The fragrance of lotos fades with late summer, while the scent of chrysanthemums heralds the golden autumn. Currently, as the summer heat has just passed and the chilly autumn has yet to arrive, Heilongjiang is at its most picturesque with refreshing breezes. A broad road connects the north and south, and self-driving tours, favored for their freedom and variety, are increasingly popular, with the self-driving tourism industry in Heilongjiang thriving.

Heilongjiang not only boasts the fresh air of "forest oxygen bars" and the cool temperatures of "natural air conditioners," but also features vast forests, sprawling wetlands, beautiful villages, and rich red history, offering abundant natural resources and historical culture. Cities across the province provide excellent facilities and thoughtful services for self-driving tourists.

This year, the Heilongjiang Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism has launched 100 self-driving routes under the theme "Dream North, Cool Heilongjiang." These include 30 rural routes, 15 wetland routes, 17 forest routes, 18 red-themed routes, and 20 premium routes. Today, we highlight 10 self-driving routes focusing on rural, wetland, forest, red-themed, and premium experiences. As summer gives way to autumn, let poetry guide your journey—come and explore the poetic and picturesque Heilongjiang by car!

   / Forest Self-Driving Routes

Heilongjiang, one of China's largest forested provinces, has a forest coverage rate of 47.3%, featuring the country's largest contiguous forest area. It ranks first nationally in both the number and area of national forest parks, earning its reputation as the "Crown of Forests" and securing its place as China's forest centerpiece. The newly introduced forest self-driving routes incorporate elements like forest wellness, romantic culture, water activities, and outdoor education. Visitors can immerse themselves in the vast greenery, stepping onto lush waves, and embark on a lung-cleansing journey amidst endless shades of green.

1. Yichun "Forest Breathing" Health and Wellness Tour

Itinerary: Yimei District - Jiufeng Mountain Yangxin Valley Scenic Area - Jinshan Deer Park - Fengyan Mountain Village - Jinzu Peak

Self-driving Duration: 1 day and 1 night %% Highlights: Yichun City is located in the heart of the Lesser Khingan Mountains in northeastern Heilongjiang Province, facing Russia across the river. It is the world's largest forest city by area, home to the largest virgin forest of Korean pines, and renowned as the "Forest Capital of China," "Hometown of Korean Pines," and "Natural Oxygen Bar." This itinerary offers a chance to "admire" Yichun's vast and majestic sea of forests and to "explore" its unique experiences, such as staying in wooden cabins, observing deer herds, and savoring forest delicacies, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the "home within the forest."

Highlights: Yichun City is located in the heart of the Lesser Khingan Mountains in the northeastern part of Heilongjiang Province, facing Russia across the river. It is the world's largest forest city by area, home to the world's largest virgin forest of Korean pines, and boasts titles such as "China's Forest Capital," "Hometown of Korean Pines," and "Natural Oxygen Bar." This route offers the chance to "admire" Yichun with its breathtaking beauty of vast forested landscapes and to "explore" Yichun through unique experiences like staying in wooden cabins, watching deer herds, and savoring forest cuisine, attracting visitors to stay in a "home in the forest."

Jiufeng Mountain Heart-Nourishing Valley Scenic Area

Jinshan Deer Park

Fengyan Mountain Village

2. Breathe Fresh Air·Mudanjiang Forest Wellness Tour

Itinerary: Mudanjiang - Volcano Crater National Forest Park (Mandarin Duck Pool, Lava Cave, Ancient Ice Cave, Echo Spring) - Accommodation at Volcano Crater National Forest Park (Zhu·Yeshan Lodge) - Taipinggou Primeval Forest Scenic Area

Self-driving time: 2 days and 1 night

Highlights and Features: The story of "Forest and Snow Plains" is deeply rooted in people's hearts. On the vast land of Mudanjiang, the mountains roll continuously, the forests are lush and verdant, rivers crisscross, and the land stretches flat for thousands of miles. The people here are hardworking and kind, earning the region the nickname "Forest and Snow Plains." This itinerary takes you to the Volcanic Crater National Forest Park, one of the key attractions of the Jingpohu Lake UNESCO Global Geopark. As a national 4A-level tourist destination, the park boasts a forest coverage rate of over 90%. It is renowned for its six mysterious wonders, famously described as "one pool, two cave heavens, one pavilion, and two marvels."

Crater Lake National Forest Park

Crater lava cave

Taipinggou Primeval Forest Scenic Area

   / Rural self-driving routes

Painting with rice fields, sipping drinks infused with melons and fruits, and feasting on seasonal vegetables—these are the distinctive tourism features of Heilongjiang, China's major agricultural province and a hub for green food. With the advancement of beautiful countryside initiatives, the desire to return to rural simplicity has grown stronger, making self-driving tours through the countryside especially popular among travelers. Heilongjiang Province offers a variety of rural tourism routes, including agricultural creativity, cultural villages, unique homestays, fruit-picking and sightseeing, as well as parent-child study tours, catering to the personalized preferences of different tourist groups.

1. Rural Suburban Tour in Heihe

Itinerary: Heihe - Xiaowusili Manchu Folk Custom Museum - Waishidaogou Russian Ethnic Village - Rihui Strawberry Picking Garden - Waitaidaogou Educated Youth Village - Aihui Ancient Town - Kunhe Wetland Park - FulaerjiDaur Ethnic GroupSouth Migration Square

Self-driving Duration: 1 day and 1 night

Highlights: Heihe is one of China's first border opening cities, a crucial frontier trade hub in northern China, and a vital link between China and Russia. Boasting abundant natural resources, vast landscapes, and breathtaking scenery, it features the pristine Heilongjiang River and stylish urban architecture. This route offers a rich tapestry of natural wonders and cultural charm, including ethnic customs of Manchu, Daur, and Russian minorities, rural tourism experiences like the Rihui Strawberry Picking Garden and Waissandaoqiao Educated Youth Village, as well as the renowned Aihui Ancient Town awaiting your time-traveling adventure.

Heihe Outer Sandao Valley

Sunshine Strawberry Picking Farm

Heihe Kunhe National Wetland Park

Aihui Historical Exhibition Hall

2. Hegang Folk Custom Tour

Itinerary: Hegang City -- Baoquanling Modern Agricultural Ecological Park -- Hongguang Village, Dongming Township -- Making and Tasting Korean Cuisine -- Ethnic Cultural Museum -- Hesheng Korean Ethnic Village, Xinhua Town, Dongshan District, Hegang -- Dingzun Mushroom Picking

Self-driving Duration: 2 Days

Highlights: Endowed with picturesque landscapes and vibrant waters, surrounded by rivers on three sides, Hegang is a pearl on the banks of the Heilongjiang River. The mighty Heilongjiang River flows here, nourishing vast forests and endless grain fields. Visitors can not only savor specialty river fish like "Three Flowers and Five Luos" and treasures from the Xiaoxing'an Mountains but also enjoy Korean delicacies such as cold noodles, rice cakes, rice sausages, and rice wine. Notably, this itinerary showcases the charm of modern agriculture in Heilongjiang and offers the joy of hands-on picking.

Baiquanling Modern Agricultural Ecological Garden Flower Sea

Korean-style blood sausage

Making Korean rice cakes

   / Wetland Self-Driving Routes

Heilongjiang Province boasts abundant wetland resources, characterized by their wide distribution, diverse types, beautiful landscapes, complete functions, and rich biodiversity. To date, the province has 10 internationally important wetlands, ranking first in China, along with 103 wetland nature reserves and 75 wetland parks at or above the provincial level. The newly launched wetland self-driving routes offer various activities such as flower viewing, mountain climbing, leisure, wellness, and sightseeing, allowing visitors to get close to the wetlands and enjoy the serene experience of calm waters, birds singing, and fish swimming.

1. Self-driving Tour of Shuangyashan Wetlands for Mind and Lung Refreshment

Itinerary: Qixing River Wetland - Yanwo Island Wetland - Wusuli River Wetland Park

Self-driving time: 2 days and 1 night

Highlights: Shuangyashan City is renowned as the "Capital of Black Soil Wetlands" and the "City of Green Ecology," boasting a wetland area of 263,000 hectares. Notable wetlands include the Qixing River National Nature Reserve, Anbang River Provincial Nature Reserve, Dongsheng Provincial Nature Reserve, Qianniao Lake Wetland, Yanwo Island Wetland, and Wusuli River Wetland. This route allows visitors to admire the beauty of three of these major wetlands in one trip.

Qixinghe Wetland

Wild Goose Nest Wetland

Wusuli River National Wetland Park

2. Jiamusi Wetland Eco-Tourism Premium Tour

Itinerary: Jiamusi - Tongjiang Sanjiangkou Wetland - Fuyuan Heixiazi Island Wetland - Fujin Wetland

Self-driving time: 2 days and 1 night

Highlights: As a riverside city in the northern frontier, Jiamusi boasts distinct seasons and boundless scenery, with its majestic boundary river and world-famous wetlands making it a premier destination for leisure and tourism. Among them, the Tongjiang Sanjiangkou Wetland lies just across the river from the city center, retaining its pristine natural state; the Fuyuan Heixiazi Island Wetland, located at the confluence of the Heilongjiang and Wusuli Rivers on the Sino-Russian border, preserves a complete wetland ecosystem; the Fujin Wetland features eight major scenic areas for visitors to explore, including fishing ponds, viewing pavilions, observation decks, cattail viewing zones, water onion viewing zones, water lily viewing zones, reed viewing zones, and lotus viewing zones.

Sanjiangkou National Wetland Park

Fuyuan Heixiazi Island Wetland Park

Jiamusi Fujin National Wetland Park

   / Red Self-Driving Route

Red tourism serves as both a spiritual banner and a historical scroll, allowing visitors to enjoy scenic views while learning from the past to understand the present. It offers travelers an opportunity to receive revolutionary traditional education and absorb the spirit of revolutionary struggles, ultimately shaping a profound cultural experience. This recommended red self-driving route encompasses diverse themes such as Anti-Japanese United Army culture, petroleum culture, development culture, red study tours, and patriotism, guiding visitors to trace the footsteps of heroes and explore the origins of their inspiring spirit.

1. The spring breeze whispers in remembrance of heroes, empowering you with the passion of the red, glorious years—a journey through petroleum culture.

Route Itinerary: Starting from Daqing City — Songji-3 Well (the discovery well of Daqing Oil Field) — Sa-55 Well (the first oil well drilled by Iron Man Wang Jinxi) — Iron Man Wang Jinxi Memorial Hall (listening to the stories of Iron Man and revisiting the history of the battle) — Daqing Petroleum Museum (a thought education base for industrial workers in the new era) — Art Village Hot Springs

Self-driving Duration: 1 day and 1 night

Highlights: After more than half a century of trials, the Daqing Spirit and the Iron Man Spirit have become an important part of the great spirit of the Chinese nation, inspiring generations of outstanding Chinese people to face difficulties and move forward courageously. This route takes you to the discovery well of Daqing Oil Field, the first oil well drilled by Iron Man Wang Jinxi, the Iron Man Wang Jinxi Memorial Hall, and the Daqing Petroleum Museum, allowing you to experience the arduous efforts made by the "eldest son of the Republic" for the construction of New China.

Daqing Iron Man Wang Jinxi Memorial Hall

Daqing Petroleum Museum

2. Leisure Self-Driving Tour to Jixi Hutou Scenic Area

Itinerary: Jixi City - Hulin City - Hutou Scenic Area

Driving Duration: 1 Day

Highlights and Features: Hutou Scenic Area is a national patriotic education demonstration base and national defense education base. In 2020, it was rated as a national AAAAA-level scenic spot, featuring attractions with over 300 years of history such as the"First Temple in the East,"the "First Anti-Japanese Underground Relay Station in the East—Guandi Temple," the World War II End Memorial Park, the Museum of Hutou Underground Japanese Military Fortress Site, the Riverside Square, the "First Tower on the Wusuli River," and the giant sculpture "The First Tiger Under Heaven."

Japanese Invading Army Hutou Fortress Museum

World War II End Memorial Park

   / Premium Self-Driving Routes

Heilongjiang Province is characterized by its gently rolling hills and expansive plains, with well-developed self-driving infrastructure. The highway network connects key national first-class ports such as Suifenhe, Dongning, Tongjiang, Heihe, and Fuyuan, serving major scenic spots like Wudalianchi, Yabuli, Jingpohu, and Xingkai Lake. A 4-hour economic circle centered around Harbin has essentially taken shape, making it highly suitable for vigorous development of self-driving tourism. In recent years, Heilongjiang has created multiple premium self-driving routes, linking its stunning ecological landscapes, diverse cultures, and must-visit destinations like a string of pearls, further invigorating the province's tourism market.

1. China's Two Poles Crossing

Route Nodes: Fuyuan - Tongjiang - Suibin - Luobei - Jiayin - Xunke - Sunwu - Heihe - Huma - Tahe - Mohe

Self-Driving Duration: 12 days and 11 nights

Highlights: The "China's Two Poles Crossing" journey, meticulously crafted and prominently launched by the Heilongjiang Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, stands as a top-tier self-driving route nationwide. Starting from Fuyuan, the "Eastern Pole of China," to greet the first ray of sunlight over the motherland, and ultimately arriving at Mohe, the "Arctic of China," to witness magical celestial phenomena and explore tranquil villages. Along the 2200+ kilometer journey, breathtaking sceneries unfold continuously—mighty boundary rivers, vast forests, expansive wetlands, grand grasslands, and the Sino-Russian border customs. Additionally, culinary delights await to soothe travel fatigue, such as the Hezhe ethnic group's raw fish delicacy, Russian-style Western cuisine in the border city of Heihe, and Korean-style family banquets in Luobei, Hegang.

Fuyuan Dongji Square

Mohe Arctic Village

2. Tracing the Century-Old Chinese Eastern Railway

Route itinerary: (Manzhouli - Hailar - Zhalantun) - Ang'angxi, Qiqihar - Harbin - (Shangzhi - Xinxing Village - Shihezi Town - Lengshan Village - Gaolingzi Village - Zhishan Village) - Hengdaohezi - Mudanjiang - Suifenhe

Self-driving duration: 8 days and 7 nights

Distinctive Highlights: The Chinese Eastern Railway, abbreviated as CER, boasts a history spanning over a century, with its section in Heilongjiang Province stretching more than 1,000 kilometers. "Tracing the Century-Old Chinese Eastern Railway" stands out for its integration of historical culture and natural ecology. The journey passes through prominent CER sites in Heilongjiang, including the starting station in Ang'angxi, as well as cities like Harbin, Mudanjiang, and Suifenhe. Participants can immerse themselves in the vicissitudes of history at landmarks such as Ang'angxi Railway Station in Qiqihar, the Harbin Railway Museum, the Hengdaohezi Locomotive Depot in Mudanjiang, and the Suifenhe Railway Big White Building.

Hengdaohezi Middle East Railway Locomotive Depot Ruins

Suifenhe Railway "Big White Building"