Shiwei
室韦
A China–Russia border town on the Argun River, where you can look across to Russian villages. River cruises and sunsets from the riverside village are the signature experiences.
Shiwei (Mengwu Shiwei Sumu) lies on the Argun River in the north of Argun City, with the Russian village of Olochi directly across the water. It is the easiest place on the China–Russia border to “see Russia.” Highlights include the Shiwei port with the China–Russia Friendship Bridge and border markers, the riverside viewing platform over the boundary river, and river cruises along the Argun (about 50 yuan), which bring you close to the Russian village and church across the water. The town has Russian-style log cabins (kulun) and guesthouses. About 10 km north, the quieter village of Linjiang offers sunsets over the Argun River bend from a hillside viewpoint behind the village, a favorite of photographers. Shiwei itself has no entry fee, but cruises and some viewpoints charge separately. Most visitors stay one night in Shiwei or Linjiang, then head north along the Argun to Moerdaoga the next day, passing Taiping Village and Eagle's Beak Cliff. The trip from Enhe to Shiwei takes about 1 hour. Note: Crossing the border is strictly prohibited, and shouting across to the other side or flying drones is also forbidden. The border road is uneven and muddy after rain. Accommodation is tight in peak season, and Linjiang has even fewer beds.
Opening hours
All day (cruises approx. 08:00–18:00)
Nearby sights
- Shiwei Border River Viewpoint & Port
- Olochi Manor
- Linjiang Village
- Laoyingzui Viewpoint
- Enhe Russian Ethnic Township
- Moerdaoga Forest Train
- Moerdaoga National Forest Park
- Moerdaoga Reindeer Evenki Camp