It is not easy to book a hotel in Jan for the Ice and Snow Festival, but I think it is possible to find one after you get there. You should be ready to take some time to find a decent one, perhaps. So, better to book one in advance.

Thanks Mr Clark
Is it easy to get the train ticket on the spot? As I planned to take a train from Beijing to Harbin. I am concerned about booking in advance as hotels will charge me for no-show if I couldn't get the train ticket.

Not easy to get the train ticket on the spot I think, you should but the ticket early. Jan is fine, I think it is possible to get the ticket 3-10 days before going. If you get there in Feb before the Chinese New Year, it is even impossible to get a ticket. Will you have some days in Beijing? If so, buy the ticket to Harbin when you just arrive at Beijing.

Thanks, Are you local there? You seems to know a lot. I will be in Beijing for a few days. I guess it is possible to buy a return train ticket from Beijing to Harbin, am I rite?Is it easier to get D train ticket than Z & T?Are hotels in Beijing assisting their guests in getting the train tickets? Is it better for hotels to get it for me? Is it possible to walk from Harbin's train station to Zhongyang dajie during the bitterly cold winter and chaotic traffic. Besides pick pocket, tourist traps, taxi scams, fake notes what else should I take note?

Hi, Ben, I am not local there, but once been there and Beijing. Not all the hotels will book the train ticket for you and if one can help, I don't know how the service charge maybe. Buying train ticket in China, especially around festivals is really a problem. If you can buy the ticket 10 days in advance, D trains is better choice. So, If you have decided the hotel, ask if they can help train ticket booking service. The train ticket may be a bit expensive, that is okay if the price is not high too much (30-50RMB higher is acceptable and even 100RMB). Or you can book the train ticket online. If you come to Harbin in Jan, as earlier as possible. From Harbin Railway Station to Central Steet, two stops by Bus 13 off at Shi Er Dao Jie Station and then walk a few meters. So, I do not suggest walking. If you have lugguage, better, take a taxi, about 10RMB is enough. As to special notes, well, take two pair of gloves, a thin one and a thick one. Take off the thick one when you take photos. For the low temperature, take two batteries at least for your camera and keep the camera in warmer place, perhaps pocket within down coat.

Which hotels will you recommend in Beijing & Harbin? How Much would that be? I think Beijing should be cheaper in winter contrast to Harbin.

Perhaps, for the ice festival. What's your budget to pay for a hotel room? Star? Location, etc?

Budget around RMB200, it doesn't matter how many stars as long as the place is decent and clean enough. It should be somewhere around central street or station street, as it's easy for me to take train back to Beijing

Do we need to have exact fare for the bus? I heard that it's very difficult to change MYR to RMB there & the rate is very unfavorable.