HEILONGJIANG PROVINCE.
Heilongjiang Province is famous for its natural landscapes, as well as the variety of cultural resources, an abundance of folk customs and folklore – national minorities have lived in this territory since time immemorial. The cities of Harbin, Daqing and Yichun are wonderful tourist centers with a unique northern flavor.
Harbin is the administrative center of the province, as well as the most important political, economic, scientific, technical, cultural and transportation center of northeast China. The main attractions of Harbin are Hagia Sophia., Jilesi temple, central avenue, zoo, parks “Window to Europe and Asia”, flowers and birds, tigers, children’s park. Harbin stands in the middle reaches of the Songhua River. Near its northern city is Sunny Island (Taiyandao), which is a favorite vacation spot for tourists.
According to Ehangzhou, Zhalong Nature Reserve is located 27 km southeast of Qiqihar. The reserve has a center for bird watching, of which there are 269 species. This place is also known as the “Land of Cranes” as 6 of the 15 known species of these birds live here.
The reserve “Lake Khanka” or “Xingkai-hu” is located in the very east of the province on the border with Russia. One third of its area in the north belongs to China, the southern part belongs to Russia. The area of the lake is 4,380 km2. Swans, Manchurian cranes and mandarins live here, and in the waters there are a large number of fish. The shores are covered with dense natural vegetation.
Lake Jingbo (Jingbo) – the largest alpine lake in China. There is a wonderful waterfall on the lake. Other attractions are the Wudalianchi Volcanic National Park and the Five Lakes. – These are five interconnected lakes that were formed when lava blocked the river. 14 cone-shaped volcanoes lined up around the lakes. 50 km northwest of Jingbo Lake are the Zhangguangcailin Mountains, which contain 10 craters. The largest crater is considered to be 550 m in diameter and 200 m deep. If you look down from its edge, you can see that the slopes are densely covered with greenery – this is the famous natural zone of national importance “Primitive Crater Forest”. Not far from the crater forest are lava tunnels that are several hundred meters long. The inner walls of the tunnels are covered with stalactites and stalagmites of various sizes.
In the province, you can take a cruise on the Heilongjiang River. The Heilongjiang River flows through Mongolia, Russia and China. In Russia, this is the Amur River. Its middle course, 4370 km long, is the border between China and Russia. The river strongly meanders and is shaped like a dragon. It flows in very picturesque places, and along the way there are settlements of national minorities. The river cruise starts from Mohe, China’s northernmost city, and passes through Xilinji, Heihe, Xunke and Zhanhe. You can go rafting on the river.
JILIN PROVINCE.
Changchun, the capital of the province, has received various names – “forest city”, “spring city”, “film studio city”. Changchun was the capital of the puppet state of Manchukuo, created by the Japanese in 1932 and existed until 1945. In memory of this period, the Imperial Palace, the State Council building and other buildings built in various styles remained in the city. The people of Changchun are justifiably proud of their Jingyue Forest Park. The park covers an area of 4.3 km2. Local ecosystems are protected on its territory. Tourists come here for recreation, treatment, sightseeing, and a base has been built for cross-country skiers. Changchun is home to a film studio, the cradle of Chinese cinema.
The Sungari River flows through the province, which in winter forms a unique attraction – iced trees. The river does not freeze even at negative temperatures, and the steam rising from it crystallizes on the willows and pines growing along its banks. The branches covered with a layer of ice look transparent and create a unique fairy-tale picture. Iced trees are one of China ‘s top natural wonders.
Chengbai Mountains located in Jilin and Liaoning provinces. Most of the peaks in this area exceed 2000 m, and the highest point, Chengbai Volcano, rises to 2744 m. Several rivers flow from the mountains. The area is covered with dense mixed forests, which are a protected area. On the territory of the reserve there are hot springs, an 86-meter waterfall, the holy lake Tianchi.
Xianghai Nature Reserve is located in the northeast of Jilin. It is a habitat for 293 rare species of birds, including 6 species of cranes. The idyllic scenery combined with the folklore of the local people make a trip to this bird watching area an unforgettable experience.
