Shuangyashan

Shuangyashan is located in Heilongjiang Province. Its travel offerings include the Wanda Mountains forests, the wetlands of the Sanjiang Plain, and Hezhe culture, while its food is known for northeastern Chinese flavors. Known as the “City of Coal and Power,” it can be covered in a 3-day, 2-night trip combining city sightseeing, natural scenery, and historical sites.

• Qingshan National Forest Park: The park preserves virgin Korean pine forests and has fresh air. From the top of Shifoshan, you can look out over the sea of trees. In summer, visitors can try the zip line, while winter brings skiing activities.

• Anbang River National Wetland Park: Follow the boardwalk into the reed wetlands to watch birds. Flocks of migratory birds can be seen in autumn, making it suitable for nature observation and photography.
• Fenglin Ancient City Ruins: These remains of a Yilou royal city from the Han and Wei periods date back about 1,800 years. The site is large and complexly laid out, offering clues to the ancient civilizations of Northeast Asia.
• Qixing Peak Scenic Area: From Qixing Peak, you can look out over Shuangyashan. The summit also preserves altar ruins arranged according to the positions of the Big Dipper, combining mountain scenery with historical exploration.
• Wusuli River Wetland Park: Located on the China-Russia border, the broad river and scenery on both banks create distinctive border-river views and reflect the character of the border region.
• Shuangyashan Museum: Admission is free. Exhibits cover the development of the coal city and Hezhe intangible cultural heritage. The museum has a wide range of exhibits and offers souvenir stamping.

3-Day, 2-Night City Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive in Shuangyashan and explore the city
  • Morning: After arriving, stay in Jianshan District in the city center. The area is convenient for getting around, with a good concentration of dining and leisure options.
  • Afternoon: Start at the Shuangyashan Museum to learn about this city, known as the “Capital of Black Soil and Wetlands,” and its development. Then choose either Yishou Mountain Forest Park or Cuifengshan Park to climb for city views and observe how the city and mountains fit together.
  • Evening: Eat and browse around Sanli Farmers’ Market or Songjiang International Shopping Building, and try northeastern barbecue and local snacks.
• Day 2: Forests, wetlands, and border scenery
  • Morning: Drive yourself or hire a car to Qingshan National Forest Park. Walk through the virgin Korean pine forest and visit Shifoshan.
  • Afternoon: Continue to Anbang River National Wetland Park, watching birds along the boardwalk and enjoying the broad, quiet wetland scenery.
  • Evening: Return to the city and choose northeastern goose stewed in an iron pot or river fish stewed in an iron pot for dinner, sampling the local style of hearty stews.
• Day 3: Explore history and depart
  • Morning: Choose either Fenglin Ancient City Ruins or the Yilou Culture Folk Park to learn about the royal city remains and related history and culture from more than a thousand years ago.
  • Afternoon: Return to the city to buy souvenirs. Options include Raohe black bee honey, Baoqing red beans, Beidahuang woodblock prints, and northeastern black fungus, before beginning your journey home.

Local Food Guide

Local food mainly consists of northeastern Chinese dishes and Hezhe specialties. Portions are usually generous, and prices are generally good for the amount served.

Transportation and Accommodation

• Transportation:
  • Getting there: High-speed trains run directly to Shuangyashan West Station. You can also fly to Jiamusi Dongjiao Airport, then transfer by high-speed train or coach to Shuangyashan; the final leg takes about 1.5 hours.
  • Getting around the city and between counties: Taxis and buses are available in the city. Attractions in Youyi County, Raohe County, Baoqing County, and elsewhere are spread out, so driving yourself or hiring a car makes it easier to connect the itinerary. Car hire costs about 400 yuan per day, with flexible scheduling.
• Accommodation:
  • Staying in the city: Jianshan District is a good first choice, such as around Songjiang International Shopping Building, where dining, shopping, and transport are convenient. Budget hotels are also reasonably priced.
  • Staying in border counties: When visiting Raohe County, consider a guesthouse or river-view room in the center of Raohe Town to experience the quieter pace of life in a border town.

Practical Travel Tips

• What to wear: Day-night temperature differences are noticeable in northeastern China, especially in autumn and winter. Bring a windproof jacket or light down jacket for mornings and evenings, and use sun protection at midday. For winter trips, also pack a hat, gloves, earmuffs, and non-slip shoes.
• Mosquito protection: When visiting forest and wetland parks in summer and early autumn, bring mosquito repellent and wear long sleeves.
• Portion sizes: Northeastern dishes usually come in large portions, so order according to the number of diners. In general, 2–3 people can share 2–3 dishes to avoid excessive leftovers.
• Night market hours: Outdoor night markets in the Northeast are mostly concentrated in summer. Some may close or end earlier in autumn and winter. Check opening times before setting out, or eat in indoor shopping malls and farmers’ markets.
• Buying local products: Many mountain products sold by the roadside as “wild monkey-head mushrooms” and similar goods are actually farmed. For souvenirs, choose established supermarkets or specialty shops and check the product’s source.