Mingyue Island Scenic Area

Mingyue Island Scenic Area

Mingyue Island Scenic Area is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction.

Located seven kilometers northwest of Qiqihar city center, it is a river island surrounded by water on all sides in the Nenjiang River, covering an area of approximately 0.8 square kilometers. Originally named "Sishui Island." Situated in the middle reaches of the Nenjiang River, about 7 kilometers northwest of Qiqihar city in Heilongjiang Province. As a river island, it resembles a bright moon reflected in the waters of the Nenjiang River, hence the name "Mingyue Island." The island stretches approximately 4 kilometers from east to west and 3 kilometers from north to south, covering an area of about 7.6 square kilometers. The natural environment is beautiful. The terrain of the island undulates gently, with meadows and marshes interspersed, complemented by two small rivers and five island lakes. Over 500 plant species and 150,000 trees cover the continuous sand dunes.

In spring and summer, the woods are lush and the vegetation abundant, with terns, kingfishers, skylarks, and larks competing in song and color. The surrounding waters are vast and blue, stretching far into the horizon. On the island, there was a Dragon King Temple dating back to the late Qing Dynasty, and in 1925, the Wanshan Temple was built. In those days, people came here to worship the deities and pray for favorable weather and good harvests. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, with urban development, the area was officially designated in 1982 as a scenic zone that combines natural landscapes with classical architecture. The island features colorfully decorated main halls, Fushou Pavilion, Ruyi Pavilion, Wangjiang Pavilion, and other ancient-style temples, as well as a children’s sightseeing train encircling the island. The train route is 4.5 kilometers long, making it the longest such railway for children in China. Mingyue Island is covered with dense forests and green grass. In summer, it is an excellent spot for boat rides on the river, picnics, camping, and summer retreats, while in winter, it becomes a popular destination for viewing northern scenery and enjoying ice and snow activities.

Mingyue Island Scenic Area is a famous park in Heilongjiang Province, second only in popularity to Sun Island. The two islands lie north and south of each other, forming a pair of beautiful “sister islands.” Lively Sun Island contrasts with the serene and elegant Mingyue Island; while Sun Island is full of modern vibes, Mingyue Island exudes a more classic and refined charm. Each island has its own unique appeal and character, complementing each other beautifully. Mingyue Island is a river island, named for its resemblance to a bright moon reflected on the waters of the Nen River. It is a naturally vibrant scenic area in the northern frontier, integrating classical architecture, and is a rare northern garden landscape destination.

Surrounded by clear waters, Mingyue Island is expansive in size, giving visitors a sense of boundless skies and open land, lifting their spirits beyond the mundane. Cruising around the island by boat, you’ll find forested areas, botanical gardens, wild cultivation zones, central sightseeing areas, and sports zones, where shimmering water and lush trees create a delightful harmony. Looking into the distance, you’ll see rolling sand dunes, flowers everywhere, and occasionally some wild animals darting into view, bringing delightful surprises to visitors, like stumbling upon a hidden paradise. On the island, sand dunes, marshes, and lakes are arranged in an orderly fashion, with undulating terrain that is complex and varied. Over four to five hundred plant species cover the entire island, especially century-old elm, mulberry, and locust trees that remain vigorous with new life. In spring and summer, dozens of bird species such as azure-winged magpies, terns, kingfishers, skylarks, and larks fly and sing in the woods, creating a vibrant natural paradise filled with birdsong and floral fragrance.

At the heart of Mingyue Island are Qing Dynasty-style classical structures: Wanshan Temple, Yuhou Pavilion, Sanqing Pavilion, Baiyang Cave, and Sanxing Pavilion. These pavilions and towers are arranged in a pleasing, scattered layout, exuding an antique charm. To the east lies a fish pond where “lotus fragrance and leaping fish” can be enjoyed; to the west are sand dunes, sparse woods, rockeries, flower stands, and pavilions, with secluded paths winding around the temple, forming a central sightseeing area. A miniature train runs along the perimeter of the island, allowing visitors to tour the entire island and experience the grandeur of the northern landscape. In spring and summer, wildflowers bloom profusely across the island, filling the air with their fragrance. In autumn, leaves fall in a riot of colors against yellow sands and leaves, with high clouds and clear waters. In winter, the world turns white with snow, presenting a pure and immaculate scenery that highlights the tranquil and gentle beauty of the island. In short, Mingyue Island enchants visitors with its fresh, unspoiled, and rustic landscape, offering a taste of the gentle charm of the southern regions within the rugged vastness of the north — truly a place of poetic beauty.

Wanshan Temple: Originally named Huanning Ancient Temple, it is located on Mingyue Island, seven kilometers northwest of downtown Qiqihar. First built in 1926, it includes the Jade Emperor Pavilion, Baiyang Pavilion, Sanxing Pavilion, and Sanqing Pavilion. These classical-style buildings are arranged in a diamond-shaped layout, all featuring carved beams and painted rafters, glistening in gold and grandeur. Dozens of vivid and whimsical statues adorn the site. Nestled amidst lush greenery, the temple offers pleasant scenery and is a municipal-level key cultural relics protection unit.