Harbin Travel Forum

Hi there. Can anyone out there help me?

I am planning on going to Harbin for the Ice and Snow Festival in 2007 and need to know the closing date. I realise that it is weather dependent, but I have heard closing dates ranging anywhere from February 5 to March 1.

Also, are there any other things in China that I just HAVE TO see (other than the Great Wall and the Terracotta Warriors)? Likewise, anything that I really should give a BIG MISS! I will be travelling for approximately 5 weeks and may never get the chance to go back again. My plan so far is Beijing, Harbin, Hohhot,X'ian,Tibet,Hong Kong,Shanghai....and whatever comes in between.

Personal favourites or dislikes...any feedback is appreciated - good or bad!!

Thankyou everybody.

What are you more interested in seeing/doing/experiencing while on travel?
What's your budget like?
Do you have any knowledge of Chinese?
When are you planning to be in Harbin?

Hi there,
I have not booked my ticket yet, because I don't know the closing date for the festival. Will be in Harbin around the start of Feb. I heard that the festival finishes on Feb.3rd, but then the Chinese Tourist Authority in Sydney told me March 1st!?!?!
I don't know any Chinese.
Will deal with a budget as I go along, but would rather stay in a hostel than a hotel.
Thanks

Well, then just to be safe, visit Harbin first! I was there in late January and don't know what date it's closing this year.
You still haven't answered my other 1st question.

I would rather see natural attractions instead of manmade,(sometimes VERY difficult in the wintertime!!) but I like different types of architecture and there are many great buildings to see in China, of all descriptions. I prefer to be outdoors rather than inside a museum and I try to do things that I can't do in Sydney.

It is difficult to find pictures of what places look like in the middle of winter, other than Harbin!! Most forests, mountains and lakes look the same all covered in snow and ice, but quite different when they are all green with grass and the water isn't frozen.

But discovery is half the fun when travelling.... the other half is trying to work out how the public telephone works and how to flush the toilet!!!!

Actually, I had a really wonderful time in Gansu province (part of the Silk Road) in February 2006, if you'd like to have a look at some winter photos, feel free to browse through my Travel Pages (Jiayuguan and Dunhuang). Personally I think it'd be very interesting and worthwhile doing the Silk Road in winter!

Hi, I too am going to Harbin on 10th Feb and I also understand that the festival finishes on a different date each year depending on the weather. I've been living in China for 12 months and so decided to zoom up to Harbin on my way back to Aus. When are you planning to get there? Suggest you check out Chengdu if you have time (it's on the way to Tibet) Can give you some contacts if you're interested. Cheers