China-Jan 2015 Including Harbin as highlight

[RB]

I see there are quite a few regular travellers to China on here so I am hoping to gather some ideas from the experienced. I have read some of the older travel reports and I also read the "never a dull moment thread".
We are travelling as a couple on a LM redemption (already booked), with no hotel alliances and we would prefer to use rail after reading about domestic flight delays. It is our 1st trip to China & we realise we are only there for a very short time! Also our reading seems to tip to avoid Harbin (the planned highlight) on weekends. We arrive in Beijing at 5.30am on Tues 6th Jan and depart at 5pm Thurs 22nd (travelling Air China). It seems Harbin kicks off on the 7th Jan 2015.

Mrs RB (the planner) has 2 early thoughts for appraisal/criticism. Would also love to hear ideas on trains, hotels, must sees and various dos & don'ts


Option 1

Beijing - 2 nights
Luoyang - 2 nights
Xian - 3 nights ( include day trip to Mt Huashan)
Bejing - 1 night
Harbin - 3 nights
Jilin - 2 nights
Beijing - 3 nights

Option 2

Beijing - 1 night
Harbin - 3 nights
Jilin - 2 nights
Beijing - 4 nights
Luoyang 2 nights
Xian - 3 nights
Beijing 1 night.

​

 

[yohy?!]

Personally I would be considering domestic flights rather than rail where the distance justifies it - my experiences on Chinese carriers have been good, delays are always a risk but if you aren't using the major corridors from Beijing and Shanghai probably less of a worry.

My experiences in the fast trains in China have been less than stellar with crowded chaotic terminals and boarding gates and lousy on-board cabins dealing with cramped conditions, leaking roofs etc

Let us know how you get on with your adventure

 

[Steelo]

Sounds exciting. From my experience travelling in northern China during winter there will always be delays caused by snow etc. At Beijing we were delayed a couple of hours while plane was de iced. A couple of tips though especially at airports and train stations - learn how to push in - or you will not get served.

We enjoyed the train from Shenyang to Beijing - bit chaotic at departure (including shoving etc) but great trains none the less - on arrival people touting to carry your bags can be annoying. In terms of accommodation, we have found the service in many of the hotels excellent. If you have to stay at Beijing airport try the Langham - I would go back there just to sleep in the bed and the breakfast is excellent. But if you stick to the main chains you should find very good service and good value as well.

 

[Hvr]

There's been a couple of AFFers who've previously travelled to China including Harbin. http://www.australianfrequentflyer....ip-photos/harbin-part-iii-f-latest-37015.html

I loved Harbin and thoroughly recommend you consider visiting Unit 731 whilst there. You'll need a driver to get there but it is worth considering hiring one anyway to get to the main Ice festival site on the other side of the lake.

Happy travelling, I loved China and especially Harbin in winter. I actually took the train up there (from Beijing) but would suggest you fly. And when looking at airfares make sure you look at F prices, sometimes they're not much more expensive than Y fares. Whilst the seat isn't much better it is worth it to be first on and off the plane.

 

[RB]

Thanks for the tips so far. Are there any ideas on best areas/districts to stay in Beijing-this being our 1st visit & doing the touristy things?

 

[sinophile888]

We have stayed at a number of hotels in Beijing. We loved the Hilton Wangfujing. It is just behind Wangfujing, the walking street and with very easy access to many of Beijing’s sights.

It will be cold. One year we caught the 24hr sleeper train from Hong Kong to Beijing in late March and there was snow still lying on ground for any hours as we approached Beijing.

 

[seanpodge]

I actually live in Harbin (for about 2 and a half years). From Beijing, plane is certainly quicker (flight time of two hours). The high speed rail line from Beijing to Shenyang is still under construction while the completed Harbin to Dalian line (which is meant to link with the Beijing-Shenyang line to provide a high speed Beijing-Harbin service) will be speed limited to 200km/h during winter due to frozen soil. All this means that the minimum travel time by train is 7-8 hours. If going by train, consider an overnight sleeper so you don't waste a day travelling. If flying, all airlines flying PEK-HRB are pretty much the same so choose on time and price. HRB airport is compact, functional and easy enough to get around but definitely won't be appearing in any Skytrax 5 star lists.

The Ice and Snow festival usually opens up for visitors just before Christmas (weather permitting) and will stay open until everything starts to melt (probably mid to late February). Central Street (Zhongyang Dajie, also known as walking street) is the main shopping and cultural area in Harbin and the best place to base yourself. It's about 1.5-2 km long and at it's northern end leads you to Songhua river, where there will be a fun park on the frozen river. Nearby is Zhaolin Park, which is one of the three main sculpture parks. It has smaller and more detailed statues compared to the other two and is my favourite. On the other side of the river are the other two main parks, Sun Island and Ice & Snow World. Sun Island will have snow sculptures and is only open during daylight hours. I&SW is nearby and is open day and night and has multi story buildings made from ice that you can enter, along with other sculptures and rides/slides, et cetera. Both Sun Island and I&SW could be done in one day, but you would definitely have to plan ahead. The two parks are big and largely isolated, with no major buildings nearby. Apart from the inflated prices of food and drink in the parks, it also means that the area is more exposed to wind which really bites at -20C and below.

Nearby Central Street is also St Sofia's Cathedral, a former Russian Orthodox church which one can enter (tickets about Y15) and look around. After being saved from destruction during the Cultural Revolution, it's become the de facto symbol of Harbin and is the background for wedding photos in the Summer months. On the other side of town, Dragon Tower (Long ta) is a TV and radio transmission tower that is similar to the one in Berlin. You can (weather permitting) go sight seeing in the ball and if you arrive at the right time have a pretty good meal in the revolving buffet restaurant.

Food here is different to HK and Cantonese cuisine, usually a lot heavier and heartier. Hot pot is omnipresent and well worth a try. There is also some Russian influenced cuisine that can be good. Katusha's is one of the better western/Russian restaurants in Harbin.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Are there any ideas on best areas/districts to stay in Beijing-this being our 1st visit & doing the touristy things?

RB I am not much help to you here except maybe accom in PEK. It's a cold cold time of year to be in Nth China - personally I hate going to PEK or TSN that time of year - would never do so if I had a choice - I hate snow and ice by the way.

I will post some pics of a Studio Room at Renaissance Beijing Capital Hotel - I stay here everytime I am in PEK - can get you set here if you so desire at pretty good rate.

 

[RB]

I actually live in Harbin (for about 2 and a half years). From Beijing, plane is certainly quicker (flight time of two hours). The high speed rail line from Beijing to Shenyang is still under construction while the completed Harbin to Dalian line (which is meant to link with the Beijing-Shenyang line to provide a high speed Beijing-Harbin service) will be speed limited to 200km/h during winter due to frozen soil. All this means that the minimum travel time by train is 7-8 hours. If going by train, consider an overnight sleeper so you don't waste a day travelling. If flying, all airlines flying PEK-HRB are pretty much the same so choose on time and price. HRB airport is compact, functional and easy enough to get around but definitely won't be appearing in any Skytrax 5 star lists.

The Ice and Snow festival usually opens up for visitors just before Christmas (weather permitting) and will stay open until everything starts to melt (probably mid to late February). Central Street (Zhongyang Dajie, also known as walking street) is the main shopping and cultural area in Harbin and the best place to base yourself. It's about 1.5-2 km long and at it's northern end leads you to Songhua river, where there will be a fun park on the frozen river. Nearby is Zhaolin Park, which is one of the three main sculpture parks. It has smaller and more detailed statues compared to the other two and is my favourite. On the other side of the river are the other two main parks, Sun Island and Ice & Snow World. Sun Island will have snow sculptures and is only open during daylight hours. I&SW is nearby and is open day and night and has multi story buildings made from ice that you can enter, along with other sculptures and rides/slides, et cetera. Both Sun Island and I&SW could be done in one day, but you would definitely have to plan ahead. The two parks are big and largely isolated, with no major buildings nearby. Apart from the inflated prices of food and drink in the parks, it also means that the area is more exposed to wind which really bites at -20C and below.

Nearby Central Street is also St Sofia's Cathedral, a former Russian Orthodox church which one can enter (tickets about Y15) and look around. After being saved from destruction during the Cultural Revolution, it's become the de facto symbol of Harbin and is the background for wedding photos in the Summer months. On the other side of town, Dragon Tower (Long ta) is a TV and radio transmission tower that is similar to the one in Berlin. You can (weather permitting) go sight seeing in the ball and if you arrive at the right time have a pretty good meal in the revolving buffet restaurant.

Food here is different to HK and Cantonese cuisine, usually a lot heavier and heartier. Hot pot is omnipresent and well worth a try. There is also some Russian influenced cuisine that can be good. Katusha's is one of the better western/Russian restaurants in Harbin.

Thanks for taking the time with your post. Will take the ideas & maybe see if you are up for a beer during the time we are there?

 

[RB]

RB I am not much help to you here except maybe accom in PEK. It's a cold cold time of year to be in Nth China - personally I hate going to PEK or TSN that time of year - would never do so if I had a choice - I hate snow and ice by the way.

I will post some pics of a Studio Room at Renaissance Beijing Capital Hotel - I stay here everytime I am in PEK - can get you set here if you so desire at pretty good rate.

Thanks for the thoughts-I am certainly impressed by the photos you posted of the room! Not sure our usual hotel spend would stretch as far as the Renaissance! We have been considering the Lee Garden Serviced Apartments or a club room at Beijing Prime Hotel Wangfujing, maybe you have some advice re the pros & cons of these-reviews of both seem ok.
I also noticed that there is a sale on 11th Nov by IHG that will cover our dates for Beijing-maybe your experiences can help us here too (sale details PREVIEW: IHG China Up To 50% Off “Double Eleven Sale” + 5,000 Bonus Points (For Some) Book November 11-16 For Stays November 21 – January 11, 2015 | LoyaltyLobby )

 

[MEL_Traveller]

RB - no shanghai on your list? It is a 'must do' city for a couple of days - if you can squeeze it in I would recommend it.

 

[RB]

RB - no shanghai on your list? It is a 'must do' city for a couple of days - if you can squeeze it in I would recommend it.

Only a quick trip this time to test the waters & gauge our liking of China

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Only a quick trip this time to test the waters & gauge our liking of China

pity... shanghai would be #1 on my list.

 

[hummel]

pity... shanghai would be #1 on my list.

Been to China 5 times.. yet never been to the north.

One day i'll get out of Guangzhou.. haven't even managed to get across to Hong Kong!

 

[Bolthead]

pity... shanghai would be #1 on my list.

If it wasn't for the fact that my son lives in Shanghai I personally would give it a miss. It is certainly worth 1 trip but once you have been there I don't see the point going back. We are off again this Friday to Shanghai and although I am looking forward to it, it is more about catching up with my son than the city itself. I know I am almost alone with that thought as my wife loves Shanghai as well as some of my other friends. We are also doing Wuxi and Nanjing so looking forward to going there. I like the train system and (touch wood) have had no issues with their LCC. As for Harbin that has been on my list for years and it looks like Jan-Feb 2016. My first trip to mainland China was back in 2007 just before the Olympics in December. It was freezing but we had the best clear blue skies one could ask for with very few tourists. You will have a blast.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

If it wasn't for the fact that my son lives in Shanghai I personally would give it a miss. It is certainly worth 1 trip but once you have been there I don't see the point going back.

I agree Shanghai is only a couple days worth, and no need to return. But in terms of history, Shanghai with its Bund is iconic. Plus you have the ability, as tourists, to go into some of those beautifully restored buildings for drinks and jazz for prices which actually make the experience enjoyable!

I was there for many years, I rank it as one of the best cities in the world for food, drinks and entertainment. But aside from the Bund and former French Concession (which is your 1-2 days), you need to 'know' shanghai to get the most out of it.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

+1 - IMHO Shanghai is truly one of the worlds iconic cities and should be on everybody's bucket list - a lot of new Shanghai does little for me - but I consider myself so lucky to have witnessed the progress over last 15yrs. But it is a city in which I spend little time now - BJ wins hands down as a desired location for me now - but it now like a lot of China becoming so much more expensive.

Bolt you will love Nanjing - so historic - so much to see - much slower pace than SH or BJ. As for Wuxi - only 2 good things ever to come out of Wuxi - CRH train to SH and CRH train to NJ!

 

[Bolthead]

I agree Shanghai is only a couple days worth, and no need to return. But in terms of history, Shanghai with its Bund is iconic. Plus you have the ability, as tourists, to go into some of those beautifully restored buildings for drinks and jazz for prices which actually make the experience enjoyable!

I was there for many years, I rank it as one of the best cities in the world for food, drinks and entertainment. But aside from the Bund and former French Concession (which is your 1-2 days), you need to 'know' shanghai to get the most out of it.

I guess I am being a bit harsh with Shanghai. A couple of trips ago my wife actually had a job interview there. It was with an employment agency and the only job they could offer her was on the help desk of a expats medical service but it didn't pay well. (not that she was chasing the money) My wife is a nurse and unfortunately they don't hire foreign nurses in China. We would still like to stay there for an extended time. That would really #iss of my son. LOL

+1 - IMHO Shanghai is truly one of the worlds iconic cities and should be on everybody's bucket list - a lot of new Shanghai does little for me - but I consider myself so lucky to have witnessed the progress over last 15yrs. But it is a city in which I spend little time now - BJ wins hands down as a desired location for me now - but it now like a lot of China becoming so much more expensive.

Bolt you will love Nanjing - so historic - so much to see - much slower pace than SH or BJ. As for Wuxi - only 2 good things ever to come out of Wuxi - CRH train to SH and CRH train to NJ!

Cruiser Elite, as you may recall my father (almost 85) is also coming with us to Shanghai ( I mentioned it in another thread) and I am looking forward to hearing about the changes he has seen. He was last there in 1986 and I am sure it has changed since then. Which reminds me, I must message TheEmu...

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Cruiser Elite, as you may recall my father (almost 85) is also coming with us to Shanghai ( I mentioned it in another thread) and I am looking forward to hearing about the changes he has seen. He was last there in 1986 and I am sure it has changed since then. Which reminds me, I must message TheEmu...

like the entirety of high-rise Pudong will be new!

 

[MEL_Traveller]

But it is a city in which I spend little time now - BJ wins hands down as a desired location for me now...

I never understood Beijing What is there there? (what did I miss?)