Yichun

Yichun is known as the “Hometown of Korean Pine.” It is home to the largest area of virgin Korean pine forest in Asia, with a very high forest coverage rate. From mid-to-late September to early October, the forests of the Lesser Khingan Mountains display a “Five-Color Mountain” landscape of red, yellow, orange and green, making this a good time for an autumn road trip and forest getaway.

• Tangwanghe Forest Sea and Strange Rocks Scenic Area: This is Yichun’s only 5A-rated scenic area. Granite formations of many shapes are scattered among virgin Korean pines, with trees growing around the rocks and boulders hidden within the forest.

• Wuying National Forest Park: The park preserves Asia’s largest and most intact virgin Korean pine community. Visitors can ride a vintage forest train through the sea of trees and may also spot wild chipmunks along the way.

• Jinshan Deer Park: Known as the “Little Nara of Northeast China,” it has more than 100 sika deer roaming freely across the valley lawns. Visitors can buy corn kernels to feed them, and the light in the early morning and evening is best for photos.

• Shangganling Creek Water Park: Known as a “forest ecological museum,” it is ideal for walking along the creek valley and enjoying the quiet woodland setting. In winter, visitors can also try ice fishing, a traditional activity in Northeast China.

• Maolangou National Forest Park: Often called the “Jiuzhaigou of the North,” it features waterfalls and unusual rocks in its gorge, with emerald streams reflecting the colorful forests on both banks.

• Jiayin Dinosaur Geological Park: One of the earlier places in China where dinosaur fossils were discovered, it is home to the “First Dinosaur of China.” It makes a good educational stop on a family trip.

Classic 4-Day, 3-Night Road Trip

Yichun’s scenic areas are spread far apart, so driving yourself or hiring a car makes it easier to connect the stops while enjoying the views along the way.

• Day 1: Arrive in Yichun and explore the area around the city

After arriving at Yichun West Railway Station or Lindou Airport and picking up your car, drive along Wudai Highway to enjoy the Five-Color Mountain scenery on both sides of the road. Take extra care on bends and use designated viewpoints when stopping for photos. In the afternoon, take a walk in Xing’an National Forest Park near the city. For dinner, try iron-pot stew in town.

• Day 2: Jinshan Deer Park in the morning, Wuying Korean pine forest in the afternoon

Head to Jinshan Deer Park early to feed the deer. The light is good for photography, and the herd is more likely to approach visitors at this time. In the afternoon, drive to Wuying National Forest Park and take the forest train into the virgin Korean pine forest for a relaxing woodland experience. Stay overnight in Tangwanghe Town.

• Day 3: Tangwanghe Forest Sea and Strange Rocks Scenic Area and Xinqing Wetland

Spend the morning walking through the Tangwanghe Forest Sea and Strange Rocks Scenic Area, visiting Yixiantian and Mile Summit, and viewing the Five-Color Mountain landscape from above. In the afternoon, continue to Xinqing National Wetland Park to see the gradually yellowing reeds and wetland scenery, then return to Tangwanghe Town for the night.

• Day 4: Hike in Shangganling Creek Water Park, then depart

Start with a hike along the forest creek valley in Shangganling Creek Water Park. Depending on your schedule in the afternoon, buy local specialties such as dried wild blueberries, pine nuts and wood ear mushrooms before heading home.

Yichun Specialties

Local food often uses forest produce and mountain ingredients prepared in the style of Northeast Chinese home cooking. Portions are generous and the flavors are fresh and satisfying.

Accommodation and Transportation

• Where to stay: Yichun city has a good range of restaurants and daily amenities. Consider Yulan Resort Hotel or Ji Hotel, which also makes getting around the next day easier. If you plan to see Tangwanghe at night, stay one night in Tangwanghe Town. Accommodation there is relatively basic, so confirm the heating arrangements before booking.
• Getting there: By air, use Yichun Lindou Airport; by rail, take a high-speed train to Yichun West Railway Station. The Harbin–Yichun high-speed railway opened at the end of September 2026, reducing the journey from Harbin to about two hours.
• Getting around the city and scenic areas: The distances between attractions are long, so driving yourself or hiring a car is more convenient. If taking a taxi from the city to remote scenic areas, you may have trouble finding a ride, so arrange the itinerary with a hired driver in advance.

Autumn Travel Tips

• What to wear: The temperature difference between day and night is significant in early October. Mountain temperatures may be around 0°C in the morning and about 15°C during the day. Dress in layers with quick-drying clothing, fleece and a shell jacket or light down jacket. Wear long johns and windproof trousers on the lower body, along with non-slip shoes.
• Mosquito protection: Forests have many mosquitoes and biting insects. Bring strong insect repellent and wear long trousers whenever possible.
• Forest fire prevention: Do not bring fire-starting materials or smoke in forest areas. Fire prevention checks are required when entering the mountains.
• Driving advice: Some mountain roads have many bends and weak mobile signals. Download offline maps before setting out, control your speed and avoid driving when tired.
• Feeding the deer: At Jinshan Deer Park, feed the deer only with park-provided food or carrot sticks you bring yourself. Do not give them other food. Keep a safe distance to avoid being knocked by a deer.
• Best time for autumn colors: The Five-Color Mountain scenery is usually at its best from September 20 to October 15. Strong winds and a sharp drop in temperature after the National Day holiday may cause many leaves to fall, shortening the viewing season, so plan your trip early.