Travel News: Explore wintry Harbin on a luxury sightseeing train with tour packages from $3,188
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The decor and furnishings of Yichun Luxury Train carriages follow five themes inspired by different regions of the world.
PHOTO: ASA HOLIDAYS
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SINGAPORE – Located in the north-eastern region of China, Heilongjiang province’s capital Harbin is known to be one of the coldest cities in the world, with temperatures that can fall to around minus 30 deg C.
Beyond sub-zero temperatures, winter in Harbin is a time to experience an enchanting, icy wonderland with experiences tailored for the cold.
In December, tour agency ASA Holidays will be running a nine-day tour through Heilongjiang province. It includes explorations of the snowy landscape in a luxury sightseeing train called Yichun Luxury Train.
The company has obtained exclusive rights from the agencies behind Yichun Luxury Train – Yichun Forest Industry Group and Harbin Railway Bureau Group – to sell this tour in Singapore until December 2025.
The 12-carriage train, previously known as Lindu No. 2, can carry around 330 passengers and was relaunched as Yichun Luxury Train in October, with five themes depicted in the decor and furnishings of its carriages.
Yichun Luxury Train can carry around 330 passengers in its 12 carriages.
PHOTO: ASA HOLIDAYS
The themes are inspired by five regions of the world: Asia, Europe, America, Africa and Oceania – the last including countries such as Australia and New Zealand.
For instance, the Africa-themed carriage, inspired by the Sahara desert, is adorned with palm tree wallpaper. Meanwhile, the Europe-inspired carriage has elegant dining chairs with bronze contours and rustic candelabra on the tables.
As part of the itinerary, travellers will spend a total of about 14 hours on the train. They will board at Harbin Railway Station, stopping along the way at China’s Snow Village, Changting Town Station, Mudanjiang Railway Station and Hengdaohezi Station.
Meals will be provided on the train, and guests can look forward to live band and dance performances.
Passengers are also in for a Christmas treat, as Santa Claus is expected to make a special appearance on one of the train journeys.
Santa Claus will pay a visit to some passengers on board Yichun Luxury Train.
PHOTO: ASA HOLIDAYS
The tour will also visit popular attractions like Harbin Ice and Snow World – one of the world’s largest ice and snow amusement parks – and Jingpo Lake in the south-eastern city of Mudanjiang, where there are multiple scenic spots such as the frozen Diaoshuilou Waterfall and activities like winter fishing.
The tour is available for booking with departure dates on Dec 16 and 17, and costs from $3,188 a person. The price includes return airfare on Air China, meals, accommodation and selected activities.
For more information, go to str.sg/DRR8

