Wudalianchi, Heihe & Qiqihar Northwest Loop

A loop starting from Harbin that connects volcanic landscapes, Aihui history, Zhalong red-crowned cranes, and the Daqing Oilfield.

Travel clockwise through northwestern Heilongjiang: spend the first two days exploring the volcanoes of Wudalianchi, head to Heihe to look across the river at Russia and learn about the history of Aihui, drive south via Nenjiang to see the red-crowned cranes in Zhalong, and finally learn about the historic oil campaign in Daqing. Featuring diverse themes and balanced driving times, it is perfect for educational family trips or second-time visitors to Northeast China. This itinerary does not include border crossing; if you wish to visit Blagoveshchensk, you will need extra time and travel documents.

Avoid the G331 river road for the Heihe section and use the expressway instead. Check local announcements for construction updates.

Day by day

Day 1 · North to Wudalianchi & Hot Springs

Wudalianchi（North Drinking Spring、Wenbo Lava Wetland）

Drive from Harbin along the Suibei Expressway to Wudalianchi (about 360 km, taking about 4 hours).

Laohei Mountain has visitor limits; reserve your entry ticket for tomorrow on the scenic area's official WeChat account by tonight.

Stay: Yaoquan Mountain Town

Day 2 · Full Day at Laohei Mountain Volcano

Wudalianchi（Laoheishan Volcano Crater、Huoshao Mountain、Shilong Lava Field、Third Lake (Bailong Lake)）

Drive from the town area to Laohei Mountain (about 20 minutes), transfer to scenic shuttle buses inside, and then drive around the Third Lake (round trip about 80 km).

The volcanic slag paths are loose underfoot; wear athletic shoes to climb the summit and ensure you have adequate sun protection.

Stay: Yaoquan Mountain Town

Day 3 · Yaoquan Mountain to Aihui & Heihe

Wudalianchi（Yaoquan Mountain & Zhongling Temple） → Heihe City Area（Aihui History Museum、Heilongjiang Riverside Park）

Climb Yaoquan Mountain in the morning, drive along the expressway via Sunwu to Aihui (about 3 hours), and then continue to Heihe (30 minutes).

The Sunwu-to-Heihe section of the G331 is under construction in 2026; use navigation to avoid the river road.

Stay: Heilongjiang Riverside

Day 4 · Daheihe Island to Nenjiang

Heihe City Area（Big Heihe Island、Central Street） → Nenjiang

Explore Daheihe Island and Central Street in the morning. In the afternoon, drive along the expressway to Nenjiang (about 230 km, taking about 3 hours).

Stay: Nenjiang Urban Area

Day 5 · South to Zhalong for Red-Crowned Cranes

Qiqihar（Zhalong National Nature Reserve）

Drive from Nenjiang along the expressway to Zhalong (about 4 hours). Walk inside the nature reserve, and return to Qiqihar in the evening (about 40 minutes).

The crane release times are adjusted seasonally; check the afternoon schedule before planning your departure.

Stay: Longsha District · Zhonghuan Plaza

Day 6 · Historic Streets of Qiqihar to Daqing

Qiqihar（Longsha Park、Bukui Mosque、Ang'angxi Russian Street、Ang'angxi Railway Station (Chinese Eastern Railway)）

After a short tour of the city, drive to Ang'angxi (about 30 minutes), then take the expressway to Daqing (about 1.5 hours).

Please dress appropriately when visiting the Bukui Mosque, and confirm its opening hours for the day before visiting.

Stay: Ranghulu

Day 7 · Iron Man Memorial Hall & Return to Harbin

Daqing（Iron Man Wang Jinxi Memorial、Daqing Oilfield History Museum） → Harbin

Take a short tour of Ranghulu District. In the afternoon, drive back to Harbin along the Suiman Expressway (about 150 km, taking about 2 hours).

The museums may be closed on Mondays; please adjust your schedule according to their actual opening days.