Journey through China’s scenic Heilongjiang province on a luxury train; tour packages from $2,288
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A rail journey through Heilongjiang province in north-east China offers a new way to experience the region's four seasons and changing landscapes.
PHOTO: ASA HOLIDAYS
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SINGAPORE – Heilongjiang province in north-east China has much to offer: rich culture, vast natural wonders and scenery that transforms with the seasons.
It borders Russia to its north and east, and is separated by two rivers: Amur and Ussuri.
In spring and summer, its landscapes burst into life with verdant forests, blooming fields and nature parks with cascading waterfalls and sweeping lakes.
Come winter, temperatures plunge as low as minus 30 deg C, turning its capital Harbin into the famed “Ice City”, with frosted streets and glittering ice sculptures.
Visitors can explore Heilongjiang aboard the Yichun Luxury Train, which was launched in October 2024.
This 12-carriage sightseeing locomotive, which can carry up to 190 passengers, has themed cabins inspired by Asia, Europe, America, Africa and Oceania, alongside live entertainment such as song and dance performances.
At the rear, floor-to-ceiling windows frame panoramic views of the passing scenery.
The Yichun Luxury Train takes travellers on rail journeys through the Heilongjiang province.
PHOTO: ASA HOLIDAYS
Tour agency ASA Holidays is the only appointed overseas sales partner for the Yichun Luxury Train in Singapore, with exclusive rights granted by the agencies operating the train – Yichun Forest Industry Group and Harbin Railway Bureau Group.
“Currently, we have many travel agencies from Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Hong Kong purchasing train tour packages from us,” Mr Albert See, ASA’s managing director and chief executive, tells The Straits Times. This is its second year partnering with Chinese agencies to promote the train.
In December, ASA Holidays will run a nine-day winter tour, priced from $3,288 a person, with departure dates on Dec 17, 18, 19 and 22. The seven-day tour is available in 2026 with departures on May 10 and 31 and June 14, from $2,288 a person. Prices include return airfare, meals, accommodation and selected activities.
The train will be chartered exclusively by ASA Holidays on these tour dates, says Mr See, adding that the dates selected are most suitable for travellers in the region. Most of the departures fall during the June and December school holidays.
Winter activities in north-east China include sledding, skiing and ice fishing.
PHOTO: ASA HOLIDAYS
The December itinerary will include stops in Harbin, Mudanjiang and Hengdaohezi.
Excursions include iconic attractions such as Harbin Ice and Snow World, China’s Snow Village, Saint Sophia Cathedral, and Volga Manor. To add festive cheer, Santa Claus – flown in from Finland – will make a special guest appearance on board.
The train features 12 carriages, many of them fitted with large windows to make the spaces feel roomy and open.
PHOTO: ASA HOLIDAYS
In contrast, the May and June tours showcase Heilongjiang’s warmer side. The route passes through Harbin, Yichun and the Tangwang River area, with highlights such as Jinshan Deer Park, Lindu Night Market and Xishui National Forest Park.
On Sept 4, ASA Holidays and Yichun Tourism Development Group signed a memorandum of understanding at the Singapore company’s office in People’s Park Complex, affirming their commitment to promoting the train tours to more travellers.
The agency also teamed up with Chinese-language daily Lianhe Zaobao on Sept 4 and 5 to host a travel seminar at SingPost Centre, drawing a total of around 260 attendees keen to learn more about the tours. The event cost $5 a person and was free for Lianhe Zaobao subscribers.
Local celebrity Jack Neo shared his experience on travelling through Heilongjiang with ASA Holidays by train.
PHOTO: ASA HOLIDAYS
Local celebrities Edmund Chen and Jack Neo, who have worked with the agency on past campaigns, were also present to share their experiences of travelling through the province by train.
This story was brought to you by ASA Holidays. str.sg/9QNMA
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