Two people spent 2 days in Qiqihar, the hometown of cranes, and had a wild and romantic time with only 500 yuan per person!

Two days in Qiqihar, the hometown of cranes, for just 500 yuan per person, a truly romantic and wild experience! See red-crowned cranes in Zhalong, and savor the delicious iron pot-braised goose.

Who says Harbin is the only city in Northeast China?
We flew from Beijing to Qiqihar for two days and one night, spending a total of 986 RMB, less than 500 RMB per person.
We watched red-crowned cranes soar high in the Zhalong Wetland,
basked in the sun and fed seagulls by the Nenjiang River,
and in the evening, we each enjoyed half a large goose stewed in a hot pot at a small restaurant.
We ate so deliciously that we exclaimed, "This place is so underrated!"

📍Itinerary: Relaxed and unhurried, perfect for couples or friends to enjoy a leisurely trip.

D1: Arrive in Qiqihar → Zhalong Nature Reserve → Stroll along the Nenjiang River Scenic Belt → Night Tour of Longsha Park

D2: Boat trip to Mingyue Island → Afternoon visit to Peace Square and the museum → Three meals before returning home

💰Expense Breakdown (Total for 2 people)

1. Transportation
- Round-trip airfare: Grab a special price in advance, 680 RMB (340 RMB per person)
- City Taxi + Bus: Round-trip shared ride to Zhalong: 80 yuan, city taxi: 30 yuan, ferry ticket: 40 yuan
✅ Total transportation: 830 yuan

2. Entrance Fees
- Zhalong Nature Reserve: 60 yuan/person x 2 = 120 yuan (including electric bike)
- Mingyue Island ferry ticket + entrance fee: 50 yuan/person x 2 = 100 yuan
✅ Total entrance fees: 220 yuan

3. Accommodation
- City center chain hotels (such as Home Inn, Hanting), 260 yuan per night (including breakfast for two)
✅ Total accommodation: 260 yuan

4. Dining (Northeasterners eat insanely large portions)
- Lunch (Farmhouse near Zhalong): Chicken stewed with mushrooms, pickled vegetables, and corn tortillas, 138 yuan
- Dinner (Iron Pot Stew Restaurant): Iron pot stewed goose with vermicelli noodles, potatoes, and cabbage (half a goose is enough), 298 yuan
- Day 2 Lunch: Qiqihar BBQ (near Baza Market, a local favorite). 3 plates of meat and a cold dish for two, 186 RMB.
- Snacks: Northeastern White Pear Soda, Frozen Pear, Red Sausage, 50 RMB.
✅ Total Food and Beverage: 672 RMB.

5. Other: Bought some dried sausage as a souvenir, 60 RMB.

📌Total Cost: 986 RMB (2 people) | 493 RMB per person.

🔥Must-See Attractions:

1. Zhalong Nature Reserve (Home of China's Red-Crowned Cranes)

Make sure to take the 3-4 PM flight. Under the setting sun, dozens of red-crowned cranes spread their wings and take flight.

Their wings skimmed the water, their cries echoing through the wetlands.

At that moment, we stood together, silent.

Just holding each other's hands tightly.

📸Photo Tip: Wear bright colors! White cranes, green grass, and red clothes—a perfect match!

2. Mingyue Island (a small island in the middle of the river, resembling a Jiangnan in the north)
A 10-minute boat ride takes you to the island, where you'll find a miniature train, a children's playground, and a tree-lined promenade.
Take a leisurely stroll, enjoy the river breeze, and admire the reed marshes.
It's perfect for daydreaming, taking photos, or filming a couple's vlog.

3. Longsha Park & Nenjiang Scenic Belt
Go in the evening, and you'll see locals strolling, dancing, and flying kites.
We bought two skewers of grilled cold noodles and sat by the river to watch the sunset.
The sky was ablaze with pink and purple clouds, and the river shimmered with golden light.
She said, "It's even gentler than Erhai Lake."

🍢Must-try list (if you don't try it, your trip is a waste):

1. Iron Pot Stewed Goose
One of the three most popular Northeastern dishes! The goose is stewed to a tender, succulent broth.
The vermicelli noodles break easily, and the corn tortillas clinging to the pot are so fragrant they'll make your tongue ache.
Recommended restaurant: "Laoqi Iron Pot Stew," where locals line up.

2. Qiqihar BBQ
Not just any barbecue, this is fresh-cut meat with a secret dipping sauce!
Beef brisket, beef tendon, and lamb chops, grilled over charcoal, sizzle and ooze with oil.
Dip in the dry seasoning for a delicious, fragrant bite!
Be sure to pair it with a white pear soda for a refreshing and nostalgic treat.

3. Three Local Snacks

Grilled Cold Noodles: Add egg, sausage, and spicy sauce for a sweet, sour, salty, and fragrant flavor.

Northeastern Rice Buns: Rice, cilantro, cucumber, and chopped egg, wrapped in cabbage leaves for a rustic feel.

Frozen Pears: The dark pears, once thawed, are icy and sweet. Enjoy a bite after your barbecue. It's so delicious!

💬Finally:
Qiqihar,
Not as expensive as Sanya, nor as crowded as Lijiang,
but it boasts China's most beautiful wild red-crowned cranes,
the most exhilarating Northeastern atmosphere,
and hearty food that'll leave you craving for food.

For less than 1,000 yuan, you can find long-lost tranquility and romance amidst the call of cranes.

Like and save this post! For your next couple's getaway, consider visiting this "forgotten northern town"!