Jixi

Jixi is an underrated borderland gem: it has vast boundary-lake scenery and deep history, and it is also the birthplace of grilled cold noodles. Here is a classic 3-day, 2-night itinerary and food guide to help you enjoy Jixi with ease!

Classic 3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: Urban Culture and a First Taste of Local Food: In the morning, visit the Jixi Museum to learn about the city’s history. In the afternoon, take a walk in Muling River Park and feel the rhythm of local life. In the evening, head straight to a street-side eatery in the city center for authentic Jixi knife-cut noodles with grilled skewers, or try the local specialty egg pancake.

• Day 2: Boundary-Lake Scenery and Beidahuang Nostalgia: Spend the whole day exploring Xingkai Lake. In the morning, go to the Xinkailiu Scenic Area to see the white sand beach and birdwatching platform. In the afternoon, drive yourself or hire a car along the Tree Hollow Road, then watch a stunning sunset by the lake at dusk. In the evening, enjoy a Xingkai Lake large whitefish feast in Mishan or Dangbi Town.

• Day 3: Border History and a Red Tourism Route: Head to Hulin City. In the morning, visit the Hutou Fortress Site Museum and feel the historical impact of the place where World War II ended. In the afternoon, climb the First Tower of the Ussuri River for a distant view of the China-Russia border. If time allows, continue to Zhenbao Island Wetland for a boat trip along the river.

Must-Visit Attractions

Jixi covers a large area, and its attractions are spread across different districts and counties. It is best to choose key sights for a deeper visit according to your interests.

• Xingkai Lake: A China-Russia boundary lake and one of Asia’s largest freshwater lakes. Greater Xingkai Lake is vast and magnificent, while Lesser Xingkai Lake is as quiet as a mirror. The white sand beach and birdwatching platform in the Xinkailiu Scenic Area are highly photogenic. It is ideal for escaping the heat in summer, viewing foliage in autumn, and seeing ice shoves in winter.
• Hutou Tourist Scenic Area: Includes the Hutou Fortress Site, the Memorial Park of the End of World War II, and the First Tower of the Ussuri River. This is the place where World War II ended. Its underground military works are large in scale and have strong historical educational significance, with Russia just across the river.
• Zhenbao Island: A heroic island on the Ussuri River. Though small in area, it retains a pristine ecology. It is well suited for taking a boat trip to enjoy boundary-river scenery. In summer, flocks of wetland waterbirds gather here, making it a good destination for photography and red tourism.
• Qilin Mountain Scenic Area: Relatively close to the city center, with distinctive volcanic lava landforms. From the summit, you can overlook Jidong County and rolling mountains, making it suitable for travelers who enjoy hiking and natural geological landscapes.

Must-Try Local Foods

Jixi’s food is centered on noodles, lake fish and seafood, and barbecue. Flavors tend toward savory, sour, and spicy, with a strong northeastern borderland character.

Transport and Practical Tips

• Long-Distance Transport: You can fly to Jixi Xingkai Lake Airport, or take a high-speed train to Jixi West Railway Station. The fastest trains from Harbin take about 2.5 hours.
• Local Transport: Jixi’s attractions are widely scattered, with Xingkai Lake in Mishan and Hutou in Hulin. Self-driving or hiring a car is strongly recommended. If using public transport, take intercity buses from the coach station to the various cities and counties.
• Accommodation Suggestions: In the urban area, stay near Binhe Park or Wanda Plaza for convenient dining and transport. For Xingkai Lake, you can stay in a fisherman’s homestay in Dangbi Town; in winter, you can experience throwing water into the air and watching it freeze.
• Notes: Always carry your ID card when visiting border scenic areas. Day-night temperature differences are large, so bring a light jacket in summer and full cold-weather gear in winter. Be careful when identifying “Russian specialties” sold at scenic-area entrances.