2026 Muling Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in September)

Haiyue Bay Water Park in Muling: A Complete Guide for Russian Tourists from Primorye Chinese name: 海月湾欢乐水世界 (Hǎiyuè Wān Huānlè Shuǐ Shìjiè) Location: Heilongjiang Province, Mudanjiang City, Muling County, Xiachenzi Township (下城子镇). 💙About the Water Park Haiyue Bay is a large entertainment complex with its own hotel, campground, and restaurants. It has been designated a AAA-level national tourist attraction and is considered one of the best water parks in northeast China. Main attractions: Super Wave Pool (海啸池) — an artificial tsunami with waves up to 3 meters high. Slides: Kamikaze, Serpentine, Free Fall, and other extreme rides. Current River (漂流河) — a lazy current for a relaxing experience. Kids' Zone — pools with mini-slides and water cannons. Water Disco Bar (水迪吧). What's new in 2025–2026: a 66-meter tower with the Sky Mirror attraction, an 800-meter inflatable slide track, and nighttime shows with a laser show and bonfire have been added. Facilities: Changing rooms for 1,500 people. Two restaurants with 400 seats. 24 wooden cabins (cottages) for overnight accommodation. Parking for 1,000 cars. Clinic and security post. ❗❗❗Operating Hours and Season The water park is open only in the summer. The official season is from mid-July to the end of September. It is closed the rest of the year. Operating Hours: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM. Night sessions (until 9:00 PM): are held weather permitting during peak season. 📌Important: Opening and closing dates are subject to change depending on the weather. Before your trip, be sure to check the current schedule on the water park's official social media pages or by phone. How to get there from Suifenhe Suifenhe is the main entry point for Russian tourists from Primorye. The most convenient and reliable way is by train and taxi. Car travel is not an option, as almost no tourists travel by car. Route: 1. Train from Suifenhe to Muling Station (穆棱站). High-speed and regular trains run several times a day. Travel time: approximately 1 hour. Ticket price: approximately 50-80 yuan. 2. From Muling Station to the water park in Xiachenzi Village (下城子镇). Distance: approximately 26 km. Taxi time: 20-30 minutes. Taxi price: approximately 60-100 yuan. Total travel time: approximately 1.5–2 hours, including transfers. How to get there from Mudanjiang Mudanjiang is a major transportation hub, served by flights from Beijing, Shanghai, and other Chinese cities. Trains are also convenient from Mudanjiang to the water park. Route: 1. Train from Mudanjiang to Muling Station (穆棱站). High-speed trains run regularly. Travel time: approximately 30–40 minutes. Ticket price: approximately 30–50 yuan. 2. From Muling Station to the water park in Xiachenzi Village (下城子镇). Distance: approximately 26 km. Taxi time: 20–30 minutes. Taxi fare: approximately 60-100 yuan. Total travel time: approximately 1-1.5 hours, including transfers. ❗❗❗Important clarification about stations There used to be a station called Maqiaohe (马桥河) in this area, but passenger service was closed in 2015 following the opening of the new Mudanjiang-Suifenhe high-speed line. Therefore, all modern trains stop only at the new Muling Station (穆棱站) – this is the station you should specify when purchasing tickets. 🇷🇺Helpful tips for tourists from Russia 1. Buy train tickets in advance. During the high season (July-August) and on weekends, tickets sell out quickly. 2. Payment at the water park. The water park operates on a "one-card" system (一卡通): you load money onto an electronic card upon entry and use it to pay for food, sun lounger rentals, and other services. Don't forget to collect the remaining amount upon exit. 3. What to bring: A swimsuit, flip-flops, a towel, and swimming goggles. You can rent a locker inside (a deposit of approximately 50-100 yuan). 4. Accommodation: If you plan to stay for several days, book one of the 24 wooden houses (cottages) within the water park. These are very popular with Chinese tourists, so book in advance. 5. Address for taxi drivers · Haiyuewan Water Park (southern Xiachengzi Township, Muling County, Mudanjiang City, Heilongjiang Province). · Brief: 海月湾欢乐水世界 (name of the water park). 🌊Haiyuewan Water Park is a great option for a summer trip from Primorye. It's convenient to get there from Suifenhe by train to Muling Station, and from there it's a 20-minute taxi ride. The water park is modern, has many attractions, and the infrastructure is well-developed. Plan your visit for July–September and be sure to check the schedule before you go—the season is short, and opening dates depend on the weather.

Finally found a pristine, uncrowded mountain lake hidden gem in Northeast China 🌊 Skip the crowded tourist hotspots and spend a day at the Liufeng Lake Natural Ecological Area in Muling—it's the most healing way to experience summer! You will be absolutely stunned by the pristine scenery here 😭 Six green mountains surround the crystal-clear lake, hence the name "Liufeng Lake" (Six Peaks Lake). The mountains are lush and layered, filled with healing shades of green. The lake water is so clear you can see the bottom—it's one of the cleanest bodies of water in Mudanjiang. When the breeze blows across the lake, it creates shimmering ripples, gentle to the extreme. It truly lives up to its reputation as a natural forest oxygen bar 🍃 The entire scenic area is wrapped in thousands of acres of forest and is adjacent to the Yew Nature Reserve, home to rare wild yew plants. The air is filled with the fresh scent of plants and earth. With an incredibly high concentration of negative oxygen ions, one deep breath instantly clears away all the stuffiness and urban fatigue. It feels cool and comfortable—it's the perfect place to escape the summer heat! Explore the entire scenic area, and you'll find pristine beauty everywhere 📸 You must see the iconic Turtle Mountain landscape! From a distance, the mountain's silhouette looks like a giant turtle leaning down to drink water, quietly resting by the lake. The scene of mountains and water together is peaceful and healing. Climbing to the top of Liufeng Tower is even more breathtaking. Looking down from above, you get a panoramic view of the lake and mountains—green hills surrounding the water, with the water and sky blending into one. The view is incredibly expansive, and every photo you take is a masterpiece that needs no filter. The pace of the trip is so relaxed and comfortable ✨ There's no commercial hustle and bustle, and very few tourists—just the mountain breeze, babbling brooks, and birds singing in the forest. You can take a leisurely hike along the lake, stroll along shaded paths, and watch the babbling brooks and small waterfalls. Or, go cycling around the lake to immerse yourself in the mountain breeze. In the evening, wait for the sunset over the mountains; the gentle evening breeze and the quiet lake will heal all your trivial worries. Far from the city's hustle and bustle, a hidden gem tucked away in the deep mountains Uncrowded and non-commercial, it preserves the purest natural ecology If you want to find a place to zone out, escape the heat, refresh your lungs, and get close to nature, you must come to Liufeng Lake! Immerse yourself in the gentleness and grandeur of the mountains and waters of Northeast China 🌿

September Mountain Trail Exploration | Muling 2-Day 1-Night Off-the-Beaten-Path Deep Dive Itinerary In September, Muling sheds the summer heat, and the Wandashan Mountains slowly unfold in a tapestry of yellow and green autumn colors. With its high forest coverage, it's truly the "Hometown of Chinese Yew." Avoiding the crowds of popular tourist spots, it offers the old stories of the Chinese Eastern Railway, tranquil lakes and revolutionary sites, and authentic Northeastern rural life—perfect for travelers who enjoy peace and quiet and prefer hiking. Day 1: Old Town Cultural Stroll, Exploring Revolutionary Sites Arrive in the city center at Bamiantong in the morning. First, stroll along the Muling River waterfront promenade. Walking slowly along the wooden boardwalk, the reeds turn yellow in September, and water birds occasionally skim the surface. The city's green lung is exceptionally quiet, with few people, making for a relaxing and enjoyable walk. Afterwards, visit the Muling Museum of Chinese Eastern Railway History and Culture. This museum preserves a large number of old railway artifacts. The red-brick buildings exude a sense of history, allowing you to understand the imprint left by the Chinese Eastern Railway. Admission is free, and an hour is sufficient for a leisurely visit. At noon, we ate local home-style dishes in the city, trying braised chicken with wild mushrooms and handmade pancakes. The local pancakes are thin, chewy, and fragrant—a local specialty. In the afternoon, we drove to the Guyushu Northeast Anti-Japanese United Army Secret Camp Education Base, a free rural red tourism site. It features restored dugouts and old residences, and a historical corridor recording the struggles of the past. The courtyard is quiet, allowing you to immerse yourself in the historical atmosphere of the old revolutionary base. No need to rush; take your time to explore. In the evening, we returned to the city and went to the barbecue street on Nan'er Road to experience the city's nightlife, trying Northeast-style barbecue skewers and feeling the local street life. Day 2: Scenic View of Liufeng Lake and Encountering Autumn Lake and Mountain Scenery The next morning, we drove to the Liufeng Lake Ecological Tourism Area, about an hour's drive from the city. Surrounded by mountains, the lake boasts clear water. In September, the lakeside forests are already tinged with autumn colors, the trees along the shore gradually changing color, and the lake surface shimmering. You can stroll along the lakeside trails, gazing at the lake surrounded by six mountain peaks. With luck, you might even spot wild birds. The area boasts pristine ecology and abundant negative ions, making it a perfect place to cleanse your lungs and relax. You can also see yew forests along the lake, experiencing the mountain scenery of the "Yew Country." For lunch, try the local farmhouse restaurant. We recommend the iron pot stew with local wild vegetables; all ingredients are from the mountains, and the portions are generous. If you have time in the afternoon, visit Nanshan Park and climb to the observation deck for panoramic views of the entire mountain forest and the town, a breathtaking autumn vista. If you don't enjoy hiking, you can sit quietly by the lake, feel the breeze, and enjoy the slow pace of mountain life. Practical Tips · Transportation: From out of town, take the high-speed rail to Mudanjiang, then transfer to a bus to Muling. The attractions are far apart, so driving or hiring a car is recommended. Taxis are very cheap in the city. · Accommodation: Prioritize hotels in the city center, offering a wide selection of budget hotels that are convenient for dining and shopping, and offer good value for money. For a closer connection to nature, consider guesthouses near the scenic area. · Clothing: Temperatures vary greatly in the mountains in September, with significant day-night differences and cool breezes near lakes and in the forests. Bring a windproof jacket and comfortable hiking shoes. · Note: Open flames are strictly prohibited in forest areas. Hiking should primarily utilize established trails. Respect historical sites and avoid touching artifacts. The overall cost is around 700 RMB per person. With fewer crowds and tranquil scenery, combining mountains, lakes, and cultural attractions, it's a worthwhile off-the-beaten-path destination in Northeast China during September.

When people think of summer in Northeast China, they think of Changbai Mountain and Jingpo Lake; few mention Muling. But I want to set the record straight for this small city—it offers more than just cool weather; it has an unpolished, wild charm where you can stumble upon surprises while walking in the mountains. I won't write a boring itinerary here. I've picked three places I think are most worth visiting and will cover each in detail. 🌿 Hidden gem 1: Liufeng Mountain National Forest Park Don't confuse Liufeng Mountain with Liufeng Lake; they are different places. Liufeng Mountain is 30 km east of the city center, with a main peak at 1,028 meters, named after its six continuous peaks. This isn't a highly developed tourist spot; it's more like a massive, primitive forest playground. There is a 1,000-meter hiking trail at the entrance, with moderate intensity suitable for all ages. It took me about an hour and a half to reach the top. The vegetation along the way transitions from broad-leaved forest to coniferous forest, and the air gets cooler the higher you go. At the summit, there is a natural rock formation called "Spirit Turtle Gazing at the Moon." From a distance, it really looks like a giant turtle lying on the ridge—you have to admire nature's craftsmanship. The biggest surprise was a sea of wildflowers I found halfway up the mountain. August is the peak blooming season, with purple and yellow flowers covering the entire hillside, and bees and butterflies flying everywhere. Sitting in the flowers, feeling the mountain breeze, I felt that no KPI or deadline mattered at that moment. Practical info: Tickets are affordable. There are no cable cars in the scenic area, so you'll have to walk the whole way. I recommend wearing non-slip sneakers, as some sections have slippery rocks. Bring plenty of water, as there are no supply points on the mountain. 🚂 Hidden gem 2: Far East Forestry Museum in Xiachengzi Town This place was a complete surprise. It's the only forestry-themed museum in the Mudanjiang area, a national third-grade museum, and it's free. Sounds boring, right? I thought so too, but I was proven wrong once I went inside. The museum systematically displays the century-long history of the Northeast forest region, with over 50,000 items in its collection. The most impressive exhibits are the massive timber specimens—Korean pines, Manchurian ash, and Amur cork trees that would take several people to hug, with countless dense growth rings on their cross-sections. There are also tools used by old forestry workers, vintage photos, and restored logging scenes. After seeing it, I gained a completely different understanding of the past and present of the Northeast forest region. The museum features an immersive forest scene recreation. Walking inside feels like stepping into a primitive forest—the lighting is dim, there are artificial fallen leaves underfoot, and you can hear the wind and birds chirping. It's a fantastic experience. Kids will love it, and adults will find it fascinating too. It's about a 30 to 40-minute drive from the city center to Xiachengzi Town. You can plan this for the same day as Liufeng Mountain—hiking in the morning and visiting the museum in the afternoon makes for a perfect pace. 🏞️ Hidden gem 3: Muling Lake Scenic Area Muling Lake covers an area of 11 square kilometers and is surrounded by primitive forests, earning it the nickname "Pearl of the North." Unlike the delicate beauty of Liufeng Lake, Muling Lake is more expansive. Standing by the lake, the water and sky blend into one, and the distant mountains look like a green barrier. You can take a sightseeing bus along a 21.9-kilometer route through the beautiful lake and mountain scenery, with several viewpoints along the way where you can get off to take photos. My favorite spot is "Bishui Bay," where the lake bends to form a natural viewing platform. The water is as calm as a mirror, reflecting the mountains and clouds. There are historical sites related to the Northeast Anti-Japanese United Army by the lake, which are worth a quick visit. In August, there is a large temperature difference between day and night at Muling Lake. The lake surface gets foggy in the morning, looking like a fairyland—if you can wake up early, you must go see it. 🏠 About where to stay I chose a small courtyard by Muling Lake. The yard was planted with sunflowers and tomatoes, and there was a cornfield just outside the fence. The room was converted from a traditional Northeast kang (heated brick bed), with clean sheets. It was nice and warm at night, and sleeping under a quilt on an August night was incredibly cozy. The landlady would freshly make pancakes every morning, served with homemade pickles—simple but satisfying. There was a swing in the yard; sitting on it in the evening watching the sunset over the lake, time seemed to slow down. 📋 A final practical note Muling's three hidden gems each have their own focus: Liufeng Mountain is for those who love hiking and natural scenery, the Forestry Museum is for families with kids and history buffs, and Muling Lake is for those who want to quietly relax and enjoy the view. If you have enough time, visit all three; if you only have two days, prioritize Liufeng Mountain and Muling Lake. This small city has no crowded tourist throngs and no overly commercialized traps—just the most primitive mountain forests and the most down-to-earth locals. If you are tired of crowded popular tourist spots, Muling is definitely a hidden gem for a summer getaway in August.

This is my third time visiting Muling Town. As a third-class station from the Chinese Eastern Railway era, the locations of some of Muling's buildings still need to be verified (for example, the Muling station once had a large stable). I wanted to confirm the current state of the buildings I've photographed before and see if I could capture any new angles—I climbed up several multi-story stairwells. The level crossing in front of Muling Station has been rebuilt; the original main line is now disconnected, and the section toward Beilin has been partially converted into a road. It rained all day, so the visit wasn't exactly smooth... I went to the East Mountain to try and recreate an overhead shot of the Muling River Bridge, but the corn on the hillside had grown too tall and blocked the view, and I couldn't find that vantage point. The small path on East Mountain was also extremely muddy, so it was a bit of a struggle... I'll just have to wait until October or November after the harvest to see if it's any better.

🏡 Hengdaohezi Russian-style town is a century-old town built because of the Chinese Eastern Railway constructed in 1897. The town preserves 256 Russian-style buildings, mostly built between 1903 and 1904 during the railway construction. It is the town along the Chinese Eastern Railway with the most and best-preserved Russian-style architecture. 🌟 must-visit spots: 🚂 Chinese Eastern Railway locomotive depot: the "heart" of the town, with 15 fan-shaped garage doors arranged like a peacock’s tail. It has been converted into the Chinese Eastern Railway Museum, where you can see steam locomotives and vintage maintenance tools up close. 🏠 Russian old street: over 1,000 meters long, lined with more than 50 Russian-style log houses. Yellow walls and red roofs of wooden houses, Russian shops, and Chinese signs blend together, making you feel like you’ve stepped into a European town. 💒 Church of the Nativity of the Virgin: the oldest Orthodox church in Northeast China and the only existing wooden-structure church in the country. It is entirely built with wood joints, inlays, and carvings and currently serves as the Chinese Eastern Railway Museum. The teal dome and golden onion dome stand out in the forest. Each stone on the entrance’s paved path bears Russian letters, the "signature" of Russian craftsmen. This site is also where the Japanese army surrendered in Hailin in August 1945. 🚉 Hengdaohezi train station: built in 1903 and still in use today. It features red brick walls and a green dome. The benches on the platform are original iron-cast ones from a century ago. You can buy a platform ticket to enter and take photos. ✨ nearby connected attractions: 🐯 Northeast Tiger Forest Park: China’s largest breeding base for Siberian tigers. You can ride a feeding vehicle to observe tigers up close. In winter, the tigers’ fur looks even more vibrant against the snow. 🎬 Weihu Mountain Film Studio: the filming location of "Tracks in the Snowy Forest." You can wear a military coat and play the role of a hero fighting bandits in "Linhai Town." Live performances are held on weekends. 🛖 Qilidi ecological village: the birthplace of the first party branch in the Mudanjiang area. The village is full of log houses. You can drink mountain spring water, enjoy farmhouse dishes, and visit the party history memorial hall. ⛰️ Foshou Mountain: not very high but offers excellent views. From the summit, you can see the entire Hengdaohezi town. The giant rock at the top resembles an open palm, which is how it got its name. 📝 travel tips: It’s recommended to stay one night in a Russian-style old courtyard guesthouse, living in a century-old log house and falling asleep to the sound of pine waves at night. Jinbing is a local specialty—thin as cicada wings, chewy and elastic. It pairs perfectly with shredded pork in Beijing sauce or spicy dried tofu. 🚗 transportation guide: The Bin-Sui Railway and National Highway 301 run through the town. Hengdaohezi is a transportation hub entering the Mudanjiang area from the west. The town is about 278 km from Harbin and is easily accessible. You can take a train or high-speed train from Harbin, Mudanjiang, or Hailin. By car, take the Ha-Mu Expressway and exit at Hengdaohezi. There are also buses from Mudanjiang bus station to Hengdaohezi.

During the Dragon Boat Festival holiday, many people want to find a place with fewer crowds and beautiful scenery to relax their body and mind. Muling in Heilongjiang is an excellent choice. This low-key small city boasts rich revolutionary culture and stunning natural landscapes, allowing you to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the comfort of a slow life. Starting from Mudanjiang, it takes only one hour by train to reach Muling, making transportation very convenient. The climate in Muling from May to June is pleasant, and the scenery is picturesque, making it the best time of the year to visit. Today, I will share a slow life guide for Muling during the Dragon Boat Festival, helping you unlock the proper way to experience the Northern Flower City. The pace of sightseeing in Muling is very slow. No need to rush your itinerary or squeeze through crowds. Strolling leisurely and savoring every moment allows you to truly feel the charm of this small city. First, I recommend visiting the Solitary Elm Tree Northeast Anti-Japanese United Army Secret Camp, the core cultural experience site of the Northeast Anti-Japanese United Army. Walking into the village feels like traveling back to the war-torn era. The restored 1930s houses quietly tell stories of those times. You can follow the path once taken by the Anti-Japanese soldiers, take a sip of the sweet General’s Spring water, and try a fragrant hero pancake. In the Anti-Japanese United Army exhibition hall, viewing precious historical materials and artifacts while listening to the guide’s stories about the heroic deeds of the soldiers will stir a strong patriotic feeling in your heart. Next, head to the Muling Seven-Color Flower Fields, where 6,000 acres of flowers enter their early blooming period from May to June. Various flowers bloom in succession—red, yellow, purple, pink—decorating the land in a colorful display. Ride the flower field train through the sea of flowers; the breeze carries the floral fragrance, making you feel like you’re in a fairy tale. You can also stroll through the flower fields, take photos, and capture these beautiful moments. If you happen to catch the agricultural tourism picking festival, you can enjoy the fun of picking fresh fruits and vegetables. Liufeng Lake Scenic Area is Muling’s natural oxygen bar, with fresh air and beautiful surroundings. The vast lake’s clear water reflects the surrounding green mountains and trees, like a beautiful landscape painting. You can rent a small boat to row on the lake and enjoy the scenery on both sides; or walk along the lakeside trail, breathing in the air rich in negative oxygen ions to relax your body and mind. Outdoor enthusiasts can also enjoy stargazing camping, forest yoga, or mountain hiking here to experience the beauty of nature. How can summer be complete without water fun? Haiyue Bay Happy Water World is Muling’s top choice for summer activities. It features a super tsunami pool, circular lazy river, rainbow speed slides, and many other water attractions, allowing you to fully enjoy the summer coolness. Bring your kids here—they will have a blast. At night, you can stay in the starry sky camping area and experience the unique Northeast kang bed-stove style homestay for a different lodging experience. If you are interested in history, be sure to visit the China Eastern Railway Historical and Cultural Muling Exhibition Hall. The hall houses a large collection of historical materials and artifacts, detailing the century-long history of the China Eastern Railway and Muling’s role in that history. Through real-life films and interactive displays, you can gain a more intuitive understanding of that sealed era. Besides these main attractions, Muling has many other places worth visiting. Grain Terrace Mountain Scenic Area offers panoramic views of Muling from the summit and the rare “Spirit Turtle Gazing at the Moon” phenomenon. Muling Lake Scenic Area has a vast lake with beautiful scenery, perfect for leisure and vacation. The Far East Forestry Museum lets you learn about Heilongjiang’s rich forest resources. Muling’s cuisine is not abundant but very distinctive. The small durian grilled cold noodles near Muling No.1 High School are a local internet-famous snack that many people come specifically to try. The grilled cold noodles have a chewy texture, unique sauce, and delicious flavor—you must try them. Regarding accommodation, you can choose based on your itinerary. If you want to stay in the city center with convenient transportation, Atour Hotel in downtown Muling is a good choice, with complete facilities suitable for business and family trips. If you want to hike and enjoy the view, stay at a homestay in the Grain Terrace Mountain Scenic Area, located at the foot of the mountain in a quiet environment. For a lake living experience, Muling Lake Resort Villas in the Muling Lake Scenic Area are ideal for family gatherings. If you like vintage style, the China Eastern Railway-themed homestay in Muling is full of retro charm.

Departs at 7:30 AM from Mudanjiang Railway Station Morning tour: Ten-Mile Ice and Snow Gallery — Bald Mountain Snowmobile Arrive at Snow Town in the afternoon Gather at 7:00 PM for return trip One-way trip takes about 3 hours If you need a direct trip to Snow Town without entertainment activities, please contact customer service for inquiries