This leisurely itinerary efficiently connects the most popular tourist cities in each of the three Northeast China provinces—from the historical charm of Shenyang to the icy kingdom of Harbin—blending the comfort of high-speed train travel with the convenience of private car transportation.
This journey perfectly blends culture, nature, and unique local immersion. You will explore iconic landmarks like the UNESCO-listed Shenyang Imperial Palace, Harbin's Volga Manor, and the Ice & Snow Festival, alongside trendy spots like the Yanji "Influencer Wall" and a view into North Korea from Tumen Port. Nature lovers will ascend Changbai Mountain to see Heavenly Lake and enjoy rime forest rafting.
The trip is a culinary delight, featuring authentic Korean-Chinese food in Yanji, local street food in Shenyang's Toutiao Hutong, and dining at Harbin's century-old restaurants during a focused culinary city walk. Throughout the trip, you can relax and recharge in a natural hot spring or immerse yourself in the local bathhouse culture.
Hereunder please find a sample itinerary. Our travel experts will be happy to customize a tour to meet your interests and needs.
Prices from 4 people are available at this rate
While Beijing's Forbidden City shows the Qing Dynasty's peak, Shenyang Imperial Palace records its origin. This UNESCO site features a unique "blended style," offering a peek into the Qing story and preserving authentic Manchu culture.
Explore the bustling local market and the famous "Influencer Wall" while feasting on authentic Korean-Chinese cuisine like Kimchi, Cold Noodles, Seaweed Rice Rolls, and Korean barbecue.
Ascend to Heavenly Lake, the stunning crater lake, and witness the mystical volcanic hot springs steaming amidst the snow. For a unique adventure, enjoy a tranquil rubber boat drift through the beautiful rime forest.
Gaze across the border to observe the daily life and architecture of North Korea, including schools, hospitals, and residential buildings.
Explore over 30 beautiful Russian-style buildings nestled in the snow, enjoy lively Russian song and dance performances, and take a traditional horse-drawn sleigh ride through the manor.
Prepare to be amazed by the 27th Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival! Anticipated to be the largest in history, this grand spectacle promises an unforgettable finale to your winter adventure.
Join a classic Northeastern custom by visiting a local bathhouse. This is more than just bathing and scrubbing; it's a full cultural experience. Enjoy amenities like fruit buffets, movies, video games, and relaxing massages, all in one place.
Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize a tour according to your interests.
Upon arrival at Shenyang Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your private guide and comfortable, heated vehicle for transfer to your hotel.
Begin at the magnificent Shenyang Imperial Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in 1625, this "founding palace" of the Qing Dynasty is often called the 'precursor' to Beijing's Forbidden City. The scenery is captivating in winter as snow beautifully contrasts with the red walls and golden roofs.
Stroll down Shenyang Zhongjie, China's first commercial pedestrian street and the city's most lively thoroughfare. Be sure to visit Toutiao Hutong, a famous food street where you can sample delicious local delicacies, including dumplings, Shaomai, and roasted chicken ribs.
Then, tour the former residence of Zhang Xueliang, a pivotal figure in China's unification, which beautifully combines Western and traditional Chinese architecture.
After visiting, you will take a two-hour bullet train from Shenyang to Changbai Mountain Area.
Today, you will explore the magnificent Northern Slope, which contains the most essential scenic spots of the Changbai Mountain. This includes the breathtaking high-altitude Heavenly Lake, the Changbai Waterfall, the Julong Hot Springs, and the Valley Floor Forest. You will also have the option to take a memorable hike through the primeval snow-covered forest.
Get up close with Santa's sleigh carriers at the Reindeer Park! Enjoy a magical encounter by hand-feeding the reindeer and taking unique photos with them.
In your remaining time, you can explore the charming Erdaobaihe town with your guide or return to the hotel to relax with a soothing hot spring soak.
Get an early start for a truly unique experience: rafting through a forest covered in magnificent rime ice! We have selected a calm stretch of river, perfect for safely taking photos of the stunning winter landscape.
After refreshing, you will take a 2.5-hour transfer to Yanji. As a major gathering place for the Korean ethnic group, Yanji is a fascinating city where street signs feature both Korean and Chinese, and residents are often bilingual.
Head to Yanji West Market, a favorite local haunt, to sample the most authentic Korean snacks and browse for interesting handicrafts and stylish Korean-inspired clothing.
Conclude your day by visiting the famous 'Instagrammable Wall', where over 70 brightly lit neon signs in both Korean and Chinese create a dazzling backdrop.
After an hour's drive, you will arrive at Tumen Port, separated from the enigmatic North Korea by just one river. Here, you will visit the Railway National Gate and the Border Monument, allowing you to observe the lives of North Korean people on the opposite bank. Take a pleasant 20-minute hike up Riguang Mountain for a panoramic view of North Korea's Nanyang City, and visit the Huayan Temple, and visit the unique Huayan Temple, China's only Korean ethnic temple.
Following lunch, you will board a high-speed train for a scenic four-hour journey from Yanji to Harbin.
Spend your morning at Volga Manor, a picturesque park scattered with over 30 Russian-style architectural replicas and sculptures. With thick snowfall, the vast park offers various snow activities: rent snow tubes or skis to play, or even jump into a snowdrift to 'print yourself'. You will tour the grounds in a traditional horse-drawn sleigh.
Visit Zhaolin Park, the birthplace of China's Ice Lantern art. This park hosts an annual professional ice carving competition, and after New Year's Day, the entries are displayed for the public, allowing you to admire these museum-quality ice sculptures.
Immerse yourself in the unique social life of Northeast China with a visit to one of the best Bath Centers in Harbin. Here, you can experience the scrubbing activity, enjoy a complimentary fruit buffet, and partake in various recreational activities.
Start the day at Sun Island to admire the colossal, intricate snow carvings. This venue is also a haven for winter play, offering unlimited access to various small attractions like ice slides and ice bicycles.
Embark on our exclusive Harbin History and Cuisine Walking Tour to explore the city's soul. This curated experience seamlessly blends sightseeing—including Central Street, St. Sophia Cathedral, the Baroque Street, and the Songhua River Railway Bridge—with an opportunity to indulge in authentic Northeastern delicacies like Guobaorou, dumplings, and the famous Madieer Ice Cream.
Head to the world-famous Harbin Ice and Snow World at sunset. This perfect timing allows you to witness the magnificent sculptures and castles in both the daylight's crystal clarity and the night's dazzling illumination.
Price includes:
loading
