Things to do in Mudanjiang

I've visited many 5A scenic spots, and this one was a great experience, mainly due to the staff. The bus ticket inspectors were very welcoming, greeting me warmly. Because it was the off-season, there weren't many people, and the driver, worried about missing my waterfall viewing, took the entire shuttle bus just for me – I was very touched. When I travel alone, I ask someone to take my picture, and if it happens, the staff will say "Welcome back next time" afterward – very thoughtful. With the recent popularity of Qing Dynasty dramas, this place recreates some scenes from Ningguta, which is quite interesting. Jingpo Lake itself is also very scenic, with a large body of water. The boat tour takes over an hour and is very comfortable!

Although many say China's Snow Town is becoming too touristy & expensive (compared to Snow Valley), I think it is still worth visiting. There are lots of ACTIVITIES to do all within walking distance. Reindeer rides, feeding, skiing, photo op including the hot water vapor video etc. One down side is that there was no signage to designated bus to/from Yabuli station (no waiting area either). It is also difficult to find restaurants for people with dietary restrictions (eg. Vegetarian, halal etc).

After exiting Hengdaohezi East Station, take a taxi for 10 yuan to the visitor center. Inside, buy a 10 yuan shuttle bus ticket. After scanning the code to enter the park, take the shuttle bus to the wild training area to see the tigers. There are about 40 tigers; do not feed them while on the bus. After getting off the bus, there is a designated area for feeding the tigers. There are also other animals you can observe and feed.

📍Suifenhe National Gate 🇨🇳The only scenic area in China with a cross-border passage running through the entire country 🇨🇳The only scenic area among China's national gate scenic spots to integrate three generations of national gates 🇨🇳A Class A national port for trade between China and Russia 🇨🇳Since the first-generation cast iron barrier gate was put into use in 1987, it has undergone the transformation from the second-generation rocket-shaped national gate in 1991 to the third-generation Chinese-style national gate (51.8 meters high) in 2014.

It's more fun than Jingpo Lake. The sightseeing bus ride into the mountains alone takes half an hour. There are three attractions, and it's best to allow two hours for the last one, the crater forest, otherwise it will be too rushed, and my knees will be sore from walking.

If you have time, definitely buy the package ticket on the bus—it's super fun! Some people brought several large plastic bags; you can ski and roll around on the mountain! (It's difficult without plastic bags, as they don't sell them on the mountain!)

In late September, the autumn atmosphere of Hengdaohezi Town was in full swing, its beauty reminiscent of a richly colored oil painting. A thin morning mist shrouded the forest, and sunlight filtered through the branches, scattering golden leaves across the ground like scattered gold. The air was filled with the delicate fragrance of pine resin and earth, a deep breath refreshing and refreshing. This town prospered thanks to the Chinese Eastern Railway, a century ago serving as a major railway hub. Today, the old locomotive shed, water tower, and remnants of the railway tracks stand quietly, testament to its former prosperity. Russian-style architecture dotted the landscape, with pointed wooden houses and carved window frames complementing the autumn colors, creating a sense of time travel. Stone-paved streets meandered along, punctuated by a staggered arrangement of wooden houses. Red peppers and ears of corn hanging from the eaves complemented the Russian-style carved balconies. Occasionally, a horse-drawn carriage passed by, the clatter of horse hooves echoing through the streets, blending with the distant whistle of a train, creating a unique and captivating atmosphere. Outside the town, surrounded by mountains, the forests are a vibrant tapestry. Red, yellow, orange, and green interweave into a vibrant canvas, reflected in the clear river. A gentle breeze sways light and shadows, and fallen leaves drift on the water, carrying away the lingering warmth of summer. Autumn in Hengdaohezi is not only a visual feast but also a spiritual retreat. Local residents leisurely sit in front of their homes, basking in the sun, while children chase and play in the woods. The slow and relaxing pace here makes one forget the hustle and bustle of the city. In the evening, the setting sun bathes the town in a golden glow. Standing on the bridge, the historic weight of the Middle East Railway, the exotic charm of Russian architecture, and the rich autumn atmosphere blend seamlessly, creating a unique charm that makes Hengdaohezi so unforgettable.

During summer vacation, we took the kids out to play and passed by Hengdaohezi. We rushed straight to the Tiger Park and Weihushan Film and Television City. The Tiger Park was great. We could see Siberian tigers up close and even saw Siberian tiger cubs. The little guys could even open the door, which was really fun.

It was pretty bad. It was crowded and chaotic. If the first gate didn't check tickets, why had someone stop people to check them? Then there was a second ticket check at the second place—WTF?! There were no QR codes for the tickets either. Multiple checks in the freezing cold, and still paper tickets—so primitive! See the video for how chaotic it was? And the parking lot was unmanaged. In short, the management was terrible. The old man checking tickets at the gate even had the audacity to say things like, "We've never even flown before." Honestly, Hallasan Mountain is covered in snow, like something out of Narnia, the climb is easy, and it's free—isn't that great?

It is best to avoid holidays when visiting Xuexiang, as the prices of various attractions during holidays will be higher than usual. There are many food, accommodation and transportation shops on Xueyun Street, and the prices are relatively cheaper.