Spent two days in Jixi and didn’t want to leave once I arrived. Head to the windy spots

✨If you’re tired of the city’s hustle and bustle and want to find a hidden gem to relax your body and mind, Jixi is definitely your top choice! This border city located in the southeast of Heilongjiang Province not only boasts magnificent natural scenery but also rich history, culture, and unique cuisine, all with great value for money, ensuring you have a fantastic time~ Here’s a super detailed 2-day 1-night travel guide for Jixi 📖 ✨1. Location Jixi City is located in the southeast of Heilongjiang Province, bordering Russia across the Ussuri River and Songacha River to the east and southeast, with a border line of 641 kilometers. It is a frontier city for China’s border opening to Russia. Here you’ll find vast black soil, numerous lakes, and mountains, with breathtaking natural scenery. 🚗2. Recommended Transportation ✈️Flight: Jixi Xingkai Lake Airport offers direct flights to Harbin, Beijing, and other cities. The airport shuttle bus goes directly to the city center, convenient and fast. 🚄Train: Jixi Station, Jidong Station, Mishan Station, and Hulin Station are the main hubs. The high-speed train from Harbin to Jixi takes 3 hours, offering scenic views of Northeast China’s countryside along the way. 🚗Self-drive: From Harbin, take Jiaha Expressway → Yiqi Expressway → Heda Expressway → Jianji Expressway, then exit at Hulin/Ba58/Hutou and turn onto S309. Drive freely and enjoy the journey. ✨3. 2-Day Itinerary Day 1: Jixi City → Xingkai Lake National Nature Reserve Morning: Arrive in Jixi City and taste authentic Jixi cold noodles to start your delicious journey. Noon: Head to Xingkai Lake to admire the magnificent scenery of the China-Russia border lake and climb the Xinkailiu Viewing Platform for a panoramic view. Afternoon: Stroll along the Xingkai Lake beach, feel the fine sand and clear water, and try water entertainment activities. Evening: Enjoy a Xingkai Lake fish feast by the lake, with fresh lake fish that’s tender and unforgettable. Day 2: Xingkai Lake → Hutou Tourist Area → Zhenbao Island Morning: Wake up early to watch the sunrise over Xingkai Lake, then visit Hutou Tourist Area to see the WWII End of War Memorial Park and the Japanese Invasion Hutou Fortress Museum, remembering history. Noon: Taste local specialties in Hutou Town, such as spicy stir-fried young chicken and sticky corn. Afternoon: Take a boat to Zhenbao Island to visit the Sino-Soviet conflict relics and feel the mystery and solemnity of the border. Evening: Return to the city, explore the night market, try various snacks, and end a pleasant trip. ✨4. Must-Visit Attractions 1. Xingkai Lake National Nature Reserve: A China-Russia border lake and one of Asia’s largest freshwater lakes, divided into the inner lake (China) and outer lake (Russia). The inner lake is famous for reed wetlands and migratory bird habitats, while the outer lake has waves like the sea. Standing on the viewing platform, gazing at the endless lake and feeling the breeze is truly breathtaking. 2. Hutou Tourist Area: A treasure on the China-Russia border, featuring the WWII End of War Memorial Park and underground military fortress. Standing by the Ussuri River, you can enjoy the beautiful border river scenery, experience red history, and explore wetland landscapes where history and nature perfectly blend. 3. Zhenbao Island: A historic island on the Ussuri River, where you can visit Sino-Soviet conflict relics. Advance reservation with border authorities is required. Stepping onto Zhenbao Island, you can almost hear the echoes of that magnificent history, evoking love and respect for the motherland. 4. Qilin Mountain Scenic Area: Known for caves, mountains, and forest landscapes, with a main peak at 574 meters, ideal for hiking and photography. Recommended spots include “Camel Peak” and “Immortal’s Bed” rock formations. Summer camping and stargazing are available, and the area offers hot spring therapy, making it a great place to connect with nature and relax. 5. Tiexi Forest Park: Covered by 90% original forest, featuring underground forests and Tatou Wetlands. Walking here feels like being in a natural oxygen bar. Enjoy wild azaleas in spring and colorful forests in autumn, each season offering unique beauty. 6. Beidahuang Development and Construction Memorial Hall: Located by Xingkai Lake, it restores the history of 100,000 soldiers reclaiming the land through exhibits and videos. You can experience simulated land reclamation and rice harvesting interactive activities, deeply feeling the spirit of hard work and selfless dedication of the Beidahuang people. 7. Yulianggou: The site where Jixi’s first coal was dug, carrying rich coal city culture. Now a popular tourist spot with stunning natural scenery including Maogong Mountain, Xiaolong Mountain, and Longxi Eighteen Springs. A 3,000-meter-long painted cultural wall depicts coal city history and folk customs, fully immersing you in the blend of culture and nature. ✨5. Photo Spots 1. Xingkai Lake Xinkailiu Viewing Platform: The perfect spot to overlook the entire Xingkai Lake. Whether it’s the blue sky, vast lake, or golden beach, you can easily capture stunning shots. 2. Hutou Tourist Area Viewing Platform: Capture the winding Ussuri River, the Russian scenery across the river, and the full view of Hutou Town, picturesque and beautiful. 3. Beside the Zhenbao Island Boundary Marker: Take a photo with the boundary marker to commemorate this special border trip, full of meaning. 4. Qilin Mountain “Camel Peak”: Stand next to this unique peak with continuous mountains and dense forests as the backdrop, creating photos with great depth. 5. Tiexi Forest Park Tatou Wetlands: Unique wetland scenery with lush green Tatou Dunzi, under blue skies and white clouds, a great place for photos. 🥞6. Local Cuisine 1. Jixi Cold Noodles: Jixi’s signature dish, buckwheat noodles served with spicy kimchi and beef slices, topped with chilled sweet, sour, and spicy soup. Refreshing and appetizing. Recommended old brand “Dadongjiang Cold Noodles” in the city. 2. Xingkai Lake Fish Sashimi: Freshly caught white fish sliced and served with wasabi soy sauce. The fish is tender and smooth. The most authentic place is Qingzhou Island Fishing Village’s food stalls. 3. Iron Pot Stew: A big pot of ingredients stewed together, steaming hot, with chicken, ribs, fish, and more to choose from. Served with corn pancakes soaked in the broth, super flavorful. 4. Grilled Cold Noodles: Different from other places, Jixi’s grilled cold noodles have a unique flavor with crispy noodle skin, various toppings, and sauces. One bite brings full happiness. 5. Northeast Barbecue: Various meats and vegetables grilled over charcoal, sprinkled with cumin and chili powder, fragrant and delicious. Paired with cold beer, it’s a heavenly treat. 🏣7. Recommended Accommodation 1. Nongken Dangbi Town Xingkai Lake Resort: Lake-view villas with hot springs in-room, with an option to book a fisherman’s boat house overnight experience. Enjoy the beautiful view of Xingkai Lake and relax in the hot springs right in your room. 2. Qilin Mountain Hot Spring Hotel: Cave-themed rooms with traditional Chinese medicine soaking pools and forest yoga classes. Quiet environment, perfect for vacation. 3. Wanda Business District Hotels in Jiguan District: Near the train station, costing 100-150 RMB per night per person, convenient transportation, walking distance to food streets, excellent value for money. ⚠️8. Tips 1. Xingkai Lake can have strong waves; pay attention to weather warnings for boat trips. Winter temperatures can drop to -30°C, so wear windproof and cold-proof gear. 2. Picking plants and feeding wild animals are prohibited in the wetland reserve. 3. Maintain solemnity when visiting the Beidahuang Memorial Hall; do not photograph military facilities in border areas. 4. Check opening hours and ticket information for attractions in advance to avoid delays. Jixi truly is a treasure city, with every scenery and dish unforgettable. Friends, quickly save this guide and embark on a spontaneous trip to Jixi💕 #JixiTravel #JixiGuide #BorderCity #TravelCheckIn