Harbin - Travel Masters

Ice & Snow
Festival
Harbin
Northern China
16 January 2017 - 7 Days
A TRULY UNIQUE
& SPECIAL ESCORTED PACKAGE
THE WORLD’S BEST ICE AND SNOW FESTIVAL
THE WORLD’S MOST SPECTACULAR
HARBIN
Harbin
HARBIN
The Harbin Ice and Snow Festival is a totally unique
artistic and cultural event, originally started in 1963.
Interrupted for several years by China’s Cultural
Revolution, the Festival then recommenced in its
current format in 1985 and has run annually ever
since. The festival now attracts a million visitors to
Harbin over its approximately six weeks duration, and
is recognised as the most outstanding of the four
major ice and snow festivals in the world.
Harbin sits on the same latitude in the northern
hemisphere as Dunedin NZ in the southern
hemisphere but is much colder. Temperatures can
reach as low as -35°C, meaning the warmth and
comforts of a good base hotel are essential.
Harbin will surprise you! It is one of China’s largest
cities, growing over 100 years from a base camp for
Russsian engineers surveying for construction of
the eastern end extension of the Trans Siberian rail
line. It was also home for up to 25,000 Jews fleeing
persecution in the early 1900’s. Prior to the Second
World War, this area was considered (along with
Palestine and Morocco) as a possible permanent
home for the Jews. In 1945 most Jews departed for
Israel and Japan, but a significant Jewish presence still
remains,
The historic influence of foreign cultures can best be
found in Daoli District, the oldest and most interesting
part of town.
1
The best shopping area is also
here, focused around Asia’s longest
pedistrian mall and its cobbled side
streets. In the 1930’s, 16 countries
maintained consulates in Harbin,
with over 160,000 foreigners from
33 different countries calling Harbin
home.
The waterfront promenade (Stalin
Park) along the banks of the Songhua
River is a great winter veiwing platform
for activity on the frozen river. In
summer, Harbin is an important
Chinese port city but in winter the river
completely freezes. Remaining boats
are locked in frozen ice and the river
itself hosts ice skating, husky sleigh
rides, horse drawn carriages on sled
runners, ice fishing, slippery slides
Wonderful Chinese dumplings,
made entirely from ice and even a
Mongolian lamb hotpots, and a
swimming pool cut from the river ice!
range of other appetizing specialities,
Visitors to Harbin in winter are treated washed down with the local Hapi beer
to this especially unique Ice and Snow or chilled vodka. In fact China’s first
experience. It is visually unforgettable, brewery was built in Harbin by the
photographically magnificent, and
Russians in 1906.
culturally unique. Like everything
else, the food is a product of Harbin’s
cultural mix and its cold weather.
THIS IS ONE OF THOSE VERY SPECIAL
Atmospheric Russian, Chinese and
TRAVEL EXPERIENCES THAT STAY WITH
Western restaurants serve appropriate YOU FOREVER - IT IS SENSATIONAL!
fare..
HARBIN
HIGHLIGHTS
ICE & SNOW WORLD
You see pictures of this amazing spectacle on TV news broadcasts every
January. There is nothing else like it on earth! A large area is dedicated
to half size reproductions of world icons, famous palaces, and huge
sculptures. They are built from blocks of ice carved from the Songhua River,
and highlighted at night by fluorescent lighting from inside.
SUN ISLAND
SNOW
SCULPTURES
es
culptur
Snow S
Siberia
n Tige
r Park
Sun Island, in the middle
of the frozen Songhua
River, is home to incredible
snow sculptures created by
international competitors
representing Russia, Japan,
Canada, France, South Africa
and many more. The intricacy
and detail of the exhibits are
outstanding. Some are huge,
but the quality and creativity
of the work is what leaves
you enthralled. We access
the island itself by cable
car (weather permitting),
high above the frozen river
with wonderful views of the
waterfront, river activity and
the city. We’ll also take the
opportunity to watch a private
demonstration of ice carving
to see for ourselves the
personalised skill involved.
Also on the Sun Island is the
world’s first Polar themed
marine exhibition with sea
based animals from both
the North and South Poles.
There’s a striking polar white
whale show, polar bears,
penguins and sea lions etc
DRAGON TOWER
Drag
on To
wer
At 336m tall, the Dragon Tower
is the highest steel structure
in Asia (second highest in the
world), hosting China’s largest
rotating restaurant and a
viewing platform 180 metres
above ground.
Ice Swimming
ICE & SNOW SCULPTURE
SHOW
There are ice sculptures decorating the local
streets and parks, but the best competitive
exhibition is in Zhaolin Park. These are smaller
sculptures carved with incredible skill into creative
shapes that leave you speechless. The Park is
also lit in the evening, so we’ll be taking the best
opportunities to see these works of art at the very
best time of the day.
SIBERIAN TIGER PARK
The endangered Siberian Tiger, ancestor of all
tiger species, has less than 700 remaining in the
wild. They can grow up to 4 metres long and up
to 300kg in weight. The Park is just 15kms from
Harbin. It started with just 8 tigers in 1986, but
now houses about 50 tigers and several hundred
other animals. Tigers are bred at the Park and
protected. We see them close up and at their best
from our own private safari coach.
ICE SWIMMING
The Songhua River is frozen solid in winter, but
a swimming pool is cut into the river ice to allow
locals to swim in the freezing water flowing under
the thick surface ice cover. It’s quite a spectacle,
and of course we’ll be there to see it all.
HARBIN
HIGHLIGHTS
JEWISH SYNAGOGUE
Once the centre of Harbin’s vibrant Jewish community, this three story temple
proudly displays the Jewish history and culture of Harbin, and the outstanding
contribution the early Jewish community made to the social development of
the city. We have a private visit and hear from a local about this quite amazing
and dynamic contribution.
ST SOPHIA
CHURCH
rch
ia Chu
h
St Sop
Centra
l Stree
inct
h Syn
3
CENTRAL STREET
PRECINCT
t Prec
Jewis
This magnificent Russian
Orthodox Church is Harbin’s
most famous landmark, and
the largest of its kind in the
Far East. Originally built in
1907 by the Russian Army, its
Byzantine architecture and
52 metre spire, now houses
the excellent Architecture
and Art Exhibition, tracing the
historic Russian influence and
architecture of Harbin.
agogu
e
Harbin’s major shopping area
is 1½km long pedestrian
mall, the longest in Asia,
with atmospheric cobbled
side streets showcasing the
architecture and cultures of
historic foreign influences. It
runs at a right angle to the
waterfront, through the oldest
part of the city. The frozen
waterfront and river are alive
with activity - horse and husky
sleigh rides, local ice games,
ice fishing etc.
Sun Island
JAPANESE GERM WARFARE
EXPERIMENTAL BASE 731
Prior to WW2, the Japanese Army operated a
number of germ warfare experimental bases
around the world, but the most notorious was
operated by the Japanese Army Medical Unit
731 just 30kms from Harbin. It was a top secret
base only exposed in the 1980’s by a Japanese
journalist. Up to 10,000 POW’s were used for
experimentation - mainly Chinese, Russian,
Korean, British and American. We make a visit to
the Centre which today portrays the graphic story,
in what is left of the original buildings.
NIGHT LIGHTS
Harbin also celebrates its Winter Festival with a
wonderful array of night lights where the main
avenues are ablaze with colour. All the major
round-abouts and many buildings are showcased
with carved ice displays highlighted by special
lighting.
Package Price
7 Days - $4,910 per person, ex Brisbane
Departing Brisbane: 16 Jan 2017 Returning Brisbane: 22 Jan 2017
Touring: 7 Day Harbin Tour Single Supplement $1,175
Upgrade to Premium Economy $450pp
Upgrade to Business Class $2500pp (Brisbane - Guangzhou - Harbin Return Flights)
COST &
INCLUSIONS
Meet Your Tour Escort
The tour will be escorted by Neil Kirby, Operations
Manager of Travel Masters. Neil will travel with you on
this outstanding itinerary, bringing with him a wealth
of knowledge and travel experience - and a passion for
people, places and different cultures. You will find that
Neil will take every opportunity to make this tour one of
life’s most outstanding memories. We hope you can join
this exciting tour in 2017.
HARBIN
SHANGRI-LA HOTEL
Located in the Daoli district and
on the river, the 5-star Shangri-la
is recognised as the best hotel in
Harbin.
It lies across the river from the
famous Ice and Snow World, and
features two restaurants offering a
hearty international breakfast buffet.
The Lobby Lounge has a full service
bar and light snacks. There is a fitness
centre, heated indoor swimming pool,
spa tub, steam room and sauna.
Shangri-la Hotel
IT IS OUR ‘HOME AWAY FROM HOME’
IN THIS WINTER WONDERLAND.
TOUR ITINERARY
Monday 16 Jan
Depart Brisbane 9.55am. Arrive Guangzhou 5.00pm.
O/N Crown Plaza Hotel (4 Star)
Tuesday 17 Jan
Guangzhou to Harbin. Depart Guangzhou 8.15am.
Arrive Harbin 12.30pm. Transfer to hotel.
City Orientation. (Breakfast/Dinner)
TOUR INCLUSIONS
• 1 night Crown Plaza Hotel
Guangzhou (5-Star)
• 5 Night’s accommodation at
Shangri-la Hotel (5-Star),
Harbin
• Return flights Brisbane,
Guangzhou, Harbin with China
Southern Airlines
• All meals (excluding dinner 21st
January), lunch in flight fare
17th and 21st, daily full buffet
breakfasts, Russian dinner at
historic 100 year old restaurant,
high quality Western & Chinese
restaurants
• Entrance fees: Ice and Snow
World, Sun Island Snow
Sculptures, Zhaolin Park Ice
Sculputures, Ice Swimming,
Siberian Tiger Park, Germ Warfare
Base, St Sophia Church, Buddhist
Temple, Cable Car
• Private Ice Carving Demonstration
• Transfers and land travel in and
around Harbin by coach with
English speaking guide
• Full time services of an
experienced guide in Harbin and
Tour Escort ex Australia on this
package
• All tipping related to everything
included in this package
Wednesday 18 Jan
St Sophia Church, Buddhist Temple,
Flood Control Monument & Stalin Park.
Evening tour to Zhaolin Park Ice Sculpture Show.
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Thursday 19 Jan
Morning visit to Songhua River to watch ice swimming.
Horse ride possible.
Afternoon tour to Sun Island by Cable Car.
Visit Snow Sculptures, with Ice Sculpture demo.
Dinner at Russian restaurant.
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner).
Friday 20 Jan
Morning - Germ Warfare Museum.
Afternoon - Siberian Tiger Park and tiger feeding.
Evening - Ice and Snow World. (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner).
Saturday 21 Jan
Morning - Visit to Jewish Synagogue & Central Street Afternoon - Visit to Academy of Agricultural Sciences
& Greenhouses. (Breakfast/Lunch).
Sunday 22 Jan
Depart Harbin 1.20pm. Arrive Guangzhou 6.00pm.
Depart Guangzhou 9.10pm. (Breakfast)
Monday 23 Jan
Arrive Brisbane 8.30am
Songhua River
Harbin Ice & Snow Festival
BOOKING FORM 2017
FIRST PASSENGER
Title: ________________ Surname (as shown on passport): ____________________________________________________________
First Name(as shown on passport):_____________________________ Preferred First Name:_______________________________
If sharing what would be your room preference? TWIN / DOUBLE
Do you require single supplement? YES / NO
Would you like us to keep an eye out for a possible twin-share on your behalf? YES / NO
(Please note that Single Supplement will be payable if we are unable to assist with a suitable twin-share for you)
Do you require Premium Economy upgrade? ($450pp) YES / NO Do you require Business Class upgrade? ($2500pp) YES / NO
Are you a China Southern Frequent Flyer Member? Member No: _____________________________________________
Do you have any dietary or seating requests: ______________________________________________________________________
Do you hold an Australian passport? YES / NO If No, please state the nationality: ___________________________________
Passport Number: ______________________________________Date of Issue: ______/______/______ Date of Expiry: ______/______/______
Date of Birth: ______/______/______
Place of Issue: __________________________Occupation: __________________________
SECOND PASSENGER
Title:_____________________________ Surname (as shown on passport):_______________________________
First Name(as shown on passport):_____________________________ Preferred First Name:_______________________________
Sex: MALE / FEMALE If sharing what would be your room preference? TWIN / DOUBLE
Do you require single supplement? YES / NO
Would you like us to keep an eye out for a possible twin-share on your behalf? YES / NO
(Please note that Single Supplement will be payable if we are unable to assist with a suitable twin-share for you)
Do you require Premium Economy upgrade? ($450pp) YES / NO Do you require Business Class upgrade? ($2500pp) YES / NO
Are you a China Southern Frequent Flyer Member? Member No: _____________________________________________
Do you have any dietary or seating requests: ______________________________________________________________________
Do you hold an Australian passport? YES / NO If No, please state the nationality: ___________________________________
Passport Number: ______________________________________Date of Issue: ______/______/______ Date of Expiry: ______/______/______
Date of Birth: ______/______/______
Place of Issue: __________________________Occupation: __________________________
PASSENGER/S CONTACT DETAILS (Please attach details separately if Second Passengers Contact Details are different)
Street Address: __________________________________________________________________________________________________
Suburb: ___________________________________________________State: ___________________ Postcode: __________________
Postal Address (If different from Street Address: ___________________________________________________________________
Suburb: _____________________________________________________State: ___________________ Postcode: ________________
Home Tel: _________________________Work Tel: _______________________Fax: ____________________
Mobile No: ______________________________ Email: _________________________________________________________________
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It is compulsory and in your interest to carry travel insurance for health, loss of luggage/belongings and in case of
cancellation. Would you like us to send a travel insurance brochure to you?
YES / NO
I have read and understand the responsibility section detailed below on this form and the General Information and
Booking Conditions and accept them on behalf of myself and my party. I declare that I/they are not travelling against
any medical advice.
Signature: __________________________________________________
Date: ______/______/______
Please also complete the reverse side of this form and return it to one of our Travel Consultants, or to:
Group Tour Co-ordinator, PO Box 5038, Mermaid Waters QLD 4218 YOUR CONSULTANT__________________________
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1.
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2.
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3.
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DEPOSIT AND FINAL PAYMENT
The deposit ($500pp) is accepted as a first instalment
of the tour cost and will be fully refunded if the
arrangements cannot be confirmed or the tour is
cancelled by Travel Masters. A detailed invoice
is sent out to all passengers booked on the tour,
approximately two weeks prior to due date of the
final payment. Final payment for the tour needs to be
received by 11 November 2016.
CANCELLATION FEES
If it is necessary for you to cancel your holiday,
notification of cancellation must be received in writing.
Cancellation charges will apply: up to 8 weeks prior to
departure - loss of deposit; 7-4 weeks prior - up to 50%
of tour cost; and less than 4 weeks - up to full tour cost.
No refund is available for cancellation of the tour or
any service not used after commencement of the tour.
Deposits are non-transferable.
PASSPORT AND VISAS
It is the traveller’s responsibility to ensure that they
possess the necessary travel documentation for the
tour, such as a valid passport and any required visas.
In general, a passport should be valid at least 6 months
beyond the end of your journey and have two clear
pages to allow for entry and exit stamps en-route or
for any visas applicable for countries in your journey.
At the time of making your booking you will be given
information about any visas that may be required
for the tour. Our agency will assist you with the Visa
process.
PRICES
Tour prices stated on the tour brochure has been
calculated on the basis of exchange rates and tariffs
valid at time of print and are subject to change up until
final payment for the tour has been received. Once
final payment is received, no surcharges will apply.
Should you decide to cancel your tour on the basis of a
change of price, then normal cancellation charges will
apply.
TRAVEL MASTERS Group
(Travel Masters, The Travel Studio,
Beth & Bob Malcolm, Managing Directors
PO Box 563, Nerang QLD 4211
Phone: (07) 5596 0511 / 1800 672 988
Fax: (07) 5596 5663 Email: [email protected]
Visit our website: www.travelmasters.com.au
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Mistvale Pty Ltd trading as Travel Masters and/or its
associated Companies or Agents, act only in the
capacity of agents for the passenger in all matters of
transportation, tour operation and other services. All
receipts, tickets, vouchers, coupons or exchange orders
are issued subject to the terms and conditions under
which transportation and other services are provided.
Travel Masters and/or its associated companies or
Agents assume no responsibility for loss, injury, accident,
delay or damage or irregularity that may be caused
to person or property, however caused arising before
commencement and/or during any tour under its
management, sponsorship, procurement or otherwise.
It is the responsibility of the passenger to make sure he/
she is in possession of the proper visas and other travel
documents and that they are in compliance with current
government and transportation companies’ regulations.
The right is reserved to modify the itinerary in any way
considered necessary or desirable, or to change any
reservation, hotel feature and/or means of conveyance,
without allowance or refund but the extra cost (if any)
resulting therefrom must be paid by the passenger. The
right is also reserved to cancel or withdraw any tour,
to replace any tour leader with another, to cancel or
withdraw any booking made for a passenger, or to
decline to accept any person as a member of a tour.
The transportation companies or firms shall be exempt
from all liabilities in respect of any detention, delay, loss,
damage, sickness or injury however and by whomsoever
caused and of whatever kind occurring of or to the
passenger at any time when the passenger is not on
board a carrier or conveyance used or operated by
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concerned shall constitute the sole contract between
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these tours and/or passenger. All tickets, deposit tickets,
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means of transportation or other services provided there
by are offered or supplied by owners, public carriers, or
managing agents. The issuance and acceptance of
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shall be deemed consent to the above conditions.
The tour is based on flights as detailed in the itinerary,
however any other IATA or non-IATA carrier may be used
for tour co-ordination.
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Ice & Snow Festival - Harbin
A Travel Masters Escorted Tour
available exclusively through
Cnr Cotton & Ferry Sts Nerang
Q Super Centre, Mermaid Waters
PH (07) 5572 7272
PH (07) 555 42 777
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