Heilongjiang Three Gorges National Forest Park

Heilongjiang Three Gorges National Forest Park

Heilongjiang Three Gorges National Forest Park is a national-level forest park.

Longjiang (Heilongjiang) Three Gorges

This national forest park is located in Luobei County. From Hegang city proper, take the Hegaogao Expressway, turn north at the 68 km mark, then continue 34 km along the Luobei–Yichun Jiayin Highway to Xingdong Village to enter Heilongjiang Three Gorges National Forest Park. The park is 100 km from Hegang city proper and 34 km from Luobei County. The Heilongjiang Three Gorges within the forest park form a canyon-type natural scenic area created by the Heilongjiang River and surrounding peaks. It has been open to tourists since 2000.

Heilongjiang Three Gorges National Forest Park covers an area of 85.7 square kilometers. It consists of the Taipinggou Forest Farm Wetland Area, Wangyunfeng Ski Resort, Jiayin Estuary, Mingshan Island, and Dulu River Wetland. The Heilongjiang River flows from west to east, and the waterway of the Heilongjiang Three Gorges spans 45 kilometers. The Heilongjiang Three Gorges preserve rich and pristine natural vegetation, including coniferous forests of Korean pine, white pine, Scots pine, larch, and Chinese juniper, as well as broadleaf forests of pagoda tree, birch, willow, elm, and poplar. There are also abundant precious medicinal herbs and wild vegetables. The forest is home to various wildlife such as black bears, wolves, wild boars, rabbits, roe deer, sika deer, foxes, weasels, badgers, and squirrels. The deep, fast-flowing waters of the Heilongjiang River, together with the winding, undulating mountains, create a majestic landscape along the China–Russia border river. The Heilongjiang Three Gorges consist of Longmen Gorge, Jinlong Gorge, and Jinman Gorge. Between Longmen Gorge and Jinlong Gorge lie three smaller gorges: Longtou Gorge, Longteng Gorge, and Longfeng Gorge. As the Heilongjiang River forms the border between China and Russia, the opposite bank lies in Russia’s Jewish Autonomous Oblast. Here, visitors can experience the unique sensation of “traveling along the China–Russia border river and through the Heilongjiang Three Gorges, taking in the scenery of two countries and three regions.” The Heilongjiang Three Gorges not only feature towering, rugged mountains and rushing waters but also boast exceptionally well-preserved natural ecological environments, showcasing the pristine beauty of natural landscapes.

Longjiang Three Gorges National Forest Park is an outstanding ecotourism destination based on its border river, canyons, forests, snowscapes, wetlands, and cultural history. The China–Russia border river is particularly famous for its section in the Heilongjiang Three Gorges. Located in the middle reaches of the Heilongjiang River in the Luobei section, the Three Gorges stretch from the Jiayin Estuary in the west to the foot of the Guntululing Mountain in Taipinggou, Xingdong, in the east. The waterway extends 45 kilometers, where the Heilongjiang River divides the Greater and Lesser Khingan Mountains, forming three gorges: Longmen Gorge, Jinlong Gorge, and Jinman Gorge. Within Jinlong Gorge are three smaller gorges: Longtou Gorge, Longteng Gorge, and Longfeng Gorge, creating a unique landscape of “large gorges enclosing smaller ones, and gorges within gorges.” It is acclaimed for having the grandeur of the Yangtze River, the elegance of the Li River, and the majesty of the Min River. It is the most spectacular and unique natural landscape gallery along the Heilongjiang tourism route and a golden tourist destination within the Heilongjiang COOL Tourism Belt. The banks of the Heilongjiang Three Gorges feature undulating mountains, ancient towering trees, misty clouds, and crystal-clear waters. The vast natural forests are rich in tree species, including the country’s second-largest virgin Korean pine forest. The woods are home to precious wild animals such as roe deer, sika deer, bears, and boars, as well as wild vegetables and medicinal plants. The expansive wetlands are dotted with marshes and thick reed beds, and are habitats for over ten rare bird species, including red-crowned cranes, swans, black storks, and egrets.

The Heilongjiang Three Gorges have three main features: First, Heilongjiang Province is the only province in China named after a river. Second, as the Heilongjiang River forms the border between China and Russia, with the Russian Jewish Autonomous Oblast on the opposite bank, visitors can experience the unique feeling of “traveling through the China–Russia Heilongjiang Three Gorges and enjoying the scenery of two countries and three regions.” Third, the Heilongjiang Three Gorges feature not only towering, rugged mountains and rapidly flowing waters but also exceptionally well-preserved natural ecosystems, showcasing pristine natural landscapes. There is no industrial development along the river, few settlements, and no factories throughout the entire Heilongjiang basin. The waters are clear, meandering eastward, surrounded by lush vegetation—truly a refreshing scene of green mountains and clear waters.

Comrade Sun Gang, then Executive Deputy Director of the National Tourism Administration, visited the Heilongjiang Three Gorges and wrote the following lines: “The beautiful gorges of Longjiang stretch long in Luobei, / Layer upon layer of verdant forests spread boundless and wide. / At Mingshan, the port thrives in delight, / While midnight lights herald a radiant sight.”

Longjiang Three Gorges Forest Park is divided into four zones: a tourism area, a hunting area, a skiing and entertainment area, a reception and service center area, and an ecological protection area. Based on the characteristics of its existing scenic resources, the tourism area is planned to include four major scenic zones: Mingshan Island Tourist Scenic Area, Wetland Protection Area, Taipinggou Scenic Area, and Xingdong Zone.

Mingshan Island

Xinglong Canyon

Heshi United Korean Pine Virgin Forest

Jinhua Nunnery

Taipinggou Ancient Town

Guntululing Watchtower

Xingdong Provincial Governor’s Office