Western Heilongjiang

Qiqihar and Daqing: Zhalong's crane country on the Songnen Plain, lake wetlands and oil-industry culture.

This region corresponds to "Western Heilongjiang" among Heilongjiang's four regions and includes the two cities of Qiqihar and Daqing. It lies in the western Songnen Plain and is characterized mainly by wetlands, lakes and industrial culture. Qiqihar is known as the "Crane City", and Zhalong National Nature Reserve is a reed marsh wetland that mainly protects rare waterbirds such as the red-crowned crane. Birdlife is richest during the spring and autumn migration seasons, and inside the reserve you can watch red-crowned cranes being released. Mingyue Island near the city suits a relaxed outing, Ang'angxi preserves buildings such as station houses from the Chinese Eastern Railway era, and Qiqihar barbecue is the local signature dish. Daqing rose because of oil. The Iron Man Wang Jinxi Memorial Hall and the Daqing Oilfield History Exhibition Hall tell the story of the oilfield's development, and the city has many lakes and wetlands. Around Lianhuan Lake in Duerbote Mongol Autonomous County there are hot-spring resorts, where you can soak outdoors in winter. The classic route: two days for Zhalong and the city in Qiqihar, 1–2 days in Daqing, for 3–4 days overall, and it can be combined with Harbin into a western loop. For transport, the Harbin–Qiqihar high-speed line links Harbin, Daqing and Qiqihar, making intercity travel easy, and Qiqihar Sanjiazi Airport and Daqing Saertu Airport both have domestic flights. For wetland birdwatching, bring binoculars and start early; mosquitoes are plentiful in summer, so protect yourself. Winters are severely cold, the wetlands are mostly snowfields, and there are fewer activities, so dress warmly and watch for icy roads.

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Itineraries