【Heilongjiang Xunke County ~ Xunke Border Town Tour】

Xunke County is located in Heihe City, Heilongjiang Province, facing Russia's Amur Oblast across the Heilongjiang River. It is a niche travel destination full of border charm and natural beauty. Below is a detailed guide for a Xunke border tour to help you plan a unique trip:

1. Best Travel Time
- Summer (June to August): Cool climate, suitable for escaping the heat, with beautiful scenery along the Heilongjiang River.
- Autumn (September to October): Colorful forests, a golden season for photography enthusiasts.
- Winter (December to February): Magnificent ice and snow landscapes, with opportunities to experience ice fishing, skiing, and other winter activities.

2. Transportation
- Getting to Xunke:
- By plane: The nearest airport is Heihe Aihui Airport, then transfer by bus or charter car to Xunke (about 2 hours by car).
- By train/bus: Take a direct bus from Harbin or Heihe City to Xunke County.
- Local transportation: It is recommended to charter a car or drive yourself for convenient access to the border and surrounding attractions.

3. Must-Visit Attractions
1. Heilongjiang Riverside Borderline
- Enjoy the scenery of both Chinese and Russian shores along the river, with views of Russian villages in the distance. Recommended for morning or evening walks.
- Border checkpoint check-in: Xunke Port (confirm in advance if open for tourist visits).

2. Dapingtai Rime Scenic Area (Winter only)
- Xunke’s rime is as famous as Jilin’s. In winter, the river steam forms crystal-clear rime, creating a fairy-tale world.

3. Dongshan Forest Park
- Covered by primeval forest, ideal for hiking and picnics in summer, with mountains covered in red leaves in autumn.

4. Frontier Russian Ethnic Village
- Visit the local Russian ethnic community to experience their culture and specialty foods such as rye bread and borscht.

5. Kurbin Reservoir
- Scenic and suitable for fishing and camping, with colorful surrounding forests in autumn.

4. Special Experiences
- Border River Cruise: Take a boat tour on the Heilongjiang River to closely experience the China-Russia border scenery (check boat availability in advance).
- Russian Style: Xunke town features Russian-style architecture and shops selling souvenirs like Russian chocolates and matryoshka dolls.
- Oroqen Culture: Learn about the local Oroqen hunting culture and visit folk exhibition halls.

5. Food Recommendations
- River Fish Feast: Heilongjiang specialties like sturgeon and carp, recommended dishes include iron pot stewed fish or fish soup.
- Russian Flavors: Russian sausages, pickled cucumbers, and kvass (fermented drink).
- Wild Vegetables: Springtime wild vegetables such as bracken and monkey leg, natural green ingredients.

6. Accommodation Suggestions
- Xunke County Town: More options available, recommended river view hotels (e.g., Xunke International Hotel) for convenient sightseeing.
- Farmhouses: Near Kurbin Reservoir or surrounding villages, experience Northeast-style heated brick beds and farmhouse cuisine.

7. Notes
1. Border Documents: Carry your ID card in border areas; photography is prohibited in some sections. Follow border regulations.
2. Climate: Extremely cold in winter (below -30°C), bring sufficient cold-weather clothing; large temperature differences in summer, bring a jacket.
3. Network Signal: Some border areas have weak signals; it is recommended to download offline maps in advance.

8. Recommended Itinerary (2-3 days)
- Day 1: Xunke County Town → Heilongjiang Riverside Walk → Russian Ethnic Village → Enjoy Russian-style dinner.
- Day 2: Dongshan Forest Park Hiking → Kurbin Reservoir Camping/Fishing.
- Day 3 (Winter): Dapingtai Rime Scenic Area → Experience ice activities (such as ice fishing, snowmobiling).

Xunke is suitable for travelers who enjoy tranquility, nature, and border culture. It is less commercialized and retains a primitive and simple atmosphere. Planning transportation and accommodation in advance will help you better enjoy the unique charm of this niche secret destination!