Winter Magic for Families: Harbin Ice Festival & Club Med Vacation

Step inside the Forbidden City and wander through the vast courtyards, towering gates and beautifully painted halls that once formed the heart of imperial China. Along the way, your guide shares stories of emperors, court traditions and life behind the palace walls, bringing centuries of history to life.

After exploring the Forbidden City, head to the Temple of Heaven, where emperors once came to pray for good harvests and the prosperity of the empire. Take a moment to wander beneath the ancient cypress trees before arriving at its beautifully preserved ceremonial halls.

Later in the afternoon, settle in for tea and light refreshments at Guan Tan Art Space overlooking the Temple of Heaven. As daylight fades, watch the ancient rooftops gradually glow beneath the evening sky, creating a striking contrast with the lights of modern Beijing.

After around a 2-hour drive from Beijing, arrive at Mutianyu, one of the best-preserved and most scenic sections of the Great Wall. Ride the cable car above the treetops before walking between centuries-old stone watchtowers as the Great Wall winds across the mountains. Pause to take in sweeping views across the surrounding hills and imagine the soldiers who once guarded this strategic frontier.

The return journey comes with an exciting twist. Finish the visit with the famous toboggan ride back down the hillside - a favorite with both children and adults.

Slow things down with a relaxed walk through Beijing's historic hutongs. Wander through narrow lanes lined with traditional courtyard homes, where small grocery shops, local cafés and neighborhood life have changed little over the years. Warm up with a hot drink and try a tanghulu — fresh fruit coated in a crisp sugar glaze - then simply take your time soaking up the unhurried rhythm of the hutongs.

After your walk, your guide will accompany you to the airport for your flight to Harbin, China's famous Ice City. The flight takes around 2 hours. Upon arrival, your local guide will be waiting to welcome you and escort you to your hotel.

Meet the Siberian tigers at one of the world's largest tiger conservation centers, where specially designed sightseeing vehicles bring you close to these remarkable animals.

Your next stop is Sun Island, home to the Harbin International Snow Sculpture Art Expo. Here, enormous snow sculptures created by talented artists from around the world transform the park into an outdoor gallery of winter art.

As night falls, step into Harbin Ice and Snow World. Wander among glowing ice castles, colorful towers and sparkling sculptures illuminated in every direction. Take your time exploring this glittering world of ice and snow. For many families, it feels like stepping straight into a winter fairytale.

This morning begins with a stroll along Central Street, where elegant European-style buildings, cozy cafés and long-established bakeries reflect Harbin's unique blend of Chinese, Russian and European influences. Stop by the iconic Saint Sophia Cathedral before continuing to the Ice and Snow Carnival, where families can enjoy a variety of optional snow activities and amusement rides.

In the afternoon, board a high-speed train to Changbaishan. The journey takes around 5 hours, including the transfer from the station to Club Med Changbaishan, where a resort representative will be waiting to welcome you and accompany you to the hotel. The rest of the evening is yours to relax and ease into the slower pace of the mountains.

Wake up to your first full day at Club Med Changbaishan. The day is yours to enjoy as you wish. Join an included ski lesson, unwind in the natural hot springs or simply relax at the resort. If the weather is clear, you may also wish to visit Heaven Lake, resting high inside an ancient volcanic crater, where the frozen lake and snow-covered peaks create one of the region's most iconic winter landscapes. Continue to Changbai Waterfall, where frozen cascades and snow-covered forests create a peaceful winter scene beneath the mountains.

Spend the day exactly as you wish at Club Med Changbaishan. Join another ski lesson or continue exploring the slopes, with runs suitable for both beginners and more confident skiers.

Younger children can enjoy the snow park while parents or grandparents relax with a hot drink overlooking the mountains, making it easy for everyone to enjoy the day in their own way.

Today is entirely yours to enjoy. Return to the ski slopes, unwind in the hot springs or join one of Club Med's family activities. Or simply spend time together enjoying the peaceful mountain setting.

Whether you're building snowmen with the children, relaxing at the resort or taking one last run down the slopes, today is about enjoying quality time together before continuing your journey.

Experience Shanghai's blend of traditional charm and modern energy. Wander through Yu Garden's winding lanes before exploring the leafy streets around Fuxing Park and Bugaoli, where locals walk their dogs, practice tai chi and relax in neighborhood cafés.

Enjoy a light lunch featuring traditional Shanghai snacks before making your way to the Bund, Shanghai's iconic waterfront promenade. As evening falls, board a Huangpu River cruise and take in the historic Bund on one bank and the illuminated skyscrapers of Lujiazui on the other.