FAQs on Harbin Tours
What is the best time to visit Harbin?
The best season for a Harbin tour package is in winter, especially during the Ice and Snow Festival from January 5 to the end of February every year. However, several theme parks that host ice and snow activities usually start earlier; these can be visited by the end of December. In order to keep away from the big crowds and excessive price increases, we kindly suggest you avoid taking Harbin ice festival tours on some holidays like Christmas (Dec. 24 - Dec. 26), New Year’s Day (Jan. 1 - Jan. 3) and the Spring Festival (Feb. 09 - Feb. 15, 2024).
Besides, due to the cool weather in July and August, planning a vacation package to Harbin in summer is also a good idea. It is really a very nice summer retreat.
Besides, due to the cool weather in July and August, planning a vacation package to Harbin in summer is also a good idea. It is really a very nice summer retreat.
What are the must see/things to do during the Ice and Snow Festival? Are there any other places you recommend?
During the festival, you are highly recommended to visit Harbin Ice and Snow World - a "Snow Disneyland" built on Songhua River, appreciate the gorgeous Ice Sculptures in Sun Island Scenic Area or Stalin Park and attend the grand Ice Lantern Garden Party in Zhaolin Park.
Furthermore, there are some other sites like St. Sophia Cathedral, Jile Temple and Siberian Tiger Park that are also worth visiting.
Furthermore, there are some other sites like St. Sophia Cathedral, Jile Temple and Siberian Tiger Park that are also worth visiting.
Gorgeous Ice Sculptures
Ice Cream Pedlar
How to get to Harbin?
Taking a flight is the fastest way to Harbin from most cities in China because of the convenient direct flights. To reach Harbin, it takes around 2 hours from Beijing, 3 hours from Xian or Shanghai and 4.5 hours from Guangzhou.
It is also convenient to plan a Harbin tour itinerary by train from some nearby cities like Beijing and Shanghai. If you take Harbin tours from Beijing, it takes around 10 hours by normal train and 7-8.5 hours by high-speed or bullet train. However, if you plan a train journey from Shanghai to Harbin, taking a normal train needs at least 24 hours and a high-speed train lasts 12.5 hours or so. Please check the following recommended train schedules for your reference.
It is also convenient to plan a Harbin tour itinerary by train from some nearby cities like Beijing and Shanghai. If you take Harbin tours from Beijing, it takes around 10 hours by normal train and 7-8.5 hours by high-speed or bullet train. However, if you plan a train journey from Shanghai to Harbin, taking a normal train needs at least 24 hours and a high-speed train lasts 12.5 hours or so. Please check the following recommended train schedules for your reference.
| Beijing to Harbin Train Schedule | ||
| Train Schedule | Duration | Seat Suggestion |
| Z203(20:30/06:50+) | 10h20m | Soft Sleeper |
| Z17(21:15/07:22+) | 10h07m | Soft Sleeper |
| G901(09:55/14:46) | 4h51m | Business, 1st, 2nd Class Seat |
| G3605(14:18/19:26) | 5h08m | Business, 1st, 2nd Class Seat |
| Shanghai to Harbin Train Schedule | ||
| Train Schedule | Duration | Seat Suggestion |
| G1204(09:33/21:36) | 12h03m | Business, 1st, 2nd Class Seat |
| Z172(18:54/19:06+) | 24h12m | Soft Sleeper |
Is it cold in Harbin in winter? What kind of clothes to wear?
Harbin is located in northeast China and is affected by the cold air from Siberia. The weather of Harbin in winter is extremely cold and the temperature outside normally drops to -25°C (-13°F) to -10°C (14°F). Therefore, it is necessary to dress warmly and bring thermal underwear, wool sweaters, down jacket, gloves, hats, scarfs, earmuffs and snow boots when you take a Harbin China tour in winter. However, if you stay indoors, a sweater plus a pair of warm pants are enough as there is heating available.