Mudanjiang Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, eat, stay, and things to do in Mudanjiang, a city renowned for its natural beauty and cultural heritage in Northeast China.


Introduction to Mudanjiang

Mudanjiang is a city in the Heilongjiang province of Northeast China. This city is especially renowned for its natural beauty, particularly the Jingpo Lake Scenic Area, which features clean waters, lush forests, stunning rock formations, and diverse wildlife that change in character throughout the seasons. Visitors to Mudanjiang can also immerse themselves in Chinese culture and history by visiting the area’s various museums and historical landmarks.

List of Places to Visit in Mudanjiang

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Mudanjiang is home to many culturally important attractions, including museums and historical landmarks. The following are some of the must-visit places in the city.

  • World Antifascist War Hailin Memorial Museum: The museum provides visitors with an overview of Hailin’s role in China’s resistance against the Japanese during World War II.
  • Xiangyang Ancient City: Established in 1558, the ancient city is a well-preserved example of Chinese defensive architecture.
  • Guan Guanghui Museum: The museum has a comprehensive collection of around 20,000 ancient Chinese coins, which include examples dating back over 2,000 years.

Natural Attractions of Mudanjiang: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Mudanjiang is blessed with natural beauty that attracts visitors from all over the world. The following are some natural attractions that you can enjoy in the area.

  • Jingpo Lake Scenic Area: A picturesque area, dominated by an enormous natural freshwater lake on which visitors can take boat rides. In winter, the lake freezes over and visitors can witness the lake and surrounding hills in a white-out as snow and ice obscure the landscape.
  • The Snow Country: In winter, Mudanjiang is transformed into a winter wonderland with some of the heaviest snowfall in China. The snow-covered countryside provides opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports.
  • Fenghuang Mountain Scenic Area: The area has stunning views of the mountains and the Yanwagou River that runs through the deep canyons. Here, visitors can take in the air and enjoy the misty, mountainous landscape.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Mudanjiang

Mudanjiang offers incredible hiking and biking trails and routes for visitors who want to explore the natural environment of the city. The following are the most popular hiking and biking routes:

  • Fenglin Canyon Tourist Area: A scenic area known for its unique formation of basalt columns which open up to a marvellous canyon stretching up to 9.5 kilometres that provides enjoyable hiking.
  • Haxi Forest Park: With a natural forest cover of over 80%, Haxi Forest Park is an ideal place for hiking, trekking, and cycling.
  • Mofengshan National Forest Park: Surrounded by lush green vegetation, majestic peaks, crystal-clear rivers and streams, this is a protected site, and visitors must hire a guide for climbing.

Best Things to Do in Mudanjiang: Activities and Tours

Mudanjiang is a hub of cultural, historical and natural attractions, and visitors have plenty of activities and tours to choose from. The following is a list of some of the top-rated things to do in the city.

  • Boat Tours of Jingbo Lake: A perfect way to explore the lake, visitors can take boat trips of various lengths depending on their preferences.
  • Skiing: Mudanjiang offers fantastic skiing and snowboarding opportunities for winter sports enthusiasts in the areas around Mammoth Glacier, Yabuli Ski Resort and Meihua Mountain.
  • Hiking and Biking: Visitors can hike or bike the vast network of trails around the city, notably found at Jingbo Lake Scenic Area, Haxi Forest Park and Chuoer Mountain

Week-Long Itinerary for Mudanjiang

Day 1: Arrive in Mudanjiang, get settled at your lodging and then explore the city.

Day 2-3: Explore Jingbo Lake Scenic Area and enjoy boating, hiking, and cycling.

Day 4: Visit Xiangyang Ancient City in the morning and enjoy the afternoon at Mofengshan National Forest Park.

Day 5: Take a day trip to Hailin and visit the World Antifascist War Hailin Memorial Museum and Guan Guanghui Museum.

Day 6: Go skiing at Meihua Mountain Ski Resort, famous for its long ski runs.

Day 7: Enjoy the Snow Country and take in the breathtaking winter scenery.

Food and Drink Scene of Mudanjiang

Mudanjiang is known for its hearty food and drink, including the following:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Mudanjiang Hotpot: A hotpot dish originating from the city; it is a spicy and flavourful hotpot of rich and nourishing broth.
  • Shenjing Pork/Boiled Marrow Bones with Radishes: A traditional pork dish from Mudanjiang; it is made using clay pots to boil the pork and marrow bones with ginger and leek.
  • Soybean Curd Skin Rolls: A dish made from a folded long slice of soybean curd mixed with diced mushrooms, ham, and egg to create an iconic donut shape.

Local Beverages

  • Snow Beer: A refreshing beer perfect for chilly weather and is popular in northern China
  • Jingbo Lake Wine: China’s best-kept secret, with refreshing jasmine notes often created by the local artisans who source water from the volcanic rock subsoil.

Where to Stay in Mudanjiang: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Mudanjiang has an array of accommodation options, ranging from high-end hotels to backpacker hostels.

  • Sheraton Mudanjiang Hotel: A sleek and modern hotel with luxurious amenities and gorgeous views of the city
  • Floral Hotel Qinglongshan: A budget hotel with great views of the surrounding mountains
  • Home Inn Mudanjiang Xidamen: A budget hotel right in the centre of the city

What to Buy in Mudanjiang: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

There are a variety of souvenirs and local products you can buy from Mudanjiang. The following are the most popular.

  • Jingbo Lake Glass Pearls: Beautiful, intricately designed pearls made of glass inspired by the ancient Chinese tradition
  • Mudanjiang Red Ginseng: A highly nutritious Chinese herb hailed as a remedy for various ailments
  • Wild Blueberry Products: Unique local products that Mudanjiang is famous for, including dried and fresh berries, as well as freshly produced juices.

Local Culture and Customs of Mudanjiang

Mudanjiang has a rich cultural heritage and centuries-old traditions which continue to this day. Mudanjian culture showcases the city’s unique music, dance, aboriginal customs, folklore, and artwork.

Best Time to Visit Mudanjiang

The best time to visit Mudanjiang depends on the activities you plan to do there. The city experiences four distinct seasons throughout the year, and visitors can experience their diverse offerings. The ideal time to visit Mudanjiang is from April to September when the climate is mild, and the natural beauty of the city is at its zenith. If you want to experience winter activities such as skiing and the Snow Country, then from December to February is the perfect time.

Do’s and Don’ts of Mudanjiang

Do:

  • Respect Chinese culture and customs
  • Dress appropriately to visit temples and other religious sites
  • Carry loose change for public restrooms
  • Get adequate travel insurance

Don’t:

  • Avoid public displays of affection
  • Don’t use chopsticks to stand food up straight
  • Don’t show frustration publicly.

Safety and Health

Safety in Mudanjiang

Mudanjiang is a safe, secure, and peaceful place to visit. Visitors should exercise caution against pickpocketing since the big crowds in public places provide ideal conditions for pickpockets.

Health in Mudanjiang

Visitors may take precautions when visiting Mudanjiang during the flu season. Taking extra hygiene measures such as frequent hand washing and avoiding crowded places might be helpful.

Getting to Mudanjiang: Transportation Options and Logistics

Mudanjiang has an international airport and is also accessible by bus or train.

Airports Near Mudanjiang

  • Mudanjiang Hailang International Airport The airport is about 13.8 kilometres away from downtown Mudanjiang and about a 30-minute drive.

Bus Stations Near Mudanjiang

  • Mudanjiang Ming River Road Bus Station This is the busiest and most extensive bus station in Mudanjiang and services nearly all destinations around the city.

Other Options

  • Railway Bureau There are many trains that run through Mudanjiang with stops in various parts of China.

How to Get Around in Mudanjiang

Visitors can use different transportation options available within the city for easy commuting. These options include:

  • Taxi: Taxis are the comfortable way to move around the area. Easily available at designated taxi stands for hiring and entire day rental.
  • Bus: Bus service covers reasonably-priced and convenient city transportation, with some even running to see the nearby scenic areas.
  • Self-Drive: Visitors can rent cars and explore the city freely during their stay.

Where to Go Next from Mudanjiang: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Mudanjiang serves as a gateway to other destinations in the Northeastern part of China, including:

  • Harbin: A bustling city of over 10 million people, often called the ‘Paris of the East’, is famous for its stunning ice sculptures.
  • Changbai Mountain: A stunning mountain range located on the border of China and North Korea, complete with hot springs, waterfalls, and vibrant forests.

Conclusion

Mudanjiang is a city with diverse tourist attractions and natural beauty. The city is well-equipped with various facilities to cater to the needs of visitors, making it an ideal destination to consider. Take advantage of this detailed guide and enjoy the best of what Mudanjiang has to offer.