Nestled in the northeastern corner of China, Yichun, a small city in Heilongjiang Province, offers a perfect escape from the sweltering summer heat. Unlike the more famous winter destination of Harbin, Yichun's charm lies in its cool, forested summer. With an average temperature of 22°C, even during the hottest months, Yichun provides a refreshing retreat far from the heat waves sweeping across most of the country.
As I landed at Taiping International Airport, I immediately felt the cool, crisp air that Yichun is famous for. The journey from Harbin to Yichun was a scenic drive through the seemingly endless forests along the Udale Highway, with the Uma River meandering beside the road. Yichun's vast expanse of forest is its calling card, and the 20°C forest is the soul of its summer.
Entering the Wuying National Forest Park, the cool, moist air filled my lungs as the LED sign at the entrance proudly displayed the high concentration of negative oxygen ions, over 7,500 per cubic centimeter. The park's lush greenery and serene ambiance make it a perfect spot to escape the oppressive heat. On a rainy day, the temperature can drop even further, creating an almost autumnal feel. Walking along the stone path, I reached the Viewing Tower, where the sight of chipmunks darting around added to the park's enchanting atmosphere.
Further exploration led me to Tianci Lake, a picturesque body of water surrounded by mountains. The lake's surface reflected the blue sky and white clouds, creating a stunning natural painting. A drone's-eye view revealed the vast expanse of the world's largest Korean pine forest, where the sea of green trees merges with the clouds on the horizon—a sight that is nothing short of breathtaking.
Thrills, Tranquility, and the Unique Flora and Fauna of Yichun
For those seeking a bit more adventure, Tangwanghe National Park is a must-visit destination. Known for its fascinating granite rock formations, the park offers a blend of natural beauty and exhilarating activities. One of the highlights is the narrow crevice known as "A Thread of Sky," which challenges visitors to squeeze through the tight space, followed by the thrill of shouting into the Echo Wall to hear your voice bounce back.
As I climbed the 78-meter-high observation tower, the entire forest spread out before me like an emerald ocean, stretching for hundreds of kilometers. The scenic beauty of Xiaoxing'anling Mountains, with its rolling hills covered in dense forests, was a sight to behold. For those who prefer a more leisurely pace, the forest oxygen bar trail offers a gentle stroll through misty woods, where crystal-clear streams babble, and herds of sika deer gracefully emerge from the forest.
One of Yichun's hidden gems is the Jingshan Deer Park, a popular spot that feels like stepping into a different world. The park's simple exterior belies the magical experience within, where rolling green pastures, clear streams, and playful deer create a scene straight out of a fairy tale. In the late afternoon, the deer come out to play, eagerly following visitors who offer them corn or fresh vegetables. The friendly deer, with their warm, soft ears brushing against your arm, are impossible to resist, making every photo a perfect memory of this enchanting place.
For a more adrenaline-pumping experience, the Dafeng River offers what is known as the "First Drift of Xiaoxing'anling." This 6,350-meter-long rafting course, with a total drop of 391 meters, provides a thrilling ride through the mountains. The cool river water splashing against your skin and the rush of adrenaline as you navigate the rapids make for an unforgettable adventure.
Dinosaurs, Russian Culture, and Culinary Delights
No trip to Yichun is complete without a visit to Jiayin, the discovery site of the first dinosaur fossils in China, earning it the title "China's First Dragon Town." The Jiayin Dinosaur National Geopark is a paradise for dinosaur enthusiasts, with life-sized models and fossil displays that bring these ancient creatures to life. A local "dinosaur expert" I met there, a young boy who could name all 246 species in the park, reminded me of the universal childhood fascination with dinosaurs.
After exploring the dinosaur world, I headed to the Shenzhou Dinosaur Museum, where I touched the only real dinosaur bone on display—a must-do for anyone visiting during the Year of the Dragon, as it is believed to bring good luck.
Yichun's border location also imbues it with a unique Russian influence. Walking through the streets, I encountered numerous Russian-style buildings with their distinctive domes and found shops selling Russian goods. A boat ride on the Heilongjiang River, which serves as the border between China and Russia, offers a scenic view of the two countries, with the lush forests of Yichun on one side and the Russian landscape on the other.
Of course, Yichun's natural beauty extends to its culinary offerings as well. Known as "China's Blueberry Capital," Yichun is a paradise for berry lovers. I visited a local blueberry farm where I picked plump, juicy berries that tasted even sweeter because I had harvested them myself. The town is also famous for other wild fruits, such as raspberries, blackcurrants, and the uniquely flavored lantern fruit, which are all bursting with fresh, tangy flavors.
Yichun's forests also produce some of the region's finest delicacies. Black fungus, a local specialty, is known for its thick, crisp texture and is often served in a refreshing salad with vinegar, garlic, and chili oil. Another prized local ingredient is the rare hazel mushroom, found only in the primeval forests of Xiaoxing'anling. This wild mushroom, used in the famous Northeastern dish "Chicken Stewed with Mushrooms," adds a rich, earthy flavor that is impossible to replicate with cultivated varieties.
