Jixi

Jixi lies in eastern Heilongjiang and combines lake scenery, border landscapes, and wartime sites. It is also known for local specialties such as cold noodles and knife-cut noodles.

• Xingkai Lake: Asia’s largest freshwater boundary lake, with broad open waters. Visit the Xinkailiu Scenic Area for panoramic views of both Greater and Lesser Xingkai Lakes, or stroll along the beach at Dandong Town and wait for the sunset over the lake.

• Hutou Fortress: Known as the site where World War II ended, it has an underground-fortifications museum that remains relatively well preserved and is a good place to learn about the history. The Ussuri River is nearby, so you can also enjoy the riverside scenery.

• Dongfanghong Wetland: This internationally important wetland is known as the “pearl of the northern wetlands.” From Wangjiang Tower, you can look out over the entire wetland, making it a good spot for nature viewing.
• Jixi Museum: The museum covers Jixi’s ancient history and modern and contemporary black-soil culture. Its exterior is distinctive, and admission is free. After your visit, take a walk in the neighboring Aselia Garden.

• Qilin Mountain: A national 4A-rated scenic area with moderate elevations, suitable for relaxed walking. The mountain also has entertainment options such as a multicolored slide, making it suitable for family trips.

Classic Three-Day, Two-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive in Jixi, explore the city, and sample local flavors

After arriving, have Jixi-style spicy cold noodles and spicy dishes in the city. In the afternoon, visit Jixi Museum to learn about the local history; in the evening, stroll through Muling River Park or along Central Avenue. Have Jixi barbecue for dinner and experience the city’s nightlife.

• Day 2: Visit Xingkai Lake and enjoy the sunset

Drive or hire a car from the city to Xingkai Lake; the journey takes about two hours. In the morning, visit Xinkailiu Scenic Area and admire views of Greater and Lesser Xingkai Lakes from the lookout. In the afternoon, drive along the lakeside Gangshudong Road, stopping for photos along the way. In the evening, watch the sunset from the beach and try Xingkai Lake whitefish for dinner. Stay by the lake or in Mishan city.

• Day 3: Visit Hutou Fortress and stroll along the Ussuri River

Head to Hutou Town, about a 1.5-hour drive away. Visit the Hutou Fortress Museum and enter the underground fortifications to learn about the history. Then walk along the Ussuri River; Russia lies on the opposite bank, and you can watch the evening sun over the water. Leave in the afternoon according to your return schedule, or buy local specialties such as Mishan rice and black fungus in the city.

Must-Try Foods in Jixi

Jixi cuisine combines northeastern flavors with Korean ethnic influences, and portions are usually generous.

• Jixi Spicy Cold Noodles: The noodles are handmade and springy, with a sweet-and-sour broth that also has a spicy kick. They are often served with spicy mixed vegetables and fried tofu puffs.

• Jixi Knife-Cut Noodles: Their preparation and serving style differ from knife-cut noodles in southern China. Both the noodles and toppings are generally spicy, and they are often served with skewers and pickled cabbage, giving them a strong, rich flavor.

• Xingkai Lake Whitefish: One of China’s four famous freshwater fish, with delicate, fresh meat. Steaming preserves the fish’s natural flavor particularly well, and it is often served as a main banquet dish.

• Jixi Barbecue: The local barbecue selection is extensive. Grilled heart meat, oysters, and cod are especially representative, usually served with spicy vegetables and dried tofu. It is ideal for an evening meal.

• Iron-Pot Stew: In the countryside, try iron-pot stewed goose, or choose Liu Mao free-range chicken stewed with hazel mushrooms. These stews have richly savory meat, while the pot stickers are crisp outside and soft inside, offering a distinctive northeastern rustic flavor.

Accommodation and Transport Guide

• Where to stay: When visiting Xingkai Lake, stay by the lake or in Mishan city on the first night, at around CNY 200–400 per night, which makes it easier to arrange both sunrise and sunset visits. For the second night, stay in Hutou Town, where prices are around CNY 150–300 per night. If you mainly plan to explore the city, the areas around the railway station or Wanda Plaza are convenient for transport and dining.
• Getting there: The high-speed train from Harbin to Jixi takes about three hours. You can also fly directly to Jixi Xingkai Lake Airport, which is small and convenient for picking up a car after arrival.
• Getting around: Jixi’s attractions are spread out, and Xingkai Lake and Hutou Fortress are far from the city center, so hiring a car or driving yourself is recommended. Taxis in the city start at around CNY 6. There are no shared bicycles locally.

Travel Tips

• Temperature changes and clothing: Temperatures vary noticeably between morning and evening in the Northeast. Even in summer, bring a light jacket. For autumn and winter trips, prepare thermal underwear, a down jacket, thick leggings, and non-slip shoes.
• Mosquitoes and sun protection: Mosquitoes are common around Xingkai Lake and the wetlands in summer, so bring insect repellent. Sunlight is strong by the lake, so sunscreen and sunglasses are recommended.
• Border regulations: When visiting the Ussuri River and Xingkai Lake, do not photograph military facilities or cross boundary markers, and follow border-management rules.
• Fish pricing: At lakeside restaurants, confirm first whether the fish price is calculated by net weight or gross weight.
• Morning markets: Early in the morning, visit Nanshan Morning Market or Limin Road Morning Market to browse local stalls and try breakfasts such as lamb soup, tofu pudding, and fried rice cakes.