双鸭山市

Why this place

Shuangyashan is a coal and grain city between two rivers, close to the Russian border. Its distinguishing feature is the wetland — this part of the Sanjiang plain is one of China's largest marsh areas, and it is full of waterbirds.

What to see

• The Sanjiang Plain wetlands and the Qixing River nature reserve
• The Ussuri River and the border wetlands
• Longhu Lake and the surrounding marsh parks

What to eat

• Northeast stews and fish
• Sanjiang rice, which is among the best in China

Best time

June–September; May for migrating birds