Text and Photos: Self-guided travel writer Zhang Jiashaman from Ziyouxinzixin Media Visit Wudalianchi to watch ice fishing, capture rime scenery at Wenbo Scenic Area, learn about the educated youth and experience Dongguan folk culture in Heihe, eat an ice popsicle in sub-zero weather, cross the border gate to feel the Russian vibe, try water-splashing-into-ice... Let’s welcome the New Year together in the "One City, Two Countries" snow-covered Heihe.
About the Itinerary Day 1: Nationwide → Harbin → Wudalianchi → Stay at “Wudalianchi Hot Spring International” Day 2: Hotel → Wenbo Scenic Area → Wudalianchi Ice Fishing → Beiyin Spring → Lunch → Head to Heihe → Stay at “Heihe International” Day 3: Hotel → International Auto Parade → Aihui History Exhibition Hall → Aihui Educated Youth Exhibition Hall → Stay at “Heihe International” Day 4: Hotel → Aihui Sijiazi Manchu Township Banzhijie Festival → Guandong Folk Village → Stay at “Heihe International” Day 5: Hotel → Blagoveshchensk, Russia → Lenin Statue → Orthodox Church → Shopping → Lunch → Cross Back into China → Stay at “Heihe International” Day 6: Return Trip Winter Wonderland at Wenbo Scenic Area In Wudalianchi, Heilongjiang Province, lies a volcanic ice and snow wonderland where the water never freezes all year round, steam rises continuously, and rime forms layer upon layer. The diverse ice and snow formations are dreamlike and come in various shapes, resembling a “Peach Blossom Spring” in winter, attracting visitors from far and wide. On winter mornings, around Wenbo, clusters of rime coat the trees and bushes, turning them into pristine jade and silver branches, presenting a breathtaking scene of “white poplars budding with jade and weeping willows blooming with silver flowers.” From afar: “It looks as if silver blossoms bloomed overnight,” and the grasses, adorned with fuzzy little ice crystals, resemble coral reefs blooming on a silver field. Wenbo has three wonders: first, its high-altitude non-freezing spring—despite ground temperatures reaching -40°C in winter, the water temperature stays between 7-14°C, causing steam to rise in winter; second, it's a high-magnetic water area, located at the core of the high-magnetic zone within the Wudalianchi Global Geopark; third, it offers a variety of scenes within a single pond, with the landscape changing as you move. At Wenbo, you can also see rime. Warm water just above freezing meets the cold air, and the resulting steam quickly condenses into frost on tree branches—this is rime. The water mist solidifies into white, jade-like frost on the trees or grass, creating a fairy-tale-like scene. With temperatures nearing -30°C, it’s freezing, so be quick with your photos, or your camera and phone might shut down from the cold. Wudalianchi Ice Fishing Ice fishing dates back to the Liao and Jin dynasties. Historical records indicate that the Liao emperors loved to eat “ice fish.” Every lunar December, the Liao emperor would lead his ministers to set up tents on frozen lakes and drill holes in the ice to fish. Over time, this became a cultural tradition, and the first fish caught when breaking the ice was regarded as the most auspicious—known as the “head fish.” The “head fish” symbolizes good luck and fortune, and has always been highly sought after by locals. Buying the head fish is considered a joyous act, signifying a good start to the new year and abundance in fish every year. There’s a popular legend that eating the head fish brings good luck. “Look, the fish are jumping!” As onlookers cheer, the fishing nets are continuously pulled out of the water, revealing an increasing variety and size of fish—this is the scene of Wudalianchi ice fishing. On the day of the ice fishing, people gather from all directions for the Lake-Waking and Net-Awakening Ceremony. A Shaman dance performance revives ancient sacrificial customs. The head fisherman, leading fellow fishermen, expresses their gratitude to the divine waters of Wudalianchi in their unique way, praying for a safe and bountiful ice fishing season. The ceremony includes offerings of grains, drumming and worship, draping the head fisherman in red ribbons, and reading ceremonial texts... all to bless favorable weather and a rich harvest. After the ritual, the head fisherman and hundreds of fishermen, clad in thick Northeastern fur coats, pull the fishing nets out of the ice while chanting in unison. Live mineral-water fish leap out of the water. The fishermen scatter the live catch onto the ice as a good omen for the New Year, letting the public choose their favorite fish to take home. The “head fish,” symbolizing wealth and fortune, is auctioned off—the largest, a 15-pound bighead carp, sold for an astonishing 68,000 yuan this year. Beiyin Spring – A World-Famous Spring The cold mineral water here boasts miraculous therapeutic and health benefits. Along with France’s Vichy Springs and Russia’s Narzan Springs, it is hailed as one of the “World’s Three Great Cold Springs.” For centuries, people of all ethnicities have affectionately called it the “Medicine Spring.” “A cup of this holy water can cure ailments, a half-cup of this divine spring can extend life”—it is truly a world-famous spring. Discovered in 1954, Beiyin Spring produces clear, tasteless water containing cations, anions, carbon dioxide, and small amounts of radioactive elements. With a water temperature of 5.5°C, it is a low-temperature medicinal bicarbonate mineral spring, reportedly effective for digestive system disorders. Visitors flock here to drink the water. Locals say: drinking from the North Spring in the morning aids digestion, while drinking from the South Spring at night helps with sleep. I took a sip—it tasted a bit like soda water mixed with a lot of rust. The reed lake by Beiyin Spring shifts colors throughout the seasons, but its swaying form remains ever the same. The most beautiful sight is the reed lake in winter, with frost-covered reeds drooping their heavy heads in the cold wind, offering a uniquely charming view. The Medicine Spring River still flows quietly, shrouded in mist. It’s hard to imagine that, even in sub-zero temperatures of minus thirty degrees, it doesn’t fully freeze. Later I learned that the Medicine Spring River is actually one of the world’s rare mineral “high-altitude waterfalls.” Cold Region International Auto Parade On Tongjiang Road, covered in a blanket of snow, 400 uniquely designed luxury vehicles parade by one after another, resembling a slowly flowing galaxy of vibrant colors... Traditional cold-weather car performance tests, auto parades, rally races, and ethnic village experiences seamlessly integrate people, cars, and scenery, delivering a cultural feast of cold-region vehicle testing tourism for both locals and international tourists. The grand spectacle and the roar of engines draw crowds of locals and tourists alike. This “cold” northern border city instantly comes alive in winter. At Xiaheihe Ferry, an off-road challenge event is held, where 100 off-road vehicles experience the thrill and speed of winter driving. Aihui History Exhibition Hall – Echoes from the Wind Chime Wall Visiting Heihe without going to the Aihui History Exhibition Hall is like visiting Beijing without seeing the Forbidden City. To understand a city, you must first understand its history. Step into the Aihui History Exhibition Hall to feel the spiritual impact of history, experience the century-long changes of Heihe, and explore the only thematic site exhibition in China that comprehensively reflects the history of East China–Russia relations. Located on the left side of the main exhibition hall. The Kuixing Pavilion is the only building that survived the destruction of Aihui in 1900. In 1945, its roof was pierced by artillery fire from the Soviet Red Army, and in 1950, it was demolished by local residents. The current structure was rebuilt starting in 1980 and took three years to complete. It is a reconstruction on the original site. The exhibition hall displays the history of the Heilongjiang River basin from the emergence of humans to the present day, with a focus on the history of Sino-Russian relations in the eastern region from the mid-17th century to the early 20th century, featuring a collection of over 3,000 items. The hall preserves ruins of two sections of the ancient city wall built in 1685 and 1907 respectively, an ancient pine tree that witnessed the signing of the humiliating 1858 Sino-Russian Treaty of Aihui, as well as the Kuixing Pavilion—the only building to survive the destruction of Aihui City in 1900. There are also more than ten tombstones of Qing Dynasty generals from Aihui. The main exhibition hall displays exquisitely crafted stone tools collected and excavated from the Chinese side of the Heilongjiang Riverbank, relics from the Liao and Jin dynasties, and precious items such as Shaman robes, deities, and spirit figurines of the Oroqen ethnic group. It features reconstructions of the signing scenes of the Treaty of Nerchinsk and the Treaty of Aihui, as well as a hyper-realistic scene titled “The Destruction of Aihui.” The semi-panoramic painting employs realistic painting techniques, numerous character depictions, lifelike ground modeling, and a clever combination of sound, light, and electricity to deliver a powerful visual impact, transporting visitors to the “blood and fire” massacre scene over a hundred years ago. Whether for those who achieved success after enduring hardships or for those who sacrificed their young lives on distant frontiers and rural lands, it is an unforgettable experience. Aihui Educated Youth Exhibition Hall Located in Aihui Town, Aihui District, Heihe City, the Educated Youth Exhibition Hall is divided into six sections: “Heading to Beidahuang Together,” “Shining Youth,” “Phoenix Rising from the Ashes,” “Bitter Memories,” “The Tide Recedes,” and “Affection Across Two Places.” All the content is based on real people and true stories, with much of the material sourced from memoirs written by the educated youth themselves. Standing here, one may not fully grasp the passion of those times, but the enthusiasm of that fiery era is genuine, shining, and worth remembering. The Educated Youth Museum takes “Chinese Educated Youth and the Republic Sharing the Same Destiny” as its exhibition theme, comprehensively narrating the history of the educated youth over several decades since the first group of educated youth reclamation teams went to the borderland and rural areas in 1955. It showcases how 17.76 million Chinese educated youth shouldered the historical responsibility of developing the nation’s borderland and rural regions, fighting nature across red soil, yellow soil, black soil, grasslands, and deserts. It also reproduces the brilliant achievements created by the educated youth during the great journey of reform and opening up. As time passes, the once widespread movement of educated youth going up to the mountains and down to the countryside has faded into history, but history must not forget the great contributions of these 17.76 million Chinese educated youth to the development and construction of the motherland, making the spirit of the educated youth and the pioneering spirit worthy of our learning. Aihui Sijiazi Manchu Township's Banjin Festival Manchu characteristics such as the Eight Banners, dry branch plum blossoms, and red lanterns... In Xiaowusili Village, Sijiazi Manchu Township, Aihui District, the festive atmosphere is everywhere. In 2018, the Aihui “Sijiazi Manchu Township Banjin Festival” was held here, and we were honored to participate in the entire event. Ancient Tree Worship Ceremony Combining the legend of praying to ancient trees for blessings, using the renovated altar and fenced open space, four newly made totem poles are arranged. Selected “Chama” (ritual specialists) from the Manchu community, along with elders chosen from the four major families—Kang (Guan), Fu, Li, and Xu—lead the main ceremony, solemnly offering prayers and blessings. They express gratitude to mountains, rivers, all things, worship various deities, and pay homage to ancestors. By participating in the complete ceremony, one embarks on a spiritual journey of self-purification. Ice and Snow Creative Party Highlighting the ethnic cultural characteristics of the 2018 Banjin Festival, a snow sculpture themed around the Shaman deity that reveres natural creatures was built. Additionally, 18 auxiliary snow sculptures, 6 snow sculpture paper-cuttings, and a large slogan “Even Ice and Snow Are Mountains of Gold and Silver” were created, enriching the ice and snow cultural charm of the Banjin Festival. Folk Culture Exhibition Area In the main room of the Manchu Folk Memory Museum, old production and daily life items reflecting Manchu folk culture, Manchu clothing, and calligraphy and painting artworks such as Manchu script couplets are displayed. Guandong Folk Village to Experience Folk Customs The Guandong Folk Village has been rated as “One of the 100 Most Worth-Visiting Places in Heilongjiang Province.” Here, you can participate in the Northeast Yangko dance, experience the Guandong bridal sedan chair, make dumplings, and taste Guandong cuisine, among other activities. The yangko dance has already begun, accompanied by cheerful suona music and the beat of drums. The bridal procession carrying the sedan chair is approaching us, and inside the house, the heated kang bed and steaming dumplings are ready to welcome guests from all over the country. I really want there to be such a place, far from the hustle and bustle of the city, with a few simple houses, a small yard, and a few acres of land. The big yard in winter holds a bit of mystery. The Zhu Family Courtyard is a filming location for the TV drama “Crossing the Great Wall,” located at Jinhe Farm in Heihe City, Heilongjiang Province, 13 kilometers from downtown Heihe. It is a famous tourist attraction in Heihe. What is displayed here is not only a filming location for the TV drama “Crossing the Great Wall,” but also a specific scene of the gold mining industry in the middle and upper reaches of the Heilongjiang River during the old society. You can see the Mountain God Temple, Hero Piles, makeshift shelters, x?⑼蚰晔鳌⑸狭镒印⒁◆せ?⒄朔俊⑴仆贩俊⒔鸸し俊⒋罅镒拥刃矶嗑肮邸�/p> The Zhu Family Courtyard authentically recreates the livelihood, folk customs, and architectural style of the Guandong region during the late Qing Dynasty and early Republican period. You can observe unique phenomena known as the “Four Oddities of Guandong”: “chimneys outside the walls, window paper pasted on the outside, fur-lined coats worn inside out with the fur showing, and babies hung up to sleep.” Near the end of today’s itinerary, we tried the magical water-splashing-to-make-ice activity. With a flick and a jump, under the sunlight, something fantastical happened—the water splashed and tossed into the air instantly turned to ice in the frigid outdoor temperature, forming arcs of ice around the players. Beautiful and thrilling, our friends dubbed this game “water-splashing-to-make-ice.” Blagoveshchensk Russian Charm Heihe City faces Russia’s third-largest Far East city—Blagoveshchensk—across the Heilongjiang River. The two cities are about 700 meters apart, and it takes roughly three minutes by car or boat from Heihe to cross the Heilongjiang River and arrive at the beautiful and magical capital of Russia’s Amur Region, Blagoveshchensk. Cross-border travel is extremely convenient. As the earliest city in Russia’s Far East, Blagoveshchensk has a history of 140 years and is divided into three districts: Lenin District, Border District, and New District. A one-day tour mainly includes visiting Lenin Square, an Eastern Orthodox church, the Russian Far East Railway Station, and a shopping center. Lenin Square Lenin Square was established by the people of Blagoveshchensk in 1967 to celebrate the 51st anniversary of the founding of the Soviet regime. Adjacent to the Heilongjiang River, the square covers an area of 8.4 hectares and was once the venue for grand rallies and parades held annually by the people of Blagoveshchensk to celebrate International Workers’ Day and the October Revolution. Eastern Orthodox Church Originally built in the late 19th century, the Eastern Orthodox Church was initially a wooden carved structure at the establishment of Blagoveshchensk. This unique building serves not only as a place for religious activities for believers but also as a highlight of the city’s architecture, where one can experience the rich exotic charm of Russia. The platinum-colored cross and onion-shaped domes, paired with bright and soft colors, make the Russian Eastern Orthodox Church easily recognizable among the buildings of Blagoveshchensk. Its overall form is tall, slender, luxurious, and delicate. The exterior is lofty and upright, with lower auxiliary buildings on the sides or corners, while the central main tower rises high, topped with a slender spire. It creates a solemn and elegant feeling, inspiring reverence among believers. At dawn, the ringing bells and the church bathed in sunlight inspire Orthodox believers throughout Blagoveshchensk. Blagoveshchensk Railway Station Blagoveshchensk Railway Station was built in 1915 and has a history of nearly 100 years. The station is clean and quiet, with a not-so-large waiting room that only has about a hundred waiting chairs. Though small, the station is well-connected; it is 8,000 kilometers from Moscow, hence it is also known as the Far East Station of Russia. The station also displays the first steam locomotive of the Russian Far East. Visitors can climb aboard and take close-up photos. This little railway station is not only very beautifully built, but also clean and quiet—old yet as good as new. Most importantly, it's not crowded at all, lacking the hustle and bustle typical of train stations back home. Enjoying Russian Cuisine at Pecmopah Lunch at Pecmopah: Said to be the best restaurant in the Russian border town of Blagoveshchensk, it’s a place where locals even come dressed in formal evening wear. As you step into the lobby, the interior is dominated by Russian-style decor. Under the warm lighting, it exudes both a sense of nobility and elegance. The spacious setting ensures every table enjoys both comfort and an intimate sense of space. Once we stepped inside, we saw that all the food had already been served on the table—almost entirely iconic dishes representing Russian cuisine. After a morning of exploring, we couldn’t wait to dig in. If you still have some time after eating, you can explore the shopping malls here. Since you're in Russia, it’s a great opportunity to pick up some souvenirs. Whether it’s the rich Russian ambiance, unique architectural style, or the profound historical culture, you’re sure to be captivated. Staying at Heihe International Heihe International Hotel is located on the beautiful banks of the Heilongjiang River, facing Russia’s Blagoveshchensk City across the river. Situated in the city center, it offers convenient access to leisure and shopping. Best of all, you can enjoy views of Blagoveshchensk across the river. Epilogue About the Food The cuisine is primarily based on Northeastern flavors, encompassing elements from various major Chinese cooking styles, with Russian flavors also having a place. Ingredients mainly include local specialties such as mountain delicacies, seafood, poultry, and other natural, green foods—all highly nutritious. The overall characteristics are: using locally sourced ingredients, selecting rare and premium materials; refined preparation with a wide variety of dishes; savory and richly flavored, with oily and deep-colored dishes; large portions, abundant and value-for-money. In cooking, methods such as clear boiling, stewing, blanching, stir-frying, braising, raw mixing, and cold mixing are used, excelling in being “unique, fresh, light, and nourishing.” Attraction Information: Wudalianchi: Website: http://chinawdlc.org.cn Tickets: Tickets: General admission 195 RMB, includes all scenic spots within the area; Volcanic Wonders Sightseeing Area 60 RMB; Longmen Stone Fortress 40 RMB; South Drinking Spring Scenic Area 5 RMB; North Drinking Spring Scenic Area 15 RMB; Ice Cave 15 RMB; Snow Cave 15 RMB. Transportation: 1. Train: Direct trains from all over China to Wudalianchi (formerly Zhanhe Station) Railway Station, which is 30 km from the core area of Wudalianchi Scenic Area. You can take a taxi or bus to get there, or go directly to Harbin Station and transfer to a direct train to Wudalianchi Station. Railway passenger service is available from Harbin (the provincial capital) to Beian Station, then transfer to a bus to the scenic area. 2. Airplane: Take a direct flight to Harbin and transfer to a train or bus; take a direct flight to Qiqihar and transfer to a train or bus; take a direct flight to Heihe and transfer to a bus for a two-hour ride to Wudalianchi Scenic Area. 3. Bus: Daily tourist buses from Harbin (Longyun), Daqing, Qiqihar, and Heihe reach the scenic area. Aihui Historical Exhibition Hall in Heihe City: Address: Sabusu Street, Aihui Town, Heihe City, Heilongjiang Province Website: http://www.aihuihistorymuseum.org.cn Transportation: Take a bus from Heihe to Aihui, or use carpooling, chartered transport, or drive yourself Guandong Folk Village: Attraction Address: Jinhe Farm, Heihe City, Heilongjiang Province Blagoveshchensk, Russia: Procedures required for exiting Heihe into Russia: Original valid Chinese passport (no visa required). If you don’t have a passport or forgot to bring it, our travel agency can assist in obtaining a one-time-use passport—just bring your original ID card. Processing is done at the Heihe City Exit Hall, with a fee of 220 RMB/person + 20 RMB for photo fees. PS: Russian customs and border control are very strict. Please make sure your personal passport is undamaged, unstained, and free of any writing, otherwise you may be denied exit. Things to note: 1. Currency: The currency used in Russia is the ruble. Please exchange an appropriate amount of rubles before departure. 2. Climate: The local climate is basically the same as that of Heihe. 3. Due to different living habits, Russian hotels do not provide disposable slippers. 4. There’s no need to activate international roaming for your phone. CDMA signals offer the best coverage across Blagoveshchensk, while Unicom signals are slightly weaker. 5. Taking photos is strictly prohibited inside both Chinese and Russian customs areas. 6. Smoking is strictly prohibited in Russian workplaces. 7. Please be sure to follow Russian traffic rules, cross only when the light allows, and do not jaywalk. 8. When entering or exiting the border checkpoint, please follow the team leader’s arrangements and queue up according to the exit list. Regular digital cameras and laptops do not require customs declaration. Due to differing Russian work practices, the customs clearance process in Russia may take relatively longer—please understand. Share
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