Tucked into the heart of the Lesser Khingan Mountains in northeastern Heilongjiang, Yichun is hailed as the "Forest Capital of China." With a forest coverage rate of 83.8% and an average summer temperature of around 22°C, the city records more than 6,000 negative oxygen ions per cubic centimeter. It has long been a celebrated retreat for escaping the heat and restoring body and mind amid the greenery.

Recommended Attractions

1. Wuying Korean Pine Sea Scenic Area

Wuying Korean Pine Sea Scenic Area is home to the largest primary Korean pine forest in Asia. Visitors can ride a vintage forest train through the towering pines or walk along the gentle wooden boardwalks that wind through the old-growth woodland.

Wuying Korean Pine Sea Scenic Area

Images courtesy of China Tourism News Photo Library

2. Tangwang River Forest & Rare Rock Scenic Area

The signature here is the coexistence of primeval forest and granite landforms. A stroll along the boardwalk reveals more than 300 freestanding granite rock pillars in fantastical shapes—Thin Strip of Sky, Maitreya Summit, Forest Guanyin—carved by time and framed by trees.

Tangwang River Forest & Rare Rock Scenic Area

Images courtesy of China Tourism News Photo Library

Tangwang River Forest & Rare Rock Scenic Area

Images courtesy of China Tourism News Photo Library

3. Jiufeng Mountain Heart-Nourishing Valley

Nestled between hills and water, this lush valley blends forest therapy with light family fun. A pet interaction zone brings visitors up close to sika deer, alpacas and miniature horses.

Jiufeng Mountain Heart-Nourishing Valley

Images courtesy of China Tourism News Photo Library

4. Jiayin Dinosaur National Geopark

Jiayin is where China's first dinosaur fossils were discovered. The geopark houses a large fossil exhibition hall with mounted skeletons, as well as 3D-printed reconstructions and a 5D cinema for an immersive journey through the Mesozoic.

5. Maolangou National Forest Park

Canyon walls, tiered waterfalls and deep pools define the scenery. The boardwalk traces the gorge to the approximately 20-meter-high Maolan Falls; chipmunks and other small forest dwellers are frequent companions along the way.

Maolangou National Forest Park

Images courtesy of China Tourism News Photo Library

Recommended Flavors

The table reflects the cuisine of China's northeastern forest belt. The signature is iron-pot stew—chicken, pork ribs or river fish simmered slowly with potatoes and glass noodles. Wild hazel mushrooms and lion's-mane mushrooms from the woods often go into the pot with chicken or are stir-fried with meat. In August, freshly blanched mountain greens taste refreshing and crisp, while wild blueberries come into season—small, frost-dusted and anthocyanin-rich—sold at the morning and night markets.

Yichun Blueberry

Images courtesy of China Tourism News Photo Library