Top 6 Things to Do in Heilongjiang (Tips, Photos & Map)

Heilongjiang (黑龙江) literally means "Black Dragon River".  It is China's northern most province, named after the same name borderline river separating China and Russia - Heilongjiang ( Known as Amur River in Russia), hence the name.

Its proximity to Russia has given Heilongjiang Province much influence from Russia in the manifestation of architecture, food, culture and souvenirs.

If you travel Harbin, the capital city of the province, you will see the European style buildings, facades and cobblestone streets.

Beyond the cities and towns, Heilongjiang boasts beautiful landscape of river, lakes, mountains and dominant volcanoes. In the northern tip of Mohe City, you will experience the Northern Lights at the North Pole Village in the city.

In the west of Heilongjiang, you will be fascinated by the pure and clean water of the Wudalian Chi - the famous five connected lakes, formed by the volcanic eruptions.

In the most southerly Heilongjiang,  the mirror-like lake known as Jingpo Lake will definitely hold you intrigued. The lake is also formed by the falling lava of volcanic explosions.

Given its sub-arctic cold,  the freezing winter is mostly the tourist high season for the northerly province.  People just  brave the cold and join the crowds to enjoy the fun of  ice and snow featuring the Harbin's Ice and Snow Festival, Yabuli Skiing, Snow Village's snow wonderland and more.

The Top 6 to Do in Heilongjiang List is aimed at helping you plan your own Helongjiang trip.

1. Viewing Northern Lights at the North Pole Village 漠河北极村

The North Pole Village (北极村)  is in the north of Mohe City, the northernmost city in China.  The North Pole Village ( Beijicun ) is China's northernmost  village,  at  north latitude 53°33′30″，east longitude 122°20'27.14", though it is not within the Arctic Circle.

The North Pole Village ( Beijicun ) is the only destination where you have the chance to see both northern lights ( also  known as aurora borealis) and polar day. Every year  during the summer solstice ( 9 days before and after summer solstice ) is the best time to see the northern lights and polar day in the Northern Pole Village.  The Northern Pole Village and the whole Mohe Town experience polar day - the mid-night sun visible 22 hours during the day.

The Northern Pole Village's winter is a white snow world, a paradise of brave men ignoring the freezing coldness in the sub-arctic region.  Now the Northern Pole Village has been turned into the Northern ole Village Tourist Scenic Area, the most northly tourist area in China.

2.  Skiing at Yabuli Ski Resort  亚布力滑雪场

3.  Ice & Snow World in Harbin 哈尔滨冰雪大世界

4. Playing Snow at China Snow Town 雪乡

Beside skiing at Xuexiang Ski Resort,  Xuexiang Village also offers a wide range of snow activities such as alpine sleigh rides, horse driven sledges,  snow carved city, snow maize, snow bar, snow photography and so on. If you are lucky,  you can happen to watch the skiing performances by the August First Army Skiing Team.

5.  Biking aroud Wudalian Chi  五大连池

Wudalianchi Natural Reserve is about 380km northeast of Harbin and 230 south of Heihe,  Heilongjiang Province. Wudalian Chi is one of the most beautiful landscapes in China, which is formed by the volcanic explosions. It is a wonderland of hardened lava, volcanic peaks,  reed-lined ponds and azure lakes.

The Wudalianchi Natural Reserve encompasses 1060 sq km including forest, arable land, pasture,  and wetland. Wudalainchi literally means "five connected lakes" formed by the volcanic eruptions. The reserve boasts one of the best three cold springs in the  world, attracting busloads of Chinese and Russian who come here to slurp the so-called curative water.  Wudalianchi possesses the rich variety of  creatures and a complete volcanic natural eco-system.

6. Boating on or Hiking around Jingpo Lake 镜泊湖

In summer many Chinese holiday makers come here to paddle and picnic.  You may just hike along the lake to avoid the crowds. Your entry tickets allow you to take shuttle buses to the sights in the scenic area.  Jingpo Lake Scenic Spot boasts two major sights - Diaoshuilou Waterfall and Underground Forest.

Tip:  Hassle-free Northeast China Escorted Tours

Don’t want to go the do-it-yourself route? No worries, We at Tour Beijing have some options for Northeast China guided tours with English-speaking tour guides:

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