Yichun

Yichun is known as the “Forest Capital.” With an average summer temperature of 22°C, it is an excellent place to escape the heat; in autumn, its incomparable “Five-Color Mountain” scenery takes over. Forests, streams, deer, and unusual rock formations are the main draws here, making it ideal for unwinding.

Classic 3-5 Day Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival and First Forest Experience
  • Arrive in downtown Yichun, then head to Shenghui Morning Market to soak up the local atmosphere and try lamb soup, shaomai, and wild blueberries.
  • In the afternoon, visit Jinshan Deer Park, feed the deer among grasslands and streams, and take forest-fairy-tale-style photos.
  • In the evening, browse Yichun Night Market, eat local potato pancakes and barbecue, and stay overnight in Yimei District.

• Day 2: Primeval Korean Pine Forest and Hidden Stone Wonderland
  • In the morning, visit Wuying National Forest Park, ride the forest train, travel through one of Asia’s finest primeval Korean pine forests, and perhaps spot wild squirrels.

• In the afternoon, head to Tangwanghe Forest and Stone Scenic Area to see the spectacle of granite stone forests intertwined with woodland, and hike while taking in the oxygen-rich air.

• Stay overnight in Tangwanghe County or Jiayin County.
• Day 3: Border River Scenery or Canyon Adventure
  • Option A (Family/Leisure): Visit Jiayin Dinosaur National Geopark to see fossils, then take a boat on the Jiayin Border River in the afternoon to enjoy China-Russia border scenery and watch the sunset over the river.

• Option B (Hiking/Nature): Venture deep into Maolangou National Forest Park to see canyons, waterfalls, and streams, and experience its untouched, secluded natural scenery.

• Stay overnight in Jiayin or return to the city.
• Day 4-5: Unwind in Stream Valleys and Return Trip
  • In the morning, visit Shangganling Xishui National Forest Park, feed chipmunks along the wooden boardwalks, trace the streams and catch fish, and enjoy the extremely cool-feeling temperatures.
  • In the afternoon, try ATV off-roading or Dujuan Rafting, then head home feeling fully recharged.

Must-Visit Attractions

Yichun’s attractions are fairly spread out, and each place has its own distinctive natural scenery. Plan according to your energy level.

• Jinshan Deer Park: Wide green meadows everywhere you look, with herds of deer roaming around. Known as “Northeast China’s Little Nara,” it is especially good for photos and parent-child activities.

• Wuying National Forest Park: Home to Asia’s best-preserved primeval Korean pine forest, with the forest train and abundant negative oxygen ions as its biggest highlights.

• Tangwanghe Forest and Stone Scenic Area: A 5A-rated scenic area where granite stone forests are embedded within the woods, perfectly combining geological wonders with a sea of forest.

• Shangganling Xishui National Forest Park: Extremely refreshing, with streams, forests, and boardwalks woven together. Great for summer walks and feeding chipmunks.

• Maolangou National Forest Park: Canyon landforms with a relatively untouched natural feel, rich in waterfalls and streams, and especially refreshing in summer.

• Jiayin Border River: Take a boat to enjoy the China-Russia border river scenery. The light is excellent at dusk, making it perfect for enjoying the river breeze and watching the sunset.

Must-Try Local Food

In Yichun, you should not only breathe in the fresh forest air, but also try authentic forest-region dishes and mountain specialties.

Practical Tips and Travel Advice

• Transportation: Yichun’s attractions are far apart, usually 40-60 minutes by car, and public transportation is inconvenient. Self-driving or hiring a private car is strongly recommended; do not expect to be able to hail a ride whenever you need one.
• Clothing: The forest area has a large temperature difference between morning and evening, so bring a light jacket even in July and August. Mossy stone steps are very slippery after rain, so non-slip shoes are essential.
• Mosquito and Sun Protection: There are many mosquitoes and insects in the forest, so be sure to bring mosquito repellent, high-SPF sunscreen, and sunglasses. Light-colored long sleeves and long pants are recommended.
• Ordering Food: Portions in Northeast Chinese restaurants are generally very large, so when ordering, remember the rule of “number of people minus one” to avoid waste.
• Best Time to Visit: July and August are best for escaping the summer heat. For the autumn “Five-Color Mountain” scenery, aim for around September 25 to October 5, as the viewing window is very short.