Manzhouli: A City Full of Russian Charm
by GAGA-YU
Aug 15, 2025
Hey guys, I just got back from an amazing trip to Manzhouli, a small city located at the junction of China, Russia, and Mongolia. The exotic atmosphere here is absolutely on point! Now, I’m sharing this fresh and super detailed travel guide with you all. Like, save, and set off without getting lost~
🚗 Transportation Guide
✈️ Airplane: Manzhouli Xijiao Airport is very close to the city center, about a 15-minute taxi ride to dive straight into the city—super convenient!
🚞 Train: Manzhouli Station has many trains, and it takes only about 2 hours from Hailar. The moment you step out, the strong exotic vibe tells you you’ve come to the right place!
🏨 Accommodation Recommendations
- Manzhouli Hotel (Century-old Russian-themed hotel): Established in 1904, full of historical charm, located right next to the China-Soviet Jin Street pedestrian street. Travel, dining, and shopping all in one place. Crystal chandeliers, carved railings, full Russian atmosphere, perfect for photos! Rooms are spacious and clean, beds so comfortable you won’t want to get up, plus thoughtful laundry service. The family rooms are full of childlike fun.
- Matryoshka Doll Hotel: Located inside the Matryoshka Doll Scenic Area, staying here includes free tickets—perfect for family trips! Everywhere you look, there are Matryoshka doll elements, like living in a fairy tale world.
🌟 Must-Visit Attractions
1. Matryoshka Doll Scenic Area: The world’s largest Matryoshka doll theme park. The 100-meter-tall giant Matryoshka doll left me speechless! Exciting rides 🎢 and Russian-style performances, every activity is super fun. At night, when the lights come on, it’s stunningly beautiful—photos need no editing. Tickets start at 48 RMB per person; plan 3 to 5 hours to fully enjoy.
2. National Gate Scenic Area: Coming to Manzhouli without visiting the National Gate is like not coming at all! From here, you can overlook the Russian town of Zabaikalsk and take photos with the No. 41 boundary marker, full of ceremony. The Locomotive Square also features the train that once carried Chairman Mao on his visit to the Soviet Union 🚂. Tickets are 60 RMB per person, shuttle bus 20 RMB per person (walking is also fine, about 10 minutes). Open from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
3. Hulun Lake: The largest lake in Inner Mongolia, with unbelievably blue water that blends with the sky, making photos look naturally filtered. You can also enjoy freshly caught fish and shrimp by the lake—the freshness will blow your mind! Tickets are 30 RMB per person, parking fee 5 RMB.
4. China-Soviet Pedestrian Street: A commercial street full of Russian style, lined with European architecture. When the lights come on at night, it feels like you’ve instantly teleported to a Russian street. You can buy Russian chocolates, Matryoshka dolls, and other unique souvenirs. Highly recommend “Dashan Russian Goods Supermarket,” but remember to compare prices before buying.
5. Wedding Palace: A Gothic-style church building standing on a hilltop. Morning light is perfect for photography, whether landscapes or portraits, very photogenic. It symbolizes “the end of the road of love.” Single friends might find a romantic encounter here 💕.
🥘 Food Recommendations
- Rubli Western Restaurant: A very popular old Russian restaurant. Must-try dishes include cheese buns, borscht, and charcoal-grilled sausages. The decor is exquisite and luxurious. It gets crowded during peak season, so try to arrive before 5:00 PM to avoid long lines.
- Russian Barbecue: Big meat skewers are super satisfying, especially paired with pickled cucumbers and kvass—this is authentic deliciousness!
- Rye Bread (Lieba): Freshly baked rye bread with a fragrant aroma. Spread with blueberry jam, the mix of wheat and fruit flavors is pure happiness.
- Hand-Pulled Meat: Boiled grassland lamb with incredibly tender meat. Dip it in wild chive flower sauce for the original flavor—one bite and you’ll fall in love.
❗ Tips to Avoid Pitfalls
1. Souvenir prices around scenic spots are overpriced. Don’t be a fool—go to the city’s Russian Goods Market to bargain and buy.
2. Use ride-hailing apps for taxis to avoid being overcharged and travel more safely.
3. June to September is the best travel season with beautiful scenery and comfortable temperatures. Winter’s ice and snow views are dreamy but extremely cold, so if you’re sensitive to cold, choose carefully.
Post by JT. Ema 38 | Aug 15, 2025





















