Black Fish Lake

Black Fish Lake

Black Fish Lake is a national AAA-level tourist attraction, a national water conservancy scenic area, and a national wetland park.

The Black Fish Lake Ecological Park is affiliated with the Daqing Oilfield Water Supply Company. Originally named Heiyupao (Black Fish Pool), it earned its name for its abundant black fish. Located in the northeast of Daqing City, over twenty kilometers from the urban area, it borders Lindian and Anda.

The lake boasts expansive waters, covering 60 square kilometers—ten times the size of Hangzhou’s West Lake. The surrounding wetlands feature enchanting landscapes dotted with cattails, flocks of gulls, scattered ponds, and a pristine, ecologically rich environment. It is home to dozens of rare bird species, including red-crowned cranes, oriental white storks, grey cranes, wild ducks, white storks, geese, woodpeckers, owls, and red-billed gulls. The lake itself harbors over forty species of wild fish, such as black fish, grass carp, black carp, silver carp, bighead carp, common carp, crucian carp, and gudgeon.

The ecological park’s green coverage has reached 80%. Over 60 tree species have been planted, including nine rare varieties: Japanese black pine, elderberry, torch tree, red osier dogwood, Cornus stolonifera, crabapple, five-lobed maple, Populus × canadensis (a type of poplar), and juniper, totaling more than 30,000 trees. The park also cultivates 30,000 dahlias across 39 varieties, covering 7,000 square meters (approximately 10 acres)—the largest, newest, and most comprehensive dahlia garden in China. In 2007, it was rated as a national AAA-level tourist attraction by the National Tourism Attractions Quality Rating Committee.

The Black Fish Lake Ecological Park also raises 170 deer—including both sika and red deer—for viewing and consumption. Additionally, over 6,500 Muscovy ducks are bred, along with free-range geese and local chickens, providing nutrient-rich, flavorful ingredients for premium local products such as Quanyun Liquor, fragrant pressed duck, and spiced duck eggs.

At the center of Black Fish Lake lies a small island, formerly called Mantou Mountain (Steamed Bun Mountain) but now known as Lake Heart Island, covering about 10,000 square meters. After the ecological park was established, the island was converted into a water quality monitoring station to ensure safe drinking water for residents of Daqing’s main urban area.

The Black Fish Lake Ecological Park offers a variety of interactive activities for visitors, including luxury cruise boats, speedboats, and jet skis. A 20,000-square-meter water recreation area has been built, where guests can wade in shallow waters or enjoy activities like inflatable water walking balls, trampolines, water volleyball, Saturn rings, water rocks, bounce houses, catapult bags, water slides, seesaws, and spinning platforms. Outdoor fitness options such as energetic grassland soccer, children’s play zones, adult fitness areas, and land-water model aviation are also available. By crossing a small wooden bridge to Baiyan Island, visitors can observe small animals like peacocks, pheasants, guineafowl, and rabbits.

The distinctive freshwater cuisine of Black Fish Lake is a culinary brand of Daqing. Locals often bring family and friends here to savor its fresh fish dishes. Signature specialties include braised bighead carp head, braised clam skirt, deep-fried golden-edged water louse (soft-shelled turtle), pan-fried blunt-snout bream, and soy-braised crucian carp, catfish, minnows, and gudgeon. Notably, “Steamed Bighead Carp” and “Pan-Fried Bream” have been recognized as northern delicacies by the Heilongjiang Provincial Catering and Cooking Association. Black Fish Lake Hotel is a national three-star tourist hotel and a member of both the Heilongjiang Provincial Culinary Association and the Heilongjiang Provincial Hotel Association.

Scenic Area Address: Near Beishuiku Village, G015 National Highway, Saertu District, Daqing City, Heilongjiang Province

Transportation: Take Bus No. 24 within Daqing City to Daqing Reservoir Station, then walk southeast for about 100 meters to reach the park.

Self-Drive Route: From Daqing, take the airport expressway, drive 15.6 km, go straight for 110 m, turn right for 230 m, turn right again for 4.2 km, then turn right for another 2.1 km to arrive.