Heilongjiang Sheng Travel Forum

I've signed up for a 8day 7night tour to Harbin wHich also covers Shenzhen, Dalian, Shenyang, Changchun and Jilin. We leave on Dec 24, 2007 and will be in Harbin on Dec 29. Is it true that December is not the best time to go and will all the ice and snow carvings and exhibits be ready by then?

I have been told that cameras, both digital and traditional film, will freeze and I may not be able to get many pictures. Also, where can I get a pair of not-slip boots to walk on the ice and snow and are they expensive. I do not want to spend too much as it will hardly be used again.

Would really appreciate some advice. Thank you in advance.

In Shenzhen and Dalian you dont need to worry because the climate is not that cold in other places you mentioned i have no idea but in harbin last time i been there was Dec 29 also 2005 it is -36C that time my camera freeze out and even videocam i cant used it outside, but that is the best time to go Harbin because of Ice carving festival during that season, regarding not-slip boots I bought mine in harbin more or less 100RMB (US$15) only. hope it will help.

Snow boots are quite easy to find for no more than 50 RMB, cheap ones that is.
Read my Harbin Warnings & Dangers page on Common Camera Problems: http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/1d57/f8323/8/

Thank you Allelli, Helen and Ellyse for your tips and advice.
Do you think I will be able to buy the snow boots at Walmart in Shenzhen or Dalian? I'm really looking forward to the trip and hope it materializes. Apparently most people prefer to go to Harbin around the Chinese New Year period - that's when they usually take their holidays - but it is very much more expensive then. As we'll be there at the end of December I hope the sculpures will be completed. I also read somewhere that the official opening of the festival is not until January. Will we miss much by going so early?

Did you mean Shenyang, or Shenzhen?
I'm not sure if you'll be able to get snow boots in Dalian, as I'm not sure if it snows there. You should be able to get them in Shenyang but probably not Shenzhen.
Note that I'm talking about general availability in those cities, not Walmart.