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Qiqihar, the second largest city in Heilongjiang Province, is located in western Heilongjiang Province. It is a city steeped in history and culture, and the largest city in the western Northeast region. With its beautiful scenery and numerous historical sites, Qiqihar seamlessly blends natural beauty with cultural heritage, making it a popular tourist destination. The city boasts a diverse array of culinary delights, including renowned Korean cuisine and Qiqihar barbecue. Some say a trip to Qiqihar is complete without a barbecue meal, ensuring a satisfying meal. The Zhalong Nature Reserve, one of China's most renowned wetlands and a popular crane habitat, is located 32 kilometers southeast of the city.
Temperate continental monsoon climate;
Best in spring and summer;
Zhalong Nature Reserve
It is the world's largest reed wetland and home to the red-crowned crane. The scenic area is dotted with lakes and reeds, creating a natural paradise for waterfowl and other birds to thrive. June to September is the best time to see cranes, when they are most numerous. The crane release show is a highlight of the Zhalong Scenic Area, with approximately 20-30 cranes released each time.
Longsha Park
Longsha Park is the oldest park established in Heilongjiang Province and the largest in Northeast China. It integrates a zoo, botanical garden, and entertainment venue. Climb Shenglong Mountain and ascend Tianyuan Pavilion for panoramic views of ancient buildings such as Wangjiang Tower, Guandi Temple, Shougong Temple, Chengjiang Pavilion, and the Library. Gazing out over the city's new cityscape, the throngs of people and sports cars scurrying by like ants are breathtaking. Every winter, Longsha Park hosts the "Longsha Ice Scenic Tour," adding a stunning spectacle. Qiqihar's ice sculptures are renowned both domestically and internationally, and are considered a unique gem in the Crane City.
Mingyue Island
Surrounded by water, this island lies in the heart of the Nen River, which flows through Qiqihar. Shaded by lush trees and lush flowers, it offers breathtaking natural beauty. In its center, a group of exquisite and elegant ancient buildings stands, and a children's train, the longest in China, circumnavigates the island. In summer, it's a great place for river cruises, picnics, and summer getaways. In winter, it's a popular destination for enjoying the northern scenery and engaging in winter activities.
Qiqihar, located in Heilongjiang Province, is an important city in the northeastern part of China. It has a rich history as a military and industrial hub, with significant developments in agriculture and heavy industry. The city is particularly well-known for its cultural diversity, including strong influences from the Manchu and Han ethnic groups.
Qiqihar is located in Heilongjiang Province in northeastern China. It can be reached via Qiqihar Railway Station or by flying into Qiqihar Sanjiazi Airport. Taxis and buses are available for transportation within the city, and walking is convenient for exploring the local areas.
Qiqihar is an all-year destination, but the best time to visit is during spring and autumn, from April to October, when the weather is mild and pleasant. The winter months can be extremely cold with snow, while summer might see more rain.
Entry to many attractions such as Longsha Park and Zhalong Nature Reserve is free or requires a small fee (typically under 100 RMB). Tickets for special attractions, like museums or specific guided tours, can be bought on-site or through online platforms like Trip.com or the attraction’s official website.
Booking in advance is generally not necessary for most attractions in Qiqihar. However, it is recommended to book tickets for special events or guided tours, particularly during peak tourist seasons (spring and autumn), a few days in advance.
Most visitors will need 2 to 3 days to fully explore Qiqihar’s main attractions, including the Zhalong Nature Reserve, Longsha Park, and historical landmarks. If you plan to visit surrounding areas, it may take up to 4-5 days.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin at most attractions, especially for the Zhalong Nature Reserve and Qiqihar Aviation Museum. English-speaking guides may be available upon request but should be booked in advance.
Start your visit with Longsha Park for a relaxing walk, followed by a trip to Zhalong Nature Reserve for birdwatching. Then, explore the Qiqihar Old Town to experience local culture, and finish your trip with a visit to the Qiqihar Aviation Museum for some history and aviation excitement.
Night visits are available at Longsha Park, where you can enjoy evening walks by the lake. However, there are no major light shows or night tours available in Qiqihar.
Qiqihar is generally not overcrowded. The least crowded times to visit are during the winter months (December-February) and early spring (March-April). Peak tourist seasons are in the summer and autumn months.
Public toilets are available in most parks and attractions. Food and water can be purchased at local shops or in restaurants near the tourist spots. Rest areas are provided in parks like Longsha Park, and souvenir shops are available in the Old Town.
Most attractions in Qiqihar, such as Longsha Park and the Qiqihar Forest Zoo, are accessible for elderly and children. However, some nature reserves may have limited accessibility for those with mobility issues, so it's best to check in advance.
While cash is accepted, mobile payments via Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely used in Qiqihar, especially for purchasing tickets and food. Credit cards are accepted in larger establishments, but it’s advisable to carry some cash for small shops and markets.
There are local eateries and cafés serving northern Chinese cuisine, especially in the Old Town and near Longsha Park. For more variety, visitors can also try larger restaurants in the city center offering hotpot and other local dishes.
Vegetarian options are available, particularly in some local restaurants offering vegetable dishes. Halal food is available in certain eateries catering to the Muslim community in Qiqihar.
There are several hotels in Qiqihar, ranging from budget inns to mid-range options. Some popular choices include the Qiqihar International Hotel and local guesthouses near Longsha Park.
Souvenir shops in Qiqihar sell traditional Chinese handicrafts, local textiles, and items such as porcelain, tea sets, and hand-painted fans. In the Old Town, you can find local crafts like wood carvings and woolen goods.
After visiting Qiqihar, visitors can continue their journey by train or bus to other major cities like Harbin or Mudanjiang. Alternatively, flights are available from Qiqihar Sanjiazi Airport to major Chinese cities.
