In-Depth Guide to the Tangwang River Forest and Strange Stone Scenic Area: A Fantastic Journey into the Secret Realm of Northern Stone Forests and Red Pines
📍 Scenic Area Overview
Located in Tangwang County, Yichun City, Heilongjiang Province, the Tangwang River Forest and Strange Stone Scenic Area is a National 5A-level Scenic Area and a World Geopark. It boasts Asia's most complete and rare combination of granite rock forest and pristine red pine forest, earning it the nickname "a natural bonsai landscape where trees grow on rock and rocks hide within the forest."
🌦 Best Seasons
May-June: Rhododendrons surround the stone forest (best in late May)
July-August: A summer resort (average daily temperature 20°C)
September-October: Colorful forests reflect the sea of stone (September 20th - October 10th)
December-February: Snow-covered rocks, a rime wonderland
🚗 Getting There
Self-Driving (Recommended):
Harbin → Harbin-Yichun Expressway → Yichun (approximately 4 hours) → Tangwanghe Town (1.5 hours)
The entire route from Yichun to the scenic area is paved, with stops along the Wudai Highway Colorful Forest (must stop in autumn).
Public Transportation:
Tangwanghe Town by bus from Harbin/Yichun (twice daily, approximately 5 hours).
Shuttle buses are available from the town (every 30 minutes).
Transportation within the scenic area
Electric Car: Main Gate → Stone Forest Core Area (15 minutes, required).
Hiking Trail: 5-kilometer circular wooden trail (barrier-free).
🏨 Accommodation Recommendations
Unique Accommodations
🌲 Forest Cabins:
Tangwanghe Forest Homestay (red pine cabin, heated floor, stargazing window).
"Songtao Inn" within the scenic area (open window to view the Stone Forest; reservations must be made one month in advance during peak season).
🏡 Hotels in Town:
Tangwang River Geopark Hotel (Great Value, Breakfast Included)
Russian-Style B&B (Experience Birch Bark Handicrafts)
📸 Key Attractions
1. Secret Rock Formation
🪨 One-Line Sky:
Two 30-meter-high granite peaks, only wide enough for one person to pass sideways
Photo Tip: The midday sun is the most stunning when it penetrates
🪨 Buddha Peak:
A naturally formed profile of Sakyamuni Buddha
Best Viewing Platform: By the Lotus Pond
🪨 Arhat Turtle:
A pictographic stone resembling a giant turtle carrying an Arhat
Hidden Angle: Resembles a leaping dolphin from the back
2. Forest Experience
🌲 Red Pine Primeval Forest:
The "King of Red Pine," over 500 years old (Guide Required)
Occasionally encounter squirrels and hazel grouse in the morning
🌊 Valley Adventure Area:
A stream traverses a granite canyon (canoe trekking is available in summer)
3. Seasonal Limited
🌸 May: Xing'an Rhododendrons in Granite Crevices
🍁 October: Overlooking the Colorful Forest from the Top of the Stone Forest
❄️ January: Snow Bun-shaped Stone Formations (Aerial Photography Resembles a Go Board)
🍜 Must-Try Foods
🍖 Iron Pot Stew in the Forest Area: Wild Hazel Mushrooms and Pheasants
🐟 Tangwang River Coldwater Fish: Three Ways to Prepare Squid (Steamed, Braised, or Fish Balls)
🌰 Pine Nut Pancakes: Made with Freshly Peeled Red Pine Nuts
🍷 Blueberry Wine: A Lesser Khingan Range Specialty to Serve with Meals
Recommended Restaurants
Stone Forest Restaurant (Viewing Seats Required)
Tangwang River Town's Old Fisherman (30-Year-Old Restaurant)
🎒 Essential Gear
Non-slip Shoes: Granite is Slippery When Wet
Windproof Jacket: Stone Forest Area is Windy (Even in Summer)
Binoculars: Observe Bird Nests in Rock Crevices
Camera: Polarized Filter for Capturing Granite Textures