Product Code: MT-2305
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10 Day Fly, Train & Tour Winter Holiday showcasing Beijing’s iconic landmarks, Gubei’s soothing hot springs and the spectacular Harbin Ice Festival
Book By 31 December 2025
10 Day Fly, Train & Tour Winter Holiday showcasing Beijing’s iconic landmarks, Gubei’s soothing hot springs and the spectacular Harbin Ice Festival
Return international flights to Beijing, China
Experience China’s winter highlights on this 10-day guided tour. Explore Beijing’s iconic landmarks before travelling to the Simatai Great Wall, where a cable car ride reveals frost-dusted towers and dramatic snowy scenery. Relax in the steaming hot springs of Gubei Water Town, surrounded by charming canals and cobblestone streets. Travel by high-speed bullet train to Harbin to witness the famous Ice Festival, where dazzling illuminated ice castles, giant snow sculptures, and colourful light displays transform the city into a fairytale winter wonderland. Discover Harbin’s seasonal charm and, if you wish, join an optional visit to see the majestic Siberian Tigers.
This tour combines iconic sights, winter magic, and unforgettable experiences across northern China.
Tour Inclusions
Tour Highlights
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Welcome to Beijing! Upon arrival at Beijing Airport, you will be greeted by a tour representative and transferred to your hotel where check-in commences from 3:00pm. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Note: Due to flight schedules, many flights from Australia will arrive late in the evening. For those arriving early in the morning, please check your flight e-ticket as the flights may depart the day prior on an overnight journey.
This morning, visit Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world. Continue to the magnificent Forbidden City, the former home of China’s last 24 Emperors and the political heart of imperial China.
Enjoy a traditional Peking Duck lunch, one of Beijing’s most famous dishes.
In the afternoon, stroll through the city’s traditional hutongs to experience historic courtyard homes and authentic local life.
This evening, you may choose to enjoy an optional performance (costs apply). The type of show varies, and your local guide will provide details in China.
Begin your day with a visit to a Jade Workshop to learn about one of China’s most treasured gemstones and its deep cultural symbolism.
Continue to Gubei Water Town, a picturesque resort-style village set at the foot of the Simatai Great Wall.
In the afternoon, take the cable car up to the Simatai Great Wall, where the rugged mountain scenery is especially striking in winter. From above, you’ll see the watchtowers stretching across frost-covered ridges — a dramatic and atmospheric setting that makes this one of the most beautiful Great Wall viewpoints. A picnic-style lunch is provided so you can spend more time exploring this historic section. Should poor weather occur, lunch will be served at a nearby restaurant.
Enjoy a day at leisure to explore the winter charm of Gubei Water Town. Visit the iconic Gubei Hot Spring Centre, where entry to the hot springs is included, and soak in the warmth amid the crisp winter air.
The rest of the day can be spent wandering the town’s cobblestone laneways and stone bridges, framed by snow-dusted rooftops and steaming chimneys. Cosy cafés, boutique shops, and traditional distilleries add plenty of character and charm.
This evening, you may wish to witness the drone light show, which illuminates the night sky above the ancient-style village (subject to weather).
After breakfast, return to Beijing by coach, passing the exterior of the Birds Nest Stadium and Water Cube. Time permitting, a brief photo stop may be allowed.
Enjoy lunch before boarding a 5hr high-speed bullet train to Harbin. Please pack a day bag, as your main luggage will not be easily accessible from your second-class seat. Food and drinks can be purchased onboard, or you may wish to buy snacks at the station before departure.
Upon arrival in Harbin, meet your expert local guide and enjoy a hearty northeast-style dinner, including the local favourite iron-pot stew — perfect for warming up in the crisp northern winter.
After breakfast, journey to Sun Island Scenic Area to explore the renowned Harbin International Snow Sculpture Art Expo. Admire enormous snow creations carved by artists from around the world — from fantasy castles to intricate lifelike figures — all set against a pristine winter landscape.
Lunch today features a northeast specialty meal including Guobaorou, Harbin’s beloved crispy sweet-and-sour pork.
This afternoon, visit the legendary Harbin Ice and Snow World, a glowing winter wonderland of giant illuminated ice castles, towers, slides and sculptures. As night falls, the park transforms into a breathtaking fairytale kingdom lit by vibrant colours — a truly unforgettable winter experience.
Return to your hotel later this evening.
Discover the charm of Harbin as you explore the city’s European-style streets and scenic riverfront. In winter, the snow-dusted boulevards and pastel-coloured buildings create a magical atmosphere, earning Harbin its nicknames ‘Oriental Moscow’ and ‘Little Paris of the East.’ Stroll along Central Street, a bustling pedestrian avenue lined with Russian-influenced architecture, boutique shops, cafés, and traditional bakeries — perfect for warming up with a coffee or sampling local treats. Continue to the Flood Control Monument and Stalin Park along the Songhua River, where the winter landscape adds a crisp, picturesque backdrop to the historic riverside. Visit Saint Sophia Square for exterior views of the iconic Saint Sophia Cathedral, its green domes standing out against the winter sky.
In the afternoon, return to your hotel, or choose an optional tour to the Siberian Tiger Park, where you can safely observe rare Siberian tigers in their winter habitat from a secure sightseeing vehicle. After the park, indulge in a specialty dinner featuring local Harbin beer.
Depart Harbin this morning aboard a high-speed bullet train back to Beijing.
On arrival, visit the Panda House at Beijing Zoo to observe China’s beloved giant pandas up close. Afterwards, step inside a traditional Chinese teahouse to learn about local tea culture and sample a selection of varieties.
This evening, sit down to a farewell group dinner before returning to your hotel.
Today is free to unwind or explore Beijing at your own pace. You may wish to join one of three optional experiences, from thrilling theme park adventures to cultural tours or a winter day on the slopes. Each option includes transport and relevant entrance fees.
After breakfast and check-out, transfer to Beijing Airport for your departure flight.
Please note: Check-out time is 10am. If your flight departs later in the day, you may choose to head to the airport early or relax in the hotel’s public areas until your scheduled transfer..
Price based on tours starting:
Extra charges apply for:
January
January delivers a true winter experience in northern China. Beijing enjoys crisp, dry days with clear skies, making iconic sights like the Great Wall and the Forbidden City comfortable to explore with warm layers. A visit to Gubei Water Town adds a memorable winter highlight, where traditional streets are often dusted with snow and guests can stay warm by soaking in outdoor hot springs, surrounded by mountain scenery. Harbin transforms into a winter wonderland, renowned for frozen rivers, snow-covered streets and dazzling seasonal landscapes. Cold temperatures are part of the adventure, rewarding travellers with fewer crowds and unforgettable winter scenery.
Harbin Ice & Snow Festival
The Harbin Ice & Snow Festival typically runs from early January to late February, with peak displays generally available from 5 January to 25 February. Festival dates, ice sculpture availability and opening times are subject to weather conditions and local authority scheduling, and may vary slightly from year to year.
Price based on departing from Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney
Extra charges apply for:
Pricing:
Family Pricing:
*Departure city and departure date surcharges may also apply – see above.
*All children aged 3-11 years must be accompanied by an adult at least 18+ yrs at all times.
*Bedding is based on a queen or 2 singles plus a rollaway bed per child. Max occupancy per room is 2 adults & 2 children.
*Families of 5 or more will require multiple hotel rooms due to max occupancy. Each room must contain 1 adult who is 18+ yrs.
Pace
This is a moderate-paced winter tour. Days involve sightseeing, city walking, and transfers between regions by coach and high-speed bullet train. Expect some early starts and long travel periods.
Fitness & Winter Conditions
A moderate level of fitness is required. You are required to move about unassisted, including boarding and exiting/disembarking vehicles and other forms of transportation, walking up and down flights of stairs, and navigating occasional uneven or steep terrain. Short walks may be required during airport transfers, which may not always reach the hotel door.
This tour takes place in winter, so some walking will be on snow-covered paths, icy surfaces, or cobblestones, particularly at Harbin’s Ice and Snow World, Simatai Great Wall, and Gubei Water Town. Warm, sturdy footwear and appropriate winter clothing are recommended for comfort and safety.
This trip is not suitable for travellers requiring a wheelchair, mobility scooter, or specialised facilities. Other walking aids may be permitted if you are able to move independently and keep pace with the group. Please note there will be a fair amount of walking, and some locations will have stairs. If you have any health concerns, let us know when booking so we can help confirm if this trip is suitable for you.
Tipping in China
Tipping is a customary and expected part of the tourism industry in China. For this 10-day tour, the suggested total local payment is $120 AUD per person, based on approximately $12 AUD per person per day. This amount is paid to your Tour Leader and is distributed to support all local guides and drivers you encounter on the journey.
Visa requirement for China
As of 01 July 2024, ordinary Australian and New Zealand passport holders can enter China visa-free for visits of up to 30 days or less. For eligibility requirements, latest costs and visa types, please see the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China or Smartraveller.
Please note: Accommodation is subject to change. Final hotel details will be provided in your Hotel List, sent no later than 30 days prior to departure.
All accommodation featured in this itinerary is based on 5 star hotels. Please note most hotels in China are either self-rated or locally rated based on Chinese standards. All hotel rooms will feature either a twin room (two single beds) or a double room (1 Queen bed). All bedding requests cannot be guaranteed however all special requests should be made known at time of booking. All rooms are lead-in category or run of house unless otherwise specified. All hotel rooms will be requested as non-smoking, however, please be aware that some hotels offer smoking rooms and smoking floors. Hotel names mentioned are indicative and subject to change based, with final group tour hotels being confirmed on your final documentation. The standard check-in time is from 3pm and check-out is prior to 10am.
A single supplement from $1,400 per person is payable in addition to the twin-share price for solo occupancy. Single rooms are typically smaller than twin/double rooms in China.
Optional tours are special unique programs that you may add to your tour. All optional tours are payable directly to the Tour Leader in the local currency (RMB) and cannot be prepaid. In the event that some programs or venues may not be available, alternative programs may be offered or the Tour Leader. For any passenger not participating in optional programs, they will be directed by the Tour Leader with where to remain until the optional program with other passengers attending is complete.
Exclusions
Meals not stated, beverages, optional programs, travel insurance (strongly recommended), China Visa (if required), tipping, personal expenses, and anything not explicitly specified are at your own expense.
Payment
A first deposit from $499 per person is required to secure your booking. A second deposit (partial payment) is due 11 months before departure – the amount to be advised at the time of booking. The final balance will be due 5 months before departure. Full payment is due at the time of booking for departures within 5 months.
Tipping
Tipping is a customary and expected part of the tourism industry in China. For this 10-day tour, the suggested total local payment is $120 AUD per person, based on approximately $12 AUD per person per day. This amount is paid to your Tour Leader and is distributed to support all local guides and drivers you encounter on the journey.
Solo Occupancy
A single supplement from $1,400 per person is payable in addition to the twin-share price for solo occupancy. Single rooms are typically smaller than twin/double rooms in China.
Triple Share
Triple share is not available.
Extra Accommodation
Pre and post tour accommodation is not included. Should you choose to arrive prior or extend your stay, you will need to source your own accommodation and transportation. The deviation fee policy will also apply. See Deviation conditions below.
Children
This tour does allow families with young children. The minimum child age is 3 years however all children must be able to walk unassisted. A child discount applies for children aged from 3-11 years at time of travel. All children aged 12 years and over at time of travel are charged adult pricing.
Price
Adult and child pricing valid for select travel periods and departure cities. Surcharges will apply depending on child ages at time of travel and number of passengers per room. Prices are correct at time of publication and are subject to availability, change, cancellation or withdrawal without notice. All prices are in Australian dollars per person twin share unless stated otherwise.
Room occupancy
All children 3-17 years must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. The maximum room occupancy is 2 adults and 2 children using existing hotel bedding and rollaway beds/trundles.
Change & Cancellation Fees
Changes for any reason will incur a fee of $110 per person per change in addition to any travel service provider fees. Cancellation for any reason will incur a fee of $550 per person in addition to any travel service provider fees. Travel service provider fees for the tour and air components of the package are dependent on the date of the change or cancellation as follows:
Airfares are generally non-refundable but any refundable ticket taxes will be returned. Full details of the change and cancellation fees is outlined in the Terms & Conditions available on our website.
Deviation
Any request to deviate from the original dates or routing, including early arrival and stay behind, is subject to a flight deviation fee from $150 per person, plus applicable airfare and tax differences. Packaged tour extensions are not subject to the deviation fee (applicable airfare and tax differences may still apply) if booked according to the original advertised dates and routing.
Passport
For international travel, each customer must provide a copy of the passport photo page at the time of booking. It is the responsibility of the customer to ensure that all names are full names, exactly matched to the passport, with six months’ validity beyond trip completion. The customer is liable for all fees due to incorrect names, invalid passport information, and expired passports.
Visa
As of 01 July 2024, ordinary Australian and New Zealand passport holders can enter China visa-free for visits of up to 30 days or less. For eligibility requirements, latest costs and visa types, please see the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China or Smartraveller.
Pace
This is a moderate-paced winter tour. Days involve sightseeing, city walking, and transfers between regions by coach and high-speed bullet train. Expect some early starts and long travel periods.
Fitness & Winter Conditions
A moderate level of fitness is required. You are required to move about unassisted, including boarding and exiting/disembarking vehicles and other forms of transportation, walking up and down flights of stairs, and navigating occasional uneven or steep terrain. Short walks may be required during airport transfers, which may not always reach the hotel door.
This tour takes place in winter, so some walking will be on snow-covered paths, icy surfaces, or cobblestones, particularly at Harbin’s Ice and Snow World, Simatai Great Wall, and Gubei Water Town. Warm, sturdy footwear and appropriate winter clothing are recommended for comfort and safety.
This trip is not suitable for travellers requiring a wheelchair, mobility scooter, or specialised facilities. Other walking aids may be permitted if you are able to move independently and keep pace with the group. Please note there will be a fair amount of walking, and some locations will have stairs. If you have any health concerns, let us know when booking so we can help confirm if this trip is suitable for you.
Health
It is the responsibility of the customer to check and comply with the health, vaccination, COVID-19 and immigration requirements of each origin and destination country, and health requirements imposed by air, tour, cruise and accommodation providers. Vaccinations, testing and quarantine costs are the expense of the customer. Comprehensive travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage is strongly recommended. Tap water in China may not be safe to drink. Drink only bottled water with intact seals.
Money
The currency in China is the Renminbi (RMB). ATMs are widely available in major Chinese cities. They accept major credit cards including at international hotels and restaurants. In some smaller cities, using international cards will be limited and local currency is suggested.
Shopping
China is a treasure trove for those looking to shop. From busting markets to large shopping centres. Famously known for silk and jade products, China is also known for its pearl and tea produce, along with traditional Chinese medicine. Your itinerary may allow for stops at English speaking shops where you can browse/purchase products. Any purchase of products are at your own discretion. Please do not make any purchases if you are not comfortable or feel pressured into. Should you require any assistance with the language barrier, please seek assistance from your Tour Leader.
Baggage
Each person is entitled to a strict maximum of one bag not exceeding 20kg on tour, superseding any other baggage allowance. Excess baggage is not permitted. You are strongly encouraged to pack lightly. An additional light day bag or backpack is permitted on the coach. Due to high-speed train baggage restrictions, you may wish to pack a separate light bag or backpack containing essentials – your luggage will also be stored in the designated luggage racks located on the train and not easily accessible once the train is moving. All porterage is not included, and you are required to carry your own bags. Luggage and personal effects are your own risk, and we hold no liability for lost or damaged belongings.
Transfers
Seat in coach airport transfers on group tour arrival and departure days are included.
Meals
Breakfasts offered by the Chinese accommodation providers and are typically buffet style, with limited vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free options. For meals not included, your Tour Leader will escort you to preferred Western friendly restaurants or suggest dining options nearby. Please notify us at the time of booking of any special dietary requirements and allergies. We endeavour to pass on your dietary requirements but cannot guarantee that they can be met as certain choices may be limited or not catered for. You are required to reconfirm dietary requests with your Tour Leader whilst on tour.
Accommodation
All accommodation featured in this itinerary is based on 5 star hotels. Please note most hotels in China are either self-rated or locally rated based on Chinese standards. All hotel rooms will feature either a twin room (two single beds) or a double room (1 Queen bed). All bedding requests cannot be guaranteed however all special requests should be made known at time of booking. All rooms are lead-in category or run of house unless otherwise specified. All hotel rooms will be requested as non-smoking, however, please be aware that some hotels offer smoking rooms and smoking floors. Hotel names mentioned are indicative and subject to change based, with final group tour hotels being confirmed on your final documentation. The standard check-in time is from 3pm and check-out is prior to 10am.
International Flights
The outbound flight may depart one day prior to day 1 shown on the itinerary. The inbound flight may arrive one day after the final day shown on the itinerary. Flights are booked approximately 8 to 10 months prior to departure. The flights included in your package are based on Cathay Pacific or Singapore Airlines with a specific predetermined airfare allowance. Should there be a significant increase in airfares, fuel levies, taxes or government fees at the time of booking flights, then an airfare supplement may be imposed. The flights team will discuss options with you prior to ticketing, should this situation arise. Flights may not operate daily or directly to your destination. No show of any flight sectors will result in the automatic cancellation of all onward flights by the airline.
Fuel
In the unlikely event of a significant increase in fuel costs levied by third-party air, land, and cruise transportation operators before travel, a fuel supplement may be passed on to the customer.
Group Size
You will meet like-minded travellers on tour and may even make lifelong friends. This holiday will proceed with a minimum group size of 20 passengers and a maximum group size of approximately 35 passengers. If the tour does not operate due to minimum numbers, you will be offered a credit or alternative date.
Optional Tours
Optional tours are special unique programs that you may add to your tour. All optional tours are payable directly to the Tour Leader in the local currency (RMB) and cannot be prepaid. In the event that some programs or venues may not be available, alternative programs may be offered or the Tour Leader. For any passenger not participating in optional programs, they will be directed by the Tour Leader with where to remain until the optional program with other passengers attending is complete.
Itinerary
The operating schedule and itinerary may be impacted without notice by adverse weather, seasonal factors, closures, local conditions, COVID-19 or other factors beyond our control including force majeure. If attractions are not available due to reasons beyond our control such as closures or adverse weather, alternatives will be provided where possible. The itinerary and its order, sightseeing and transportation may be adjusted as deemed appropriate by the operator for optimum safety, enjoyment and operation. Any reference to ‘optional’, ‘not included’ or ‘exclusions/excluded’ means at your own expense.
Train Transportation
All train transportation featured in the itinerary is based on 2nd class seating.
Due to factors outside of our control, such as operational changes, last-minute track maintenance, or unfavourable weather conditions, train travel may be substituted with a flight to maintain the continuity of the itinerary while prioritising the safety of all passengers.
Beijing Sightseeing
Due to a daily ticket limit imposed at Beijing’s Forbidden City, there may be the rare occasion where this attraction cannot be visited. In this event, your tour guide will secure an alternative visit to the Lama Temple or Gongwangfu Garden in Beijing. Unfortunately, tickets for international groups cannot be pre-purchased and subject to the above daily ticket limit policy.
Breakaway
Customers must remain with the tour group at all times and must not leave the tour unless written approval is provided before departure.
Documentation
Final documentation will be emailed 30 days prior to departure, which includes a final hotel list, return flight itinerary, and invoice with the day-by-day itinerary.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is strongly recommended. Ask our holiday experts for great coverage options.
Force Majeure
Force majeure means any natural disaster, accident, fire, act of God, act of war, terrorism, legally binding judgment, injunction, action of a court or other relevant authority, emergency, unplanned repairs, maintenance, strike, industrial dispute, work ban, blockade or picketing, travel ban, pandemic, epidemic or outbreak of infectious disease, or other event beyond our reasonable direct or indirect control. In the case of force majeure or other extraordinary events that prevent safe travel, the supplier reserves the right to adjust, postpone, or cancel the trip.
Fitness
A moderate level of fitness is required. You are required to move about unassisted, including boarding and exiting/disembarking vehicles and other forms of transportation, walking up and down flights of stairs, and navigating occasional uneven or steep terrain. If airport transfers are included, they may not always reach the hotel door, so short walks may be required of you. This trip is not suitable for travellers’ requiring wheelchair, mobility scooters or specialised facilities. Other walking aids may be permitted if you are able to move independently and keep pace with the group. Please note that there will be a fair amount of walking and some locations will have stairs. If you have any health concerns, let us know when booking so we can help confirm if this trip is suitable for you.
Product Code: MT-2305
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