Yichun Forests (Lesser Khingan)

Yichun, the "Forest Capital": Wuying's virgin Korean pine forest and the rock formations of Tangwanghe, with some of the best autumn colors anywhere in the "five-colored mountains" and cool forest summers.

Yichun lies in northeastern Heilongjiang Province, in the heart of the Lesser Khingan Range. With forest cover of over 80%, it is known as the "Forest Capital" and the "Home of the Korean Pine," and preserves one of the largest virgin Korean pine forests in Asia. Once a state-owned logging region, Yichun ended all commercial logging of natural forests in 2014 and turned to ecotourism. There are two best seasons: July–August, when average temperatures are around 20°C and the air is fresh, making it Northeast China's forest summer retreat; and mid-to-late September to early October, when the dark green of Korean pines and spruces mingles with the gold and red of birches, maples and oaks to create the "five-colored mountains" — a window of only about two weeks, and snow may fall around the National Day holiday (early October). Winter is all about snow-covered forests. This destination uses central Yichun as its base: in town are Xing'an Tower and the Forest Capital Wood Carving Park; nearby are Shangganling Xishui National Forest Park and Huilongwan National Forest Park; 1–2 hours north are Wuying National Forest Park (virgin Korean pine forest next to Fenglin National Nature Reserve) and Tangwanghe Forest and Rocks. South of the city are Meihuashan National Forest Park and the Yichun Forest Museum; about an hour southeast is Jinshan Deer Park; heading south toward Tieli, Riyuexia National Forest Park and Taoshan Jade Hot Spring lie on the classic Harbin–Yichun forest route, convenient to visit on the way in or out. The Jiayin Dinosaur Geopark on the Amur River in the northeast is listed as a separate destination. Getting there: Yichun Lindu Airport has flights to Harbin, Beijing and elsewhere, and trains run directly from Harbin to Yichun, Tangwanghe and other stations. Sights are tens of kilometers apart, so self-driving or hiring a car with driver is recommended; allow 3–4 days. Note: smoking and open fires are strictly prohibited in the forests, and registration may be required to enter during fire-prevention periods; summer brings many mosquitoes and ticks, so wear long sleeves and trousers.

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