in the morning.

DAY 5 | CHINA SNOW TOWN – YABULI – HARBIN

Capture Your Final Moments in the Snowy Village Before Returning to Harbin

Wake up this morning to the beautiful atmosphere of China Snow Town once again. This time, however, the village reveals a different charm from the night before. The natural morning light makes it easier to appreciate the details of the small wooden houses, snow-covered rooftops, and mountains surrounding the village.

Enjoy breakfast at the accommodation, then spend the morning taking a leisurely walk and capturing a few more memorable photographs. If you took pictures of the illuminated village last night, try a different perspective this morning by photographing the wooden houses and snow-covered rooftops in daylight for a completely different atmosphere.

Before departing, take another walk along Xueyun Street. In the morning, the atmosphere is generally quieter than at night. Some shops begin to open, local residents start their day, and visitors gradually come out to enjoy the scenery.

Along the way, you can stop to buy a few small souvenirs or take photographs of the wooden houses with snow-covered eaves, preserving your final memories of this charming village before heading back.

If time and weather conditions permit, you may also choose to visit additional photography spots near the accommodation. However, please allow enough time to collect your luggage and reach the designated shuttle pick-up point.

CHINA SNOW TOWN – YABULI WEST | Leaving the Village for the Railway Station

After exploring the village and collecting our luggage, take the designated local shuttle from China Snow Town to the Yabuli West area, following the assigned meeting point.

The return journey takes us past the familiar mountains and pine forests we saw on the way in. The scenery along the route remains beautifully covered in white snow, making this a perfect time to relax and enjoy the views along the way.

Upon arrival at Yabuli West Railway Station, get ready to board the high-speed train back to Harbin. The transfer schedule should be carefully coordinated with the shuttle service and train departure time to avoid any rush, particularly if snowy roads or weather conditions cause delays.

BACK TO HARBIN | Return to the City and Enjoy Some Leisure Time

Upon arrival in Harbin, continue to the hotel for check-in and relaxation. After spending several days enjoying activities and snowy mountain scenery, today is the perfect opportunity to unwind and recharge.

In the evening, relax at the hotel or enjoy dinner at a nearby restaurant at your leisure. Those who would like to try more local specialties can look for a northeastern Chinese restaurant or stop by a cozy café for a warm drink before returning to the hotel.

Tonight, stay overnight in Harbin and get ready for tomorrow, when we will explore the city once again and visit one of its major highlights: Harbin Ice and Snow World, a spectacular kingdom of giant ice sculptures waiting to be discovered!

DAY 6 | HARBIN – SHOPPING – HARBIN ICE AND SNOW WORLD

Shop for Souvenirs Before Experiencing the Magical Ice Kingdom at Night!

Today, we return to downtown Harbin for another day of exploration. The daytime is set aside for shopping, where you can browse local products and pick up souvenirs. In the afternoon, we will head to one of the major highlights of the trip: Harbin Ice and Snow World, a gigantic winter theme park built entirely from real ice and snow.

HARBIN SHOPPING | Find the Perfect Souvenirs from the Ice City

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel before heading out to explore Harbin’s shopping spots. Whether you are looking for snacks to bring home to family and friends or souvenirs from this winter city, today is the perfect opportunity to shop at your own pace.

Some interesting souvenirs to look out for include:

Harbin Red Sausage: A signature smoked sausage with a distinctive local flavor, perfect for those who want to bring home a taste of Harbin to share with family and friends.
Dalieba Bread: A large Russian-style loaf, another famous local specialty commonly found at bakeries throughout the city.
Local Snacks and Products: Browse packaged snacks, chocolates, treats, and products unique to northeastern China.
Winter-Themed Souvenirs: Such as keychains, fridge magnets, plush toys, and everyday items featuring snow and winter designs.

After shopping, return for lunch and take some time to rest and prepare before departing for the ice theme park in the afternoon.

The morning air was already cold enough to make us question every decision that involved leaving the hotel.

But breakfast was a very good reason to get outside.

Instead of starting with a hotel buffet, we headed toward Hongzhuan Street Morning Market (红专街早市), one of Harbin’s best-known morning markets and a place where the city feels much more local before the sightseeing crowds fully arrive.

Yes, Ice Cream. In Winter.

This is probably the moment when someone asks:

“You just had breakfast. And now you’re eating ice cream?”

Yes.We were in Harbin.
That was the explanation.

We walked toward Central Street and stopped at Madie’er (马迭尔), Harbin’s famous century-old cold-drink brand.

Breakfast → ice cream.

Only in Harbin.

The brand dates its history back to 1906, and its official site describes the cold-drink business as originating from the Western-style foods introduced when the hotel was established. Its best-known product is the Madie’er Popsicle, along with ice cream, yogurt and traditional breads.

The classic choice was the obvious one:

Original Madie’er Popsicle.

Cold.
Creamy.
Milky.

And completely ridiculous when the temperature outside was already freezing.

But that was the whole point.

Harbin Polarland

Warm air.

Dimmer lighting.Blue water.

And the feeling that we had suddenly gone from the frozen city outside into an underwater world.

We took our time here rather than treating it as another quick photo stop. The polar exhibits gave the morning a different rhythm after all the walking and eating.

And, of course, we kept looking at the clock.

Because Harbin had already given us breakfast, ice cream and polar animals — and we still had snow sculptures waiting for us.

By now, our hands were cold enough to remind us that eating ice cream outdoors was probably not the smartest activity of the morning.

So we got back into the car and headed toward Harbin Polarland.

This was our chance to step out of the streets and into a completely different kind of winter world.Inside, the atmosphere changed immediately.

Sun Island, Where Snow Becomes Art

From Harbin Polarland, we continued toward Sun Island.

This was where the scale of Harbin’s winter really started to make sense.

Snow was no longer just something covering the roads, rooftops and trees.

Here, it became the material itself.

Large blocks of packed snow were transformed into sculptures, buildings, characters and enormous decorative scenes.

HARBIN ICE AND SNOW WORLD | A Magnificent Ice Kingdom in the Heart of Winter

The moment many of us have been waiting for has finally arrived! We will visit Harbin Ice and Snow World, a massive winter theme park located on the north bank of the Songhua River. It is famous for using enormous blocks of ice to create castles, buildings, sculptures, and structures of various designs, transforming the area into a spectacular ice city.

The ice used for these creations is sourced from local rivers. Skilled craftsmen cut and assemble the blocks into enormous structures. Each season features a different theme and decorative design, offering visitors something new to discover every year.

As we enter the park, we will be greeted by enormous ice sculptures spread throughout the grounds. Some resemble grand castles with towering spires, while others are beautifully detailed buildings featuring arches and decorative staircases. Look closely and you can appreciate the crystal-clear ice blocks and intricate carvings that reflect the light beautifully.

ACTIVITIES AND HIGHLIGHTS INSIDE THE PARK

Ice Architecture – Ice Castles and Buildings: Explore magnificent structures made from real ice, including towers, walls, and walkways designed to resemble a fairytale city.
Ice Sculpture: Admire intricate ice carvings in a variety of forms, including animals, human figures, and artistic designs inspired by each year’s theme.
Super Ice Slide: One of the park’s most popular attractions. This giant ice slide allows visitors to sit on a sled and glide down a specially designed track at high speed. It is an exciting experience, although some sessions may require queuing or advance booking according to the park’s system.
Ferris Wheel: If operating during the season, enjoy panoramic views of the park and its surroundings from above.
Ice and Snow Activities: Other winter activities may also be available, such as ice bicycles and snow tubing. Activity options and additional fees depend on the event arrangements each year.

At first, we will have the chance to admire the intricate details of the ice under natural daylight. As the sun gradually sets, the atmosphere begins to transform. Colorful lights illuminate the entire area, turning the once crystal-clear ice buildings into spectacular, brightly lit castles. The more we explore, the more breathtaking the scenery becomes.

WHEN THE LIGHTS COME ON | The Ice City Transforms into a World of Lights

We recommend spending the late afternoon through the evening at the park to experience two completely different atmospheres.

While natural daylight remains, you can clearly appreciate the details of the ice, including the transparency of the blocks, the architectural shapes, and the intricate sculpture designs. As the sun begins to set, colorful lights gradually illuminate the ice buildings and castles.

The crystal-white ice city of the daytime transforms into a colorful fantasy world at night. Lights shine through the ice walls, creating a sparkling and magical effect. This is one of the most spectacular times of the trip for photography.

The park also has rest areas and food and beverage facilities where visitors can stop for warm refreshments. Since most activities take place outdoors in extremely cold conditions, make sure to dress warmly and take extra care when walking on slippery ice surfaces.

After enjoying the magnificent ice city, we will return to the hotel for dinner and leisure time.

Tonight is our final night in Harbin. Take a moment to cherish the memories of this winter city before preparing for our journey back to Thailand tomorrow.

DAY 7 | HARBIN – BANGKOK

Journey Home with Wonderful Memories of a Winter Wonderland

On the final morning of our Harbin – Yabuli – China Snow Town adventure, enjoy breakfast at the hotel according to the scheduled time. Then, check your luggage, check out, and get ready for the transfer to Harbin Taiping International Airport.

Along the way, take a moment to look back on the wonderful experiences throughout the journey: from discovering Harbin’s European-style architecture along Central Street, to trying skiing amid the snowy mountains of Yabuli, and enjoying an unforgettable evening in China Snow Town, where the entire village glowed beautifully with red lanterns.

And, of course, the magnificent ice castles at Harbin Ice and Snow World will surely remain one of the most unforgettable highlights of this trip.

Upon arrival at the airport, proceed with check-in and immigration formalities before boarding your direct flight back to Bangkok.

Arrive safely in Thailand, bringing home beautiful photographs, fun stories, and unforgettable winter experiences from northeastern China to share with family and friends.

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