The First Bend of the Heilongjiang River

　　The China-Russia border river, the Erguna River, becomes the source of the Heilongjiang River after merging with the Shilka River flowing from Russia about 15 kilometers northwest of Luoguhe Village in Mohe County. From this starting point, the mighty waters of the Heilongjiang River flow eastward along the low valley between the Greater and Lesser Khingan Mountains for 150 kilometers before suddenly forming a perfect Ω-shaped bend at a place called Hongqi Ridge. This magical, 30-kilometer-long great bend is known as the First Bend of the Heilongjiang River. The formation of the bend is naturally due to changes in terrain, but as China’s third-largest river, the Heilongjiang has abundant water volume — it takes more than just ordinary terrain to make such a powerful river easily change direction. As a result, the side blocking the river’s flow is often a steep cliff face, while the other side is relatively gentle and low-lying. On the Chinese side of the cliff lies another spectacular sight: the mountaintop is flat and covered with dense forests. Standing at the mountaintop near the first bend, a beautiful and magical scene unfolds before your eyes: the clear river water rushing from one side gently curves northward at your feet, then turns sharply right toward the horizon at the cliffs within sight; on the opposite bank lies a beautiful island encircled by the river, covered with pristine mixed coniferous and broadleaf forests. The terrain gradually descends from high to low, and the colorful forests appear as if flowing from afar, striking awe into the heart. The river water flows around the beautiful island, forming a semi-circular golden beach, and thus this lovely island has earned the resounding name — Golden Ring Island.