9 Days Shenyang Dalian Changchun Harbin Ice & Snow Tour
This 9-day itinerary takes you through Northeast China’s cultural and natural highlights. Start in Shenyang with its imperial palaces and historic mansions, savor local and Korean cuisine, then travel to coastal Dalian for seaside relaxation and Russian-influenced architecture. Continue to Changchun’s green spaces and retro trams, and finish in Harbin with its iconic Central Street and spectacular ice and snow festival, offering an immersive experience of history, nature, and vibrant winter culture.
Book this Tour
Shenyang - Dalian - Changchun - Harbin
8 nights (4+ stars Hotels)
Included with every escorted tour
Day 1: Shenyang
Arrival in Shenyang
4+ stars Hotels
Breakfast & Lunch
Recommended itinerary:
Head to Lao Bei Shi, where you can feel the charm of old Shenyang, admire traditional architecture and night views, and taste local specialties such as Lao Bian dumplings. You can also consult Intoexplore’s travel advisors for more recommendations.
If time permits, visit Zhongjie Pedestrian Street — one of the oldest commercial streets in Shenyang. It blends modernity and tradition, offering a perfect introduction to the city’s vibrant culture. Along the street, you’ll find trendy shops, local snacks, and nearby cultural sites like the Former Residence of Zhang Xueliang and the east gate of Shenyang Imperial Palace.
Day 2: Shenyang
Shenyang Imperial Palace–Zhang Family Marshal Mansion–Zhongshan Road–Hunnan Beach
4+ stars Hotels
Breakfast & Lunch
In the morning, visit the Shenyang Imperial Palace, one of the only two remaining palace complexes in China, with great historical, cultural, and artistic value. It houses various precious relics, such as the emperor’s dragon robe, crown, jade seal, palace furniture, clocks, musical instruments, etc., showcasing the luxurious life and exquisite craftsmanship of the Qing dynasty court.
Then head to the Zhang Family Marshal Mansion, the official residence of Zhang Zuolin and Zhang Xueliang, father and son leaders of the Fengtian clique, and the best-preserved historical celebrity residence in Northeast China.
In the afternoon, visit Zhongshan Road, which gathers Baroque, Victorian, Romanesque and other European classical architectural styles. For example, the Liaoning Hotel is a typical European-style building with a “凹”-shaped structure and symmetrical courtyards. Zhongshan Road is also one of Shenyang’s dining and entertainment hubs, lined with various restaurants, cafes, and bars.
In the evening, go to Hunnan Beach, enjoy delicious food while admiring the Hun River night view. You can also choose to take a boat tour and experience the peaceful and beautiful night of Shenyang.
Day 3: Shenyang - Dalian
Qing Zhaoling Tomb–Xita Food Street–High-speed train to Dalian
4+ stars Hotels
Breakfast & Lunch
In the morning, visit Qing Zhaoling Tomb, the mausoleum of Huang Taiji, the second emperor of the Qing dynasty, and his empress Xiao Duan Wen. Together with Shenyang Imperial Palace and Fuling (Dongling), it is known as one of the “Three Mausoleums of Shengjing,” and one of the most intact ancient imperial mausoleum complexes in China, also a World Cultural Heritage site.
Recommended route: South Gate → Zhaoling Main Gate → Sacred Path → Long’en Hall → Ming Tower → Return around the lake.
Then head to Xita Food Street to find Shenyang specialties. It is the largest Korean ethnic enclave in Northeast China, known as “Shenyang’s Korea Town,” gathering authentic Korean cuisine, Korean ethnic flavors, and Northeast specialties!
Recommended foods:
charcoal grilled meat, Korean rice cakes, Korean kimchi, grilled cold noodles.
After the meal, take the high-speed train in the evening (about 2 hours) to Dalian and check in at the hotel.
Day 4: Dalian
Bangchuidao Island–Xinghai Square–Russian Style Street
4+ stars Hotels
Breakfast & Lunch
In the morning, go to Bangchuidao Island. The beach here has fine white sand and clear sea water, one of the best seaside bathing spots in Dalian. The scenic area has a coastal wooden boardwalk, suitable for hiking, offering sea and sky views, and you might encounter squirrels and wild birds. You can also picnic on the lawn near the State Guest House and enjoy forest vibes. Additionally, the Bangchuidao Golf Course is China’s only seaside forest golf course, where visitors can book to experience swinging clubs.
In the afternoon, return to Xinghai Square, the largest urban square in Asia. It faces the sea with the city behind, combining modern urban prosperity with romantic coastal scenery, perfect for walking, photography, sea viewing, and feeding seagulls. It is also the venue for many celebrations in Dalian. Here you can see China’s first offshore cable-stayed bridge — Xinghai Bay Bridge — and enjoy amusement rides like the Ferris wheel and pirate ship.
Then head to Russian Style Street, the nation’s first street featuring Russian 19th and 20th century style, with 38 historic Russian buildings featuring spires, arched windows, vintage brick walls, and every detail reflecting romance and elegance from over a century ago.
In the evening, you can freely visit Donggang Music Square to capture the splendid night view and enjoy the musical fountain.
Day 5: Dalian - Changchun
High-speed train to Changchun
4+ stars Hotels
Breakfast & Lunch
In the morning, take the high-speed train to Changchun. After arrival, free activities.
Recommended itinerary: Take the No.54 Red Flag Retro Tram to tour Changchun. It is China’s only “retro tram,” passing landmarks like Changchun Film Studio, Hongqi Street commercial district, and Nanhu Park, ideal for slow travel and photography.
Day 6: Changchun
Jingyue Pool–Puppet Manchukuo Imperial Palace Museum
4+ stars Hotels
Breakfast & Lunch
In the morning, go to Jingyue Pool, known as Changchun’s “urban lung,” Asia’s largest ecological park integrating artificial forest and reservoir. It is beautiful all year round: spring for outings, summer for cooling, autumn for red leaves, winter for ice and snow activities. It is a top weekend leisure spot for locals and a great place for tourists to experience nature. Skiing is available in winter.
In the afternoon, visit the Puppet Manchukuo Imperial Palace Museum, the former palace of Pu Yi (the last emperor of China) when he served as puppet emperor of Manchukuo from 1932-1945. It witnesses Pu Yi’s turbulent life from emperor to puppet ruler to war criminal.
Day 7: Changchun - Harbin
High-speed train to Harbin–Central Street–Saint Sophia Cathedral
4+ stars Hotels
Breakfast & Lunch
In the morning, take the high-speed train to Harbin (about 1 hour). After arrival, Intoexplore will guide you to visit Central Street, a commercial pedestrian street rich in history and exotic style. The street features 71 buildings of Renaissance, Baroque, eclecticism, Art Nouveau, and classicism styles, including 13 protected municipal heritage buildings, known as an “outdoor architectural art museum.”
Not far from Central Street is the Saint Sophia Cathedral, built in 1907 in Byzantine style Orthodox church, grand and artistic. Its exterior stone carvings include classic phoenix patterns, intricate floral patterns, and decorations, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship. The interior murals and reliefs are even more delicate, depicting biblical stories, Christian history, and saint images. The stained glass windows display various religious motifs and figures, creating colorful light effects under sunlight.
In the evening, you can freely stroll along Central Street, enjoy Harbin’s beautiful night scenes and seek local delicacies.
Recommended foods: Guo Bao Rou (sweet and sour pork), Demoli stewed fish, slaughterhouse vegetable stew, Harbin red sausage, grilled cold noodles, candied hawthorn, Dalieba bread.
Day 8: Harbin
Ice and Snow World–Sun Island Scenic Area
4+ stars Hotels
Breakfast & Lunch
After breakfast, visit Harbin Ice and Snow World, the world’s largest indoor ice and snow theme park, with 9 themed zones and 13 experience projects. It uses ice and snow as the medium, connecting themed scenes according to a story axis, using art and interactive lighting and sound effects to showcase Harbin’s original natural scenery and folk customs.
Recommended attractions:
Super Ice Slide: the most popular attraction, featuring many slides; the longest slide is 521 meters, where you speed down on snow tubes, feeling the thrill and wind roaring in your ears.
Ski Experience Area: with ski slopes of different difficulty levels, suitable for beginners and pros to enjoy skiing.
Harbin Ice Show: Harbin’s most distinctive international-level top performance, featuring foreign artists performing ice ballet, acrobatics, magic, etc., offering a spectacular audiovisual feast.
In the afternoon, visit Sun Island, Harbin’s “urban lung,” a national 5A scenic spot on the north bank of the Songhua River opposite Central Street. It is the locals’ favorite weekend getaway and a must-visit ecological scenic area for tourists. On the island, you can visit the Russian Style Town with Russian architecture, the Deer Park to interact with spotted deer, and Squirrel Island to feed squirrels.
Tip: In winter, Sun Island is covered with snow and ice, with snow sculptures to see and ice and snow activities to join.
Day 9: Harbin
Departure from Harbin
4+ stars Hotels
Breakfast & Lunch
Spend your final full day visiting Volga Manor, a Russian-themed park located about one hour from downtown Harbin. This scenic estate features classic Russian architecture, peaceful riverside landscapes, and picturesque churches and bridges covered in snow during winter. It’s a perfect photo spot and offers a unique blend of culture and nature. Inside the park, you can enjoy ice sculptures, sledding, and traditional Russian-style performances.
In the evening, return to the city for a farewell dinner featuring signature Northeastern cuisine. Celebrate the end of your journey with dishes like stewed pork with vermicelli, dumplings, and a toast with Harbin beer.
Recommended Activities:
Evening Option: Enjoy a relaxing night walk along the frozen Songhua River, where you can watch local winter sports like ice biking, skating, and kite skiing. It’s a magical and memorable way to say goodbye to Harbin.
