Jingpo Lake

Jingpo Lake Global Geopark with Diaoshuilou Falls, the volcanic-crater Underground Forest and the ruins of the Bohai Kingdom's Upper Capital — a summer escape and history trip in Northeast China.

Mudanjiang lies in southeastern Heilongjiang Province, about 300 km from Harbin, with the city spread along both banks of the Mudan River. Its county-level city of Ning'an is home to Jingpo Lake UNESCO Global Geopark and the ruins of the Bohai Kingdom's Upper Capital, making the area a showcase for summer escapes and history in Northeast China. This destination covers downtown Mudanjiang and the outskirts of Ning'an and Hailin; in winter, "China Snow Town" (Shuangfeng Forest Farm), the Snow Valley trek, Hengdaohezi and Weihushan Film Studio are listed separately under "Snow Town & Shuangfeng Forest Farm."

Areas to explore: ① Jingpo Lake — China's largest volcanic lava-dammed lake; take a boat cruise to see the "Eight Views of Jingpo," including Pearl Gate and Mao Gong Shan, while Diaoshuilou Falls at the northern end is spectacular at high water. ② Volcanic forest — the Underground Forest (virgin forest inside volcanic craters) and Xiaobei Lake to the northwest. ③ Bohai ancient capital — the ruins of Shangjing Longquanfu in Bohai Town and the stone lantern pagoda of Xinglong Temple tell the story of the Tang-era "Flourishing Land East of the Sea." ④ City and outskirts — the Eight Women Martyrs sculpture in Riverside Park, Mudanfeng National Forest Park (skiing in winter) and the Yang Zirong Martyrs' Cemetery in Hailin; also try Korean-style cold noodles, kaolengmian (grilled cold noodles) and river fish.

Best season: June–September is best, with cool weather; after rains in July–August, Diaoshuilou Falls is at its fullest; autumn colors peak from late September to early October. In winter Jingpo Lake offers ice fishing, frozen falls and winter swimming shows, while the Underground Forest is mostly closed.

Getting there: high-speed trains link Mudanjiang and Harbin (about 1.5–2 hours), and Mudanjiang Hailang International Airport has flights. Jingpo Lake is about 110 km from the city, with tourist shuttles in peak season and connections from Dongjingcheng Station; self-driving is more flexible. The Underground Forest and Xiaobei Lake require self-driving or a hired car.

Suggested length: 2–3 days (1 day at Jingpo Lake, 1 day for the Underground Forest and Bohai ruins, half a day in the city); in winter it pairs well with Snow Town.

Tips: in the dry season Diaoshuilou Falls has very little water, so check conditions before you go; there are many mosquitoes around the lake and forests; tickets and boat cruises are usually charged separately — check the attractions' announcements.

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