[2025 Jiamusi Attraction] Travel Guide for Songhua River (Updated May)

I unlocked a spring-limited romance in Dongji Jiamusi, China I originally thought that Jiamusi was just the coordinate point of the easternmost part of the motherland. It was not until the spring breeze blew across the banks of the Songhua River in late April and thousands of apricot trees blossomed like clouds and snow that I was surprised to realize that this border city actually hides such a poetic spring! Coincidentally, during the May Day Golden Week, I participated in the super interesting "Three Rivers with Apricots, Flowers at YOUNG East" event in Jiamusi. Please keep this freshly-released check-in guide. 📸 Immersive gameplay guide: ① Collect the exclusive "Spring Pass Certificate" at Xinghua Square ② Go to the "Xinghao Market" to unlock the intangible cultural heritage treasures: Hezhe fish skin paintings, birch bark handicrafts, Northeastern paper-cuts... Each stall is a cultural blind box ③ Collect 7 cultural and creative stamps to exchange for beautiful apricot blossom themed peripherals ④ Write your wish in the blessing apricot forest and watch the pink and white petals dancing in the wind 🌿 Privately hidden check-in spots: ✔️ The rain of petals falling on Apricot Blossom Avenue ✔️ The artistic railway tracks of Binjiang Railway Park ✔️ "Time Memory Museum" transformed from a century-old station ✔️ Ten-mile walking path along the Songhua River From now until May 5th, Xinghua Square will continue to be filled with fragrance! This spring, don’t miss the apricot blossom viewing in Jiamusi - after all, there are not many cities in China that can combine the grandeur of the frontier with the elegance of the south of the Yangtze River.

Jiamusi, located in the northeast of Heilongjiang Province, is adjacent to Tongjiang, the main settlement of the Hezhe people. It is the core area for the inheritance of intangible cultural heritage. Experiencing the Hezhe intangible cultural heritage here is an excellent opportunity to deeply experience the unique culture of ethnic minorities in the northeastern frontier! You can experience it at the Hezhe Culture and Art Center, Jiamusi City Museum and other places. At the opening ceremony of the second Jiamusi River Calling Festival, you can also see the grand river-opening ceremony performance of the Hezhe people! 🪸Must experience project of Hezhe ethnic group's intangible cultural heritage-- 🐟Fish skin making technique Experience content: Learn how to tan fish skin (scrape fat and knead the skin with a wooden knife) and make fish skin paintings. Semi-finished fish skin painting handicrafts are more suitable for study and experience, and the display and craft lectures of fish skin clothes 👔👖 are more interesting! The unique souvenirs made of fish skin - refrigerator magnets, key chains, pendants, etc. are rare and special Hezhe gifts🎁 In addition, you can also wear Hezhe costumes and take beautiful photos📷. 🎤Imakan rap A United Nations Intangible Cultural Heritage project, listen to the inheritors perform "Hilda Rumorgen" in throat singing, and learn to sing simple supporting lyrics for some sections. 🎣Traditional fishing and hunting experience Recommended activities: Participate in the "Fork Grass Ball" game (simulating forking fish) in summer, experience ice fishing in winter, and learn to make a "bell net" (a Hezhe specialty fishing net) under the guidance of a master. 🏛️The Hezhe exhibition hall of Jiamusi Museum provides a detailed understanding of the cultural heritage of the Hezhe people. You must see the treasure of the museum: the fish skin idol from the late Qing Dynasty. 💍Northern Red Agate Beading Experience: Heilongjiang is the origin of northern red agate. The ethnic jewelry made from it is very exquisite. You can experience intangible cultural heritage experience projects such as beading and knotting. 🦪🥘Special food and intangible cultural heritage--- - Must-try: Yumao (fish floss mixed with wild onions), bream sashimi (raw fish quickly marinated in rice vinegar) - Hidden way to eat: Dip the thick plum cake (a traditional Hezhe pastry) in sturgeon roe sauce - Northeastern specialties: stewed river fish in an iron pot🐟 🕙Best time to experience Hezhe festivals April: Songhua River Opening Ceremony June: Participate in the "Wurigong" Festival (Hezhe Olympics, including rowing 🚣‍♀️, archery competitions) September: Salmon migration season, watch the traditional "river worship" ceremony Winter: Experience winter fishing 🚎If you have enough time, it is recommended to go to Tongjiang for an in-depth experience - Jiejinkou Township: Stay at the Hezhe B&B, go out with the fishermen in the morning, and learn to make "Taraha" (grilled sashimi with wild leeks) in the afternoon - Bacha Township: Participate in the bonfire party, learn the "Wengini" dance, and experience making birch bark steamers.

Attractions Recommended[Glister][Glister] Daliangzi River National Forest Park: It has a high forest coverage rate and has many scenic spots such as the Korean pine mother forest and the Anti-Japanese United Army Secret Camp, where you can experience activities such as forest walks and rafting.  Sifengshan Scenic Area: The lake is wide and surrounded by mountains. It has many natural and cultural landscapes and is suitable for leisure vacations and outdoor picnics.  Songhua River Square[Star][Star][Star][Star][Star]: Located close to the Songhua River, it has a memorial tower and portrait reliefs. It is a good place to enjoy the river view and take a leisurely walk.  Youfang Hutong[Star][Star][Star][Star][Star]: An intangible cultural heritage district with many specialty snacks and handicraft shops where you can experience the local folk culture. Food Recommendations [Tableware] Jiamusi Mixed Noodles: Mixed noodles from stores such as Three Sisters and Changxing Xingxing are very popular among locals. The noodles are chewy and the ingredients are rich. Thousands of bowls can be sold a day. Jiamusi BBQ: Specialties include pancake skewers, shabu-shabu, etc. Xingxing BBQ’s shabu-shabu tripe and skewers are worth a try. The skewers are tender and the shabu-shabu tripe is tasty. Hezhe fish feast: It can be tasted in Tongjiang and other places, such as Shasheng fish, Talaha, etc., with tender meat and unique taste. Accommodation options [Bed] Jiamusi Wanda Jin Hotel is located in the city center, overlooking the bustling city and has a good environment. Trip Planning Three-day tour [Three]: On the first day, you can visit the Jiamusi Japanese Army's Invasion of China Evidence Exhibition Hall and go to Fujin Wetland Park; on the second day, you can go to Sanjiangkou Scenic Area, Jiejinkou Scenic Area, Diaoyutai Scenic Area, etc.; on the third day, go to Wusu Town to watch the sunrise in the early morning, climb Heixiazi Island, and then go to Erdaohe Farm "Wanmu Dadihao". Two-day city tour [Two]: On the first day, visit Shuiyuanshan Park, Hejiang Provincial Site Museum, Zhiqing Square, Flood Control Memorial Tower, Jiamusi Riverside Park, etc.; on the second day, visit Xinglin Lake Park, Xilin Park, and stroll around Zhima Hutong and Youfang Hutong.

Jiamusi is a natural wonderland with breathtaking scenery. The Songhua River flows through the city, nourishing the land. The parks along the river are shaded by lush trees and filled with flowers, making them perfect for leisure and entertainment. In spring, the city comes alive with vitality and hope. In summer, the trees provide shade and the breeze brings coolness. In autumn, the colorful mountains resemble a beautiful painting. In winter, the snow-covered landscape creates a fairytale world. Jiamusi has a rich history and culture. It is home to the Hezhe ethnic group, whose unique customs and traditions add a mysterious charm to the city. Ancient legends and exquisite handicrafts showcase the wisdom of the people. Jiamusi offers a variety of delicious foods. From steaming northeastern stews to crispy pancakes and fresh river fish, each dish is full of rich northeastern flavors that leave a lasting impression. The people of Jiamusi are warm, hospitable, hardworking, and kind. They build this beautiful city with their own hands and welcome every visitor with sincere smiles.

Jiamusi City is a prefecture-level city in Heilongjiang Province, classified as a fifth-tier city, with the Songhua River flowing through it. Located in the heart of Heilongjiang's black soil region, Jiamusi was once the headquarters of the Heilongjiang Production and Construction Corps, documenting the development history of Heilongjiang from a barren land to a fertile granary. Tourism: Jiamusi Riverside Park: Located by the Songhua River, the park features trails, woods, and green spaces along the river. There are boats for cruising the Songhua River, making it a major tourist attraction and a primary activity spot for residents. The riverside has a monument commemorating the 10th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and a sculpture of educated youth. The scenery is quite nice. Sifeng Mountain Scenic Area: This scenic area is developed around the Sifeng Mountain Reservoir in the suburbs, surrounded by mountains and water. The scenery is beautiful, and it is still under construction and improvement. It is expected to attract many tourists in the future. Due to the mountains surrounding the reservoir, it can be quite hot in the summer, so it might be better to visit outside of the hot season. Shuiyuanshan Park: Still under construction, with free admission. It mainly features woods and children's play facilities, making it suitable for families with kids. Paid attractions include children's amusement rides, a water park, and an animal house. Xinglin Lake Park: A free urban park with ponds and green spaces. The park also houses some black swans, call ducks, mallards, and other birds. Xilin Park: This is a small urban garden where many residents exercise in the morning, practicing Tai Chi, standing exercises, running, and various other activities. It's a nice place for a walk if you live nearby. Food: When in Jiamusi, you must try the local Northeastern cuisine. I tried two cold noodle restaurants, Sanjie Cold Noodle Restaurant and Chunhua Ethnic Cuisine. Both were quite good and similar in quality. Sanjie Cold Noodle Restaurant is located in a bustling area and gets very crowded during meal times. For iron pot stew, I recommend Shanhetun Iron Pot Stew. The portions are huge, and it's impossible to finish. If you plan to go, make sure to call ahead to reserve a spot, as the cooking process takes about 60 minutes, and the wait can be frustrating. Accommodation: The Atour Hotel next to Xilin Park is quite good. There are also All Seasons, Xana, and Lavande hotels nearby, but the Atour's wooden bed rooms are the most comfortable. Transportation: Jiamusi is a small city, and the starting fare for taxis is generally 7 yuan, which is also the price for ride-hailing services. The ride-hailing cars are actually taxis, and I didn't encounter any private ride-hailing cars. One of the most striking things is the absence of mosquitoes. During a season when mosquitoes are rampant elsewhere, you can wear short sleeves here without worrying about insect bites. A small regret: Motor vehicles here do not yield to pedestrians, so be extra careful when crossing the street.

**🚗Beijing Self-Drive——Chifeng——Tongliao——Songyuan——Jixi——Jiamusi——Yichun——Suihua——Songyuan——Changchun——Baishan——Yingkou——Beijing, Enjoy the Northeast Grand Circle!✨** 🌟Departure: Beijing 🌟Destination: Beijing 🌟Cities and Routes: Beijing - Chifeng - Tongliao - Songyuan - Jixi - Jiamusi - Yichun - Suihua - Songyuan - Changchun - Baishan - Yingkou - Beijing 📌Itinerary Planning: **Day 1-2: Beijing - Chifeng** * Depart from Beijing in the morning and drive to Chifeng. * Upon arrival, visit cultural attractions in Chifeng city, such as Chifeng Museum, to learn about local history and culture. * Enjoy Chifeng's specialty food, such as Chifeng Duijia, in the evening. * Overnight in Chifeng. **Day 3: Chifeng - Tongliao** * Drive to Tongliao in the morning, enjoying the grassland scenery along the way. * Upon arrival, visit Zhalute Grassland in Tongliao to experience the vastness of the grassland. * Enjoy Tongliao's roasted whole lamb in the evening. * Overnight in Tongliao. **Day 4: Tongliao - Songyuan** * Depart for Songyuan in the morning, passing through the beautiful Horqin Grassland. * Upon arrival in Songyuan, visit the banks of the Songhua River and enjoy the river view. * Enjoy Songyuan's local snacks in the evening. * Overnight in Songyuan. **Day 5: Songyuan - Jixi** * Drive to Jixi in the morning, enjoying the mountain and water scenery of Northeast China along the way. * Upon arrival in Jixi, visit Xingkai Lake to experience the lake and mountain scenery. * Enjoy Jixi's farmhouse dishes in the evening. * Overnight in Jixi. **Day 6: Jixi - Jiamusi - Yichun** * Depart from Jixi in the morning and head to Jiamusi. * Upon arrival in Jiamusi, take a short break and visit attractions such as Jiamusi Museum. * Continue to Yichun in the afternoon, and upon arrival, visit Yichun's forest attractions. * Enjoy Yichun's wild game cuisine in the evening. * Overnight in Yichun. **Day 7: Yichun - Suihua** * Drive to Suihua in the morning, enjoying the rural scenery of Northeast China along the way. * Upon arrival in Suihua, visit ancient city attractions to feel the weight of history. * Enjoy Suihua's specialty food in the evening. * Overnight in Suihua. **Day 8: Suihua - Songyuan - Changchun** * Depart from Suihua in the morning and return to Songyuan, enjoying the beautiful scenery of Northeast China along the way. * Continue to Changchun in the afternoon, and upon arrival, visit urban attractions such as the Puppet Emperor's Palace Museum. * Enjoy Changchun's local snacks in the evening. * Overnight in Changchun. **Day 9: Changchun - Baishan** * Drive to Baishan in the morning, enjoying the mountain and water scenery of Jilin along the way. * Upon arrival in Baishan, visit natural attractions such as Changbai Mountain Tianchi (reservation required). * Enjoy Baishan's specialty food in the evening. * Overnight in Baishan. **Day 10: Baishan - Yingkou** * Depart from Baishan in the morning and drive to Yingkou, enjoying the beautiful scenery of Liaoning along the way. * Upon arrival in Yingkou, visit coastal attractions such as Yingkou Bayuquan Beach. * Enjoy Yingkou's seafood feast in the evening. * Overnight in Yingkou. **Day 11: Yingkou - Beijing** * Depart from Yingkou in the morning and drive back to Beijing. * Enjoy the scenery of the North China Plain along the way, ending the pleasant self-drive tour of Northeast China. 🚗Road Condition Information: * The overall road condition along the way is good, but some sections may be restricted due to weather or construction, so it is recommended to check real-time road condition information in advance. * The Northeast region has heavy snowfall in winter, so if the trip is planned in winter, be sure to pay attention to driving safety and prepare emergency equipment such as anti-skid chains. 🏠Accommodation and Food: * Chifeng: Recommended to stay in city hotels and enjoy local specialty food such as Chifeng Duijia and Shaomai. * Tongliao: Experience grassland Mongolian yurt accommodation and enjoy specialty food such as roasted whole lamb and milk tea. * Songyuan: Recommended to stay in hotels by the Songhua River and enjoy local snacks. * Jixi: Experience farmhouse accommodation and enjoy farmhouse dishes such as Xingkai Lake fish feast. * Jiamusi, Yichun, Suihua, Changchun, Baishan, Yingkou: Each place has a variety of accommodation and dining options, and you can choose accommodation and enjoy local specialty food according to personal preferences. 📚Humanities and History: * Chifeng: Has a long history and culture and is one of the birthplaces of Hongshan Culture. * Tongliao: Located in Horqin Grassland, it has rich grassland culture and historical relics. * Songyuan: Located by the Songhua River, it has rich historical culture and natural landscape resources. * Jixi: Has natural landscapes such as Xingkai Lake and rich historical and cultural resources. * Jiamusi, Yichun, Suihua, Changchun, Baishan, Yingkou: Each place has a unique cultural and historical background and rich tourism resources. 💡Tips: 1. Check the vehicle condition before departure to ensure driving safety. 2. Pay attention to the weather conditions along the way in advance and make emergency preparations. 3. There are many attractions along the way