Spend a day as a carefree wanderer in Zhalong

I finally found a hidden gem for summer in Northeast China! Qiqihar is really perfect for summer, with weather around 20°C and the aroma of barbecue—pure bliss~ This time, I’m sharing my 3-day 2-night itinerary, personally tested with no disappointments!

🚶Itinerary
Day 1:
📍Zhalong Nature Reserve (Ticket 65 RMB): The largest habitat for red-crowned cranes in China. It’s best to arrive before 9 AM to catch the crane release show (4 times daily). The moment the cranes take off is breathtaking! Don’t forget to bring mosquito repellent.
📍Laodong Lake (Free): Super comfortable to visit at dusk, a favorite spot for locals to stroll. There are bike rentals by the lake, tandem bikes cost 30 RMB/hour.
📍Longsha Night Market: The night market is small but very authentic! Highly recommend trying the freshly grilled grassland skewers (5 RMB/skewer) and Northeast-style grilled cold noodles.

Day 2:
📍Mingyue Island (Boat ticket 50 RMB): The island is very pristine. It’s recommended to rent an electric bike to circle the island (80 RMB/hour), where you can see many wild water birds.
📍Heilongjiang Military Governor’s Office (Free): A group of buildings with Republic of China style, great for photos. There’s a popular café in the backyard called "Governor’s Backyard Garden."
📍Bukui Flavor Street: Must-try the beef skewers from "Old Lady BBQ," paired with the local Dabai pear soda—absolutely amazing.

Day 3:
📍Naval Forest Park (Ticket 30 RMB): Don’t miss the forest train (20 RMB/person), a 40-minute ride through birch forests.
📍Longsha Zoo and Botanical Garden (Ticket 80 RMB): You can get up close with alpacas. A must-visit if you have kids.
📍Qiqihar Museum (Free): Learn about the city’s history. The third floor has a huge dinosaur fossil exhibition hall.

🥩Food Guide:
✅Qiqihar Barbecue: Recommend the family-style marinated meat at "Jin Sanshun," paired with their special dipping sauce—irresistible.
✅Guobaorou (Sweet and Sour Pork): The old brand "Wang Ji Xiaoguan" makes the most authentic, crispy, sweet, and sour version.
✅Sticky Bean Buns: Sold by an elderly lady with a cart on the pedestrian street, all handmade.

🏠Accommodation Suggestions:
Recommended to stay near Longsha Park. We stayed at "Junhui Hotel," which is convenient for everywhere, only a 10-minute walk to the night market.

📌Useful Tips:
1. Be sure to bring a light jacket; there’s a big temperature difference between morning and evening.
2. Taxi starting fare is only 6 RMB, cheaper than ride-hailing apps.
3. Buy souvenirs at the basement level of the department store, half the price compared to scenic spots.
4. Remember to bring cash! Many old shops only accept cash.