Jiamusi

Jiamusi has noticeable temperature differences between day and night, so bring a jacket for trips to the riverfront and wetlands.

Located on China’s eastern border, Jiamusi lies where three rivers meet. The area is known for its vast wetlands, border scenery, and Northeastern Chinese food culture, making it a good place to combine nature and cultural attractions in one trip.

Main Attractions

• Heixiazi Island: Located at China’s easternmost point, this island is shared by China and Russia. Climb the East Pole Pagoda for views of both riverbanks and the “two-colored river,” or visit the former Russian barracks to learn about the island’s history as a place shared by two countries.

• East Pole Square: Located at the easternmost point of China’s land territory, this is a good place to wait for the country’s first sunrise. A free sculpture of the Chinese character “东” (east) stands by the river as a striking geographic landmark.

• Sanjiangkou Ecological Tourism Area: The Songhua and Heilong rivers meet here, with a clear line between their differently colored waters creating the “Mixed Rivers” scene. The area also has a monument marking the starting point of the Tongjiang–Sanya Highway.

• Fujin National Wetland Park: This park showcases the wetland ecosystem of the Sanjiang Plain, where broad wetlands are interspersed with rice fields. Known as the “home of China’s white-naped cranes,” it offers sweeping wetland views from its birdwatching tower.

• Jiejinkou Hezhe Ethnic Tourism Resort: This is one of the main areas where the Hezhe people live. Learn about fish-skin art and traditional net fishing, try a Hezhe-style whole-fish feast, and discover the local culture.

• Daliangzihe National Forest Park: The park has one of Asia’s best-preserved virgin Korean pine forests, with forest covering 97% of the area. Walk along forest trails, enjoy the fresh air, and learn about the history and culture of the Northeast Anti-Japanese United Army.

• Huanan Forest Steam Train: This tourist railway uses a retired narrow-gauge steam locomotive. The train passes through forests and fields, with a nostalgic atmosphere along the route that also makes for good travel photos.

• Jiamusi Riverside Park: This open, linear park stretches for several kilometers along the Songhua River. It features the Tenth Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China Monument, Educated Youth Square, and Bund Park. It’s a good place for a walk, sunset views, and a breeze off the river.

Classic 3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: City history and river views
  • Morning: Start at the Jiamusi Museum to learn about the history of “China’s Eastern Pole” and Hezhe culture. Then visit the Former Heilongjiang Province Government Museum to see its historic building.
  • Afternoon: Walk along the Songhua River in Riverside Park, passing several distinctive walls, and watch the sunset by the water.
  • Evening: Head to Youfang Hutong or a night market to try street food such as grilled cold noodles, grilled rib skewers, and fried tofu, and experience Jiamusi’s lively evening streets.
• Day 2: Head east to Heixiazi Island
  • Morning: Take a high-speed train or hire a car to Fuyuan. The journey takes about 2–3 hours, with views of the open fields of the Great Northern Wilderness along the way.
  • Afternoon: Explore Heixiazi Island and climb the East Pole Pagoda for views of the Chinese and Russian riverbanks. Then walk along the boardwalk in the wetland park and look for birds.
  • Evening: Stay at a hotel in Fuyuan city or near the East Pole tourist area, and get an early night before the next day’s sunrise.
• Day 3: China’s first sunrise and Hezhe culture
  • Early morning: Get up at 2–3 a.m. and head to East Pole Square to watch the sun rise over the river and see “the first sunlight in China.”
  • Morning: Visit the Easternmost Outpost, then go to Jiejinkou Hezhe Village to try making fish-skin art and sample sashimi-style fish and taraha.
  • Afternoon: If time allows, visit Sanjiangkou to see the Heilong and Songhua rivers meet, then head back.

Jiamusi Specialties

Where to Stay and How to Get Around

• Where to stay: Consider the Wanda Plaza area or the banks of the Songhua River, where dining, shopping, and transport are readily available. If you plan to see the sunrise in Fuyuan, stay at a hotel or campsite near the East Pole tourist area; some rooms have direct views of the sunrise.
• Travel between cities: Jiamusi has Jiamusi Dongjiao Airport and Jiamusi Railway Station. High-speed trains run directly from places such as Harbin, with the journey taking about 3 hours.
• Getting around locally: Attractions in the city are fairly close together, so you can take a bus or taxi. For trips to nearby counties and cities such as Fuyuan, Tongjiang, and Fujin, buy high-speed train tickets in advance. You can also hire a car or rent one to drive yourself and enjoy the scenery along the way.

Practical Tips

• Temperature changes and clothing: Jiamusi has large differences between daytime and nighttime temperatures. Even in summer, bring a long-sleeved jacket or a windproof hiking jacket for sunrise outings. In winter, pack windproof gloves, a hat, ear warmers, and non-slip shoes.
• Border area identification: Carry your ID when visiting border areas such as Heixiazi Island and Wusu Town. Drones are prohibited in some places, so follow local rules.
• Mosquito protection: Mosquitoes are common along the river and in wetland areas. Bring plenty of insect repellent and wear long pants.
• Portion sizes: Northeastern Chinese dishes are usually generous. One dish may be enough for two people, so order according to your group size to avoid waste.
• High-speed train tickets: Tickets from Jiamusi to Fuyuan are in high demand during holidays, so book 3 days in advance.