黑龙江省

Why this place

Heilongjiang is the northernmost province, bordering Russia along the Amur and Ussuri rivers. Harbin's ice festival is the largest in the world, the Greater Khingan forest and Mohe's Arctic village are the northern frontier, and the Sanjiang wetlands are among the richest bird habitats in Asia.

What to see

• Harbin's Ice and Snow World, Saint Sophia Cathedral and Central Street
• Mohe and the Arctic Village, China's northernmost settlement
• The Greater Khingan forest and the Tangwang River stone forest
• Jingpo Lake and the underground forest at Mudanjiang
• Zhalong's red-crowned cranes near Qiqihar

What to eat

• Harbin red sausage and guobaorou; Russian-influenced bread and borscht
• Sanjiang rice, which is among the best in China; Amur river fish

How to plan

Five days: Harbin two, then Mohe or Mudanjiang depending on the season.

Best time

December–February for ice; June–September for forests and wetlands

Practical tips

• January temperatures reach −25°C in Harbin and −40°C in Mohe — proper winter gear is essential

Cities 13

哈尔滨市 Harbin齐齐哈尔市 Qiqihar鸡西市 Jixi鹤岗市 Hegang双鸭山市 Shuangyashan大庆市 Daqing伊春市 Yichun佳木斯市 Jiamusi七台河市 Qitaihe牡丹江市 Mudanjiang黑河市 Heihe绥化市 Suihua大兴安岭地区 Daxing'anling