The Ice & Snow Festival, typically held from the New Year Day to mid-February each year, is one of the most important festivals in Harbin, the largest Chinese city along the China-Russia border. Unique of Harbin, the festival originated from a common practice by fishermen centuries ago who, during the long and cold winters, carved ice blocks into rudimentary lamp shades or even hollow bulbs, which were set over candles to prevent them from being blown out by the frigid wind. This age-old custom was first introduced at the first Ice Lantern Show in 1963 and has since attracted talented ice sculptors and artists from all over the world. Using chainsaws and other special ice carving tools, they turn hundreds of cold blocks of ice cut from the Songhua River into semi-transparent masterpieces of many different shapes, sizes and themes. Some of the more recent sculpture designs have been political figures, television and movie legends, comic book heroes, fairytale characters and their glittering castles, groupings of animals and plants, reproductions of an artist’s favorite science fiction story and even recognizable landmarks such as Japanese pagodas and the Great Wall. In addition to the Ice & Snow Festival in Harbin, the tour will give you a chance to visit some other northeastern cities in China where winter holds a special appeal.

(B/L/D - indicates meals included in the package)

* Please note: the above itinerary is subject to change without notice.

Should you want to add additional hotel nights and tour options in China and other Asian destinations, use our Create-A-Tour or Make it Asia! Stop-Over Package options to create your own tailored itinerary. Your tour coordinator will be happy to assist you with questions and rates.

*Notes Tour prices quoted are per person. Quotes are subject to change without prior notice, and are valid for a minimum of 2 persons. Quotes are not applicable during special holidays, e. g. New Year, Chinese New Year. For Biking, Skiing, Diving, Golfing and Diving tours, quotes do not include equipment. Special rates for groups larger than 10 persons are available. Please contact us for more information.