IVY METERING's Year-end Bonus: 5-day Trip to Harbin
Day 1: Northeast China Trip! "The setting sun in the north is her red makeup," my friend, welcome to Harbin! The cold snow, accompanied by the wind, blankets the withered trees; the black soil, in its vastness, sows a burning passion; the setting sun in the north dyes the long night red. This is the Northeast; the hometown of some, the dream of some. Harbin is a utopia for its people. Everywhere there are beautiful landscapes, but only the Northeast will capture your attention with its unique atmosphere and warmth. Embark on a winter's rendezvous with ice and snow!
Arrive in the beautiful ice city, "Oriental Paris," "Oriental Moscow"—Harbin—by plane/high-speed rail/train. Free time.
Day 2: Red Brick Morning Market - Baroque Street - New Year's Eve at Ice and Snow World
Let the vibrant atmosphere of the Red Brick Street Morning Market awaken your winter wonderland journey. ---- Less than 600 meters from the hotel to the market (8-minute walk)
Here, there's no biting cold, only rising heat and human warmth. As the city awakens in the morning light, the Red Brick Street Morning Market already resounds with the clatter of pots and pans: freshly fried golden-brown cakes, crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside; steaming hot tofu pudding topped with savory sauce; and naan bread bigger than your face and sweet frozen fruit… This is not only a paradise for food lovers, but also a vibrant tapestry of life in the Ice City.
【Chinese Baroque Historical District】A Legendary Blend of East and West Across Time
Stepping into this district is like opening a three-dimensional architectural history book. This place is hailed as a living museum of "East meets West." Everywhere you look, you see opulent Baroque reliefs and romantic curves. Still, upon closer inspection, you'll find traditional Chinese motifs like bats, pomegranates, and coins, symbolizing "double blessings of fortune and longevity."
In this dreamlike ice city at minus twenty degrees Celsius, count down with thousands to welcome the New Year! The New Year's Eve celebration at the Ice and Snow World is an unforgettable experience. By day, it's a fairytale kingdom sculpted from ice and snow, with crystal castles and spectacular slides dazzling in the sunlight. As night falls, colorful lights instantly illuminate this ice city, making you feel like you've stepped into the fantastical Arendelle. At the peak of New Year's Eve, dazzling fireworks bloom against the ice-sculpted skyline, and the frigid air boils with the enthusiasm and cheers of the crowd.
Day 3: Northeast Tiger Park - Volga Manor
【Northeast Tiger Park】The Visible Power and Tenderness of the King of the Jungle
This is a kingdom of power and wildness, the place where you can have the closest conversation with the "King of Beasts." Stepping into the Northeast Tiger Park, you will witness the majestic figures of hundreds of purebred Siberian tigers—some lazily resting in the snow, others strolling over their territory, and still others leaping suddenly from outside the sightseeing vehicle, displaying astonishing explosive power.
【Volga Manor】A Stroll Through the Old Russian Dream in the Ice City
No need to travel to Russia; a genuine Russian-style manor is hidden near Harbin. Volga Manor perfectly blends history and art, nature and architecture. The Ash River meanders through it, reflecting the spires of classic Russian buildings such as St. Nicholas Church and the Petrov Art Palace, creating a picturesque scene in every season. In winter, this place transforms into a tranquil snow country estate where you can enjoy authentic Russian cuisine in the castle, play snow sports on the frozen river, or quietly admire the romantic snow-covered rooftops.
Day 4: Harbin 110 km 5 h Snow Town
【Ten-Mile Ice and Snow Gallery - Birch Forest Hiking】(60 minutes) If the Ice and Snow World is a dream castle sculpted by humankind, then the Ice and Snow Gallery is a masterpiece of nature's freehand brushstrokes. Far from the hustle and bustle of the city, it is an undisturbed white paradise.
Free time in Snow Town:
【Thousand-Person Yangko Dance + Thousand-Person Shouting + Wild Disco】As night falls, all the bright red lanterns light up, and Snow Town enters another world.
【Visiting the Frozen Goods Market】In winter, according to the old Northeast custom, large red lanterns are lit early, and the entire street is brightly lit.
【Snow Town Sightseeing Boardwalk】The best place to view the entire Snow Town, and also a good spot for taking photos of Snow Town and the distant mountains.
【Snow Town Big Stone Stele】Stroll along Snow Charm Street, pick up your camera and become a photographer, hold a snowflake in your hand, and strike a pose to capture this beautiful moment!
Overnight stay at Xiangge Homestay in Snow Town, where you can experience a Northeast-style kang (heated brick bed).
Day 4: Snow Town 88KM/1.5H Yabuli 220KM/3.5H Harbin
Afterwards, let's travel to the Yabuli Resort Area, enjoying the snow-covered forests and stunning northern scenery along the way!
Embrace a winter skiing extravaganza and experience the same scenery as Finland with a 3-hour beginner skiing experience at Yabuli. This is a paradise for ski enthusiasts. Upon entering the ski resort, the vast, boundless ski slopes unfold before your eyes, resembling a white dragon winding through the mountains. You can not only enjoy the thrill of skiing but also admire the magnificent natural scenery.
Day 5: Harbin City Tour – Airport Transfer
Let the century-old symphony of European charm bring your Northeast China journey to a perfect close.
【Central Street】Stroll along the golden corridor of this "Oriental Paris," more than just a street; it's an open-air architectural museum and a flowing scroll of European style. Underfoot are the smooth, mirror-like cobblestones, polished by a century of history, while the melodious strains of "Katyusha" echo in your ears. On both sides of the street, old buildings of various styles—Renaissance, Baroque, Eclectic—stand side by side, silently telling tales of past glory.
【St. Sophia Cathedral】A Byzantine masterpiece frozen in time (recommended for free time)
When you turn the corner and see the enormous green dome and magnificent brick-red walls, time seems to slow down. As the best-preserved Byzantine building in China, St. Sophia Cathedral stands like a silent nobleman in the heart of the modern city.
My trip to Northeast China may be coming to an end now, but the romantic snow and ice of the region have already planted a seed of longing in my heart. Saying goodbye isn't the end, but rather a prelude to a better reunion—every season here has its own charm, forever awaiting our next "date" in the silver-clad winter or the lush green summer. Time to fly back to the warmth of home, concluding my wonderful journey!