Escape Harbin: Four lesser-known cities within an hour by high-speed rail
Avoid the crowds in Harbin's city center! A one-hour high-speed train ride unlocks four hidden gem towns ✨: Russian-style town, grassland wetlands, an ancient Jin Dynasty capital, and a vibrant food city—all within reach. Less touristy, prices are reasonable, no long journeys required, perfect for a relaxing three-day stay, or a weekend getaway! ✅
🎞️First Stop|Hengdaohezi|High-speed train approx. 1 hour|A Russian-style oil painting town nestled in the mountains
🚗Transportation
The high-speed train from Harbin West Station directly to Hengdaohezi East Station takes about 60 minutes, with second-class seats costing around 40 RMB. The town is small; a taxi ride from the station to the old town center takes a few minutes. The town is primarily accessible on foot, with attractions very close together. For accommodation, choose Russian-style guesthouses in the old town; many are converted from old log cabins, offering views of the surrounding forest.
😌Travel Experience
A severely underrated century-old town along the Middle East Railway 🌲! With almost no tour groups, the entire street is quiet and peaceful, dotted with yellow Russian-style wooden houses, a log church, and old-fashioned railway tracks.
The Middle East Railway locomotive depot, with its circular old buildings, exudes a captivating atmosphere; many films and television dramas have been filmed here, making it a fantastic spot for photos. The Church of the Entrance of the Virgin Mary is entirely constructed of logs, rustic yet romantic.
Walking through the streets and alleys of the Oil Painting Village, surrounded by green trees and wooden houses, with only the sounds of wind and birdsong in your ears, the pace is leisurely, perfect for daydreaming and strolling—a delight for art lovers. Most of the core attractions are free to enter, making it very accessible.
🥘Must-Try Local Delicacies
✅Iron Pot Stewed Goose🍲: Cornbread is placed around the edge of the pot; the goose meat is tender and flavorful, and the portion is generous.
✅Thin Pancake Rolls with Smoked Meat: Thin, chewy pancakes wrapped around smoked meat and shredded potatoes—a local everyday delicacy.
✅Russian Stewed Beef: Rich broth, authentic old-fashioned Russian flavor.
✅Farmhouse Wild Vegetables: Picked from the mountains, refreshing and not greasy.
📅Three-Day Itinerary
Day 1|Arrive in Harbin by high-speed rail and check into your guesthouse. Stroll through the old Russian streets, visit the Church of the Entrance of the Virgin Mary, wander and take photos in the alleys, and enjoy iron pot stew in the evening, experiencing the quiet night of the town.
Day 2|Visit the locomotive depot of the Middle East Railway, explore the oil painting village, and hike up Foshou Mountain, breathing in the fresh air and enjoying the mountain scenery. Take an evening stroll in the town and watch the sunset over the distant mountains.
Day 3|Wake up naturally, browse local shops, buy some rye bread and red sausage as souvenirs, have an authentic breakfast, and head home.
🐎Second Stop|Duerbot|High-speed rail approx. 55 minutes|Mongolian Grassland Wetland Secret Realm
🚗Transportation
High-speed rail directly from Harbin Station to Duerbot Station, approximately 55 minutes, second-class seat around 40 RMB. The attractions in the county are quite spread out, so it's recommended to hire a car after arrival for convenient access. Accommodation options include the Lianhuan Lake Hot Spring Hotel, or experiencing a traditional Mongolian yurt.
😌Travel Experience
Experience the grassland scenery without leaving the province! 🌿
Vast grasslands, lakes, and wetlands intertwine, with the wind blowing across the green grass. You can admire the expansive lake, experience horseback riding and archery, and soak in the lakeside hot springs ♨. The Fuyu Zhengjie Temple is serene and solemn, with rows of windmills on the grassland, and the sunset over the lake at dusk is breathtaking.
Without the crowds of major scenic spots, feel the evening breeze on the grassland, gaze at the starry sky, and instantly relax – a truly immersive experience.
🥘Must-Try Local Delicacies
✅Hand-Pulled Mutton🥩: Stewed in clear water, tender and juicy, incredibly fragrant with chive blossom sauce.
✅Mongolian Pie: Thin crust, generous filling, and rich meaty flavor.
✅Salty Milk Tea: Rich and creamy milk tea, paired with fried rice, an authentic Mongolian flavor.
✅Whole Fish Feast: Fresh lake fish, prepared in various ways, bursting with freshness.
📅Three-Day Itinerary
Day 1|Arrive by high-speed rail and check into hotel. Head to Amuta Mongolian Cultural Area for horseback riding and archery. Watch the sunset over the grasslands in the evening and enjoy hand-pulled mutton in the evening.
Day 2|Visit Fuyu Zhengjie Temple, then head to Lianhuan Lake for hot springs and a stroll along the lakeside to admire the wetland scenery.
Day 3|Explore the surrounding grasslands, purchase dairy products and local specialties, and return to Harbin after a satisfying meal.
🏯Third Stop|Acheng|High-speed rail approx. 23 minutes|Ancient City from the Jin Dynasty
🚗Transportation
Acheng is a direct high-speed rail journey from Harbin Station, taking only 23 minutes. Second-class seats cost just over ten yuan, with numerous trains available, making travel incredibly convenient. Taxis within the city are inexpensive, and getting around to various points is easy. Accommodation in Acheng city center offers a wide variety of dining options at great value.
😌Travel Experience
The birthplace of the Jin Dynasty!
The ruins of Huining Prefecture, the former capital of the Jin Dynasty, offer a remnant of ancient city walls, providing an immersive experience of 800 years of Jin Dynasty history.
Songfeng Mountain boasts tranquil forests, with ancient temples nestled among the trees. Hiking allows you to breathe in the fresh air and admire the layered forests.
The city has a vibrant atmosphere without being overly commercialized. Explore historical sites, hike in the forest, and enjoy local barbecue at a relaxed pace, suitable for all ages.
🥘Must-Try Local Delicacies
✅Acheng Barbecue🍢: Freshly sliced and grilled meat, sizzling with oil, a local favorite.
✅Pig Slaughter Feast: Blood sausage, pork belly, and sauerkraut broth—authentic Northeastern flavor.
✅Old-fashioned Sweet and Sour Pork: Sweet, sour, and crispy—authentic taste.
✅Sticky Rice Dumplings: Soft, chewy, and sweet—a staple food of Northeast China.
📅Three-Day Itinerary
Day 1|Arrive in Acheng by high-speed rail and check into the hotel. In the afternoon, visit the Jin Dynasty Upper Capital Huiningfu Ruins to experience ancient Jin Dynasty relics. In the evening, enjoy local barbecue and explore the old town night market.
Day 2|Depart for Songfeng Mountain for hiking, visiting ancient temples, breathing in the fresh air of the forest, and enjoying the stunning forest scenery.
Day 3|Stroll around the old town, explore the local morning market, sample local snacks, buy souvenirs, and leisurely return home.
🌾Fourth Stop|Zhaodong|High-speed rail approx. 21 minutes|A charming wetland town with delicious food
🚗Transportation
The fastest high-speed train from Harbin to Zhaodong Station takes only 21 minutes. A second-class seat costs just over ten yuan. The distance is incredibly short, making it easy to travel back and forth anytime. Taxis within the city are affordable; a taxi ride to the wetland park takes about twenty minutes. For accommodation, choose a budget hotel in the city center; prices are very low.
😌Travel Experience
A seriously underrated food town!✨
Zhaoyue Mountain Wetland Park boasts vast reed beds and a long wooden boardwalk over the water. At sunset, the lake is bathed in sunlight, and birds skim across the surface, creating an atmosphere like an oil painting. The Balicheng Jin Dynasty ancient city ruins offer remnants of the city walls, allowing you to touch the traces of a thousand years of history.
The old town is bursting with local life, with numerous morning and night markets offering a variety of snacks. Without the inflated prices of popular tourist attractions, the cost of eating, drinking, and having fun is extremely low, making it perfect for relaxing and enjoying a leisurely stroll.
🥘Must-Try Local Delicacies
✅Zhaodong Baked Pancake🥞: Charcoal-grilled, brushed with a secret sauce, perfect for wrapping skewers – a must-try signature dish.
✅Songzhan Roasted Goose: Smoked to the bone, with firm, tender meat.
✅Hot Soup Cold Noodles: Warm broth, chewy noodles.
✅Iron Pot Stewed Ribs and Green Beans: A perfect accompaniment to rice, huge portion!
📅Three-Day Itinerary
Day 1|Arrive in Zhaodong by high-speed rail and check into your hotel. In the afternoon, visit Zhaoyue Mountain Wetland Park, walk along the boardwalk to admire the reeds and lake, and wait for the stunning sunset. In the evening, head straight to the night market and eat your way from one end to the other.
Day 2|Visit the Balicheng Ancient City Ruins, experience the history of the Liao and Jin dynasties, stroll through the local morning market, and experience the daily life of the locals.
Day 3|Stroll around the city, buy baked pancakes and roasted goose as souvenirs, have lunch, and return to Harbin.
💡Heartfelt Travel Tips✨
1. For short-distance high-speed rail trips, it's recommended to check train schedules in advance. Weekend schedules are limited, so try to buy tickets ahead of time.
2. The Duerbote Grassland has a lot of mosquitoes, so be sure to bring mosquito repellent. The ultraviolet radiation is strong on the grassland, so don't skip sunscreen.
3. The temperature difference between day and night is significant in Hengdaohezi and Acheng mountainous areas, so even in summer, bring a light jacket.
4. In smaller towns, use reputable taxi platforms whenever possible; avoid taking rides offered by roadside pick-up services.
5. When exploring the grasslands, do not trample on the grass. When visiting historical sites and ruins, respect cultural relics and do not vandalize them.
6. Northeastern Chinese cuisine has very large portions, so don't order too much at once to avoid waste.
💌Finally, a few final thoughts: The area around Harbin is truly full of hidden gems! 🥰
Without long journeys, a one-hour high-speed rail ride allows you to experience Russian-style towns, grassland wetlands, ancient sites, and authentic local cuisine.
Avoid the crowds, enjoy affordable prices, and a relaxed pace.
On weekends or short holidays, buy a high-speed rail ticket and embark on a spontaneous short trip!
Don't want to squeeze into the crowds in Harbin city! The high-speed rail takes you to four hidden gem towns in just one hour✨: Russian-style towns, grassland wetlands, an ancient capital from the Jin Dynasty, and a vibrant food city. Less touristy, more affordable, no long journeys required, a short three-day stay to unwind, perfect for a weekend getaway!✅
🎞️First Stop|Hengdaohezi|High-speed rail approx. 1 hour|A Russian-style oil painting town nestled in the mountains
🚗Transportation
The high-speed rail from Harbin West Station goes directly to Hengdaohezi East Station, a journey of about 60 minutes, with a second-class seat costing around 40 yuan. The town is small; after getting off the train, a taxi ride takes a few minutes to reach the town's main old street. The town is mainly explored on foot, and the attractions are very close together. For accommodation, choose Russian-style guesthouses in the old street; many are converted from old log cabins, with views of the mountain forest from your window. 😌Travel Experience
A severely underrated century-old town along the Middle East Railway! 🌲
Almost no tour groups, the entire street is quiet and peaceful, with yellow Russian-style wooden houses, a log church, and old-fashioned railway tracks scattered among the mountains.
The Middle East Railway locomotive depot, with its circular old buildings, exudes a captivating atmosphere. Many films and television dramas have been filmed here, making it a fantastic spot for photos. The Church of the Entrance of Our Lady is entirely constructed of logs, rustic yet romantic.
Walking through the streets and alleys of the village, surrounded by green trees and wooden houses, with only the sounds of wind and birdsong, the pace is leisurely, perfect for daydreaming and strolling—a delight for art lovers. Most of the core attractions are free to enter, making it very accessible.
🥘Must-Try Local Delicacies
✅Iron Pot Stewed Goose🍲: Cornbread is placed around the edge of the pot; the goose meat is tender and flavorful, and the portion is generous.
✅Thin Pancake Rolls with Smoked Meat: Thin, chewy pancakes wrapped around smoked meat and shredded potatoes—a local everyday delicacy.
✅Russian Stewed Beef: Rich broth, authentic old-fashioned Russian flavor.
✅Farmhouse Wild Vegetables: Picked from the mountains, refreshing and not greasy.
📅Three-Day Itinerary
Day 1|Arrive in Harbin by high-speed rail and check into your guesthouse. Stroll through the old Russian streets, visit the Church of the Entrance of the Virgin Mary, wander and take photos in the alleys, and enjoy iron pot stew in the evening, experiencing the quiet night of the town.
Day 2|Visit the locomotive depot of the Middle East Railway, explore the oil painting village, and hike up Foshou Mountain, breathing in the fresh air and enjoying the mountain scenery. Take an evening stroll in the town and watch the sunset over the distant mountains.
Day 3|Wake up naturally, browse local shops, buy some rye bread and red sausage as souvenirs, have an authentic breakfast, and head home.
🐎Second Stop|Duerbot|High-speed rail approx. 55 minutes|Mongolian Grassland Wetland Secret Realm
🚗Transportation
High-speed rail directly from Harbin Station to Duerbot Station, approximately 55 minutes, second-class seat around 40 RMB. The attractions in the county are quite spread out, so it's recommended to hire a car after arrival for convenient access. Accommodation options include the Lianhuan Lake Hot Spring Hotel, or experiencing a traditional Mongolian yurt.
😌Travel Experience
Experience the grassland scenery without leaving the province! 🌿
Vast grasslands, lakes, and wetlands intertwine, with the wind blowing across the green grass. You can admire the expansive lake, experience horseback riding and archery, and soak in the lakeside hot springs ♨. The Fuyu Zhengjie Temple is serene and solemn, with rows of windmills on the grassland, and the sunset over the lake at dusk is breathtaking.
Without the crowds of major scenic spots, feel the evening breeze on the grassland, gaze at the starry sky, and instantly relax – a truly immersive experience.
🥘Must-Try Local Delicacies
✅Hand-Pulled Mutton🥩: Stewed in clear water, tender and juicy, incredibly fragrant with chive blossom sauce.
✅Mongolian Pie: Thin crust, generous filling, and rich meaty flavor.
✅Salty Milk Tea: Rich and creamy milk tea, paired with fried rice, an authentic Mongolian flavor.
✅Whole Fish Feast: Fresh lake fish, prepared in various ways, bursting with freshness.
📅Three-Day Itinerary
Day 1|Arrive by high-speed rail and check into hotel. Head to Amuta Mongolian Cultural Area for horseback riding and archery. Watch the sunset over the grasslands in the evening and enjoy hand-pulled mutton in the evening.
Day 2|Visit Fuyu Zhengjie Temple, then head to Lianhuan Lake for hot springs and a stroll along the lakeside to admire the wetland scenery.
Day 3|Explore the surrounding grasslands, purchase dairy products and local specialties, and return to Harbin after a satisfying meal.
🏯Third Stop|Acheng|High-speed rail approx. 23 minutes|Ancient City from the Jin Dynasty
🚗Transportation
Acheng is a direct high-speed rail journey from Harbin Station, taking only 23 minutes. Second-class seats cost just over ten yuan, with numerous trains available, making travel incredibly convenient. Taxis within the city are inexpensive, and getting around to various points is easy. Accommodation in Acheng city center offers a wide variety of dining options at great value.
😌Travel Experience
The birthplace of the Jin Dynasty!
The ruins of Huining Prefecture, the former capital of the Jin Dynasty, offer a remnant of ancient city walls, providing an immersive experience of 800 years of Jin Dynasty history.
Songfeng Mountain boasts tranquil forests, with ancient temples nestled among the trees. Hiking allows you to breathe in the fresh air and admire the layered forests.
The city has a vibrant atmosphere without being overly commercialized. Explore historical sites, hike in the forest, and enjoy local barbecue at a relaxed pace, suitable for all ages.
🥘Must-Try Local Delicacies
✅Acheng Barbecue🍢: Freshly sliced and grilled meat, sizzling with oil, a local favorite.
✅Pig Slaughter Feast: Blood sausage, pork belly, and sauerkraut broth—authentic Northeastern flavor.
✅Old-fashioned Sweet and Sour Pork: Sweet, sour, and crispy—authentic taste.
✅Sticky Rice Dumplings: Soft, chewy, and sweet—a staple food of Northeast China.
📅Three-Day Itinerary
Day 1|Arrive in Acheng by high-speed rail and check into the hotel. In the afternoon, visit the Jin Dynasty Upper Capital Huiningfu Ruins to experience ancient Jin Dynasty relics. In the evening, enjoy local barbecue and explore the old town night market.
Day 2|Depart for Songfeng Mountain for hiking, visiting ancient temples, breathing in the fresh air of the forest, and enjoying the stunning forest scenery.
Day 3|Stroll around the old town, explore the local morning market, sample local snacks, buy souvenirs, and leisurely return home.
🌾Fourth Stop|Zhaodong|High-speed rail approx. 21 minutes|A charming wetland town with delicious food
🚗Transportation
The fastest high-speed train from Harbin to Zhaodong Station takes only 21 minutes. A second-class seat costs just over ten yuan. The distance is incredibly short, making it easy to travel back and forth anytime. Taxis within the city are affordable; a taxi ride to the wetland park takes about twenty minutes. For accommodation, choose a budget hotel in the city center; prices are very low.
😌Travel Experience
A seriously underrated food town!✨
Zhaoyue Mountain Wetland Park boasts vast reed beds and a long wooden boardwalk over the water. At sunset, the lake is bathed in sunlight, and birds skim across the surface, creating an atmosphere like an oil painting. The Balicheng Jin Dynasty ancient city ruins offer remnants of the city walls, allowing you to touch the traces of a thousand years of history.
The old town is bursting with local life, with numerous morning and night markets offering a variety of snacks. Without the inflated prices of popular tourist attractions, the cost of eating, drinking, and having fun is extremely low, making it perfect for relaxing and enjoying a leisurely stroll.
🥘Must-Try Local Delicacies
✅Zhaodong Baked Pancake🥞: Charcoal-grilled, brushed with a secret sauce, perfect for wrapping skewers – a must-try signature dish.
✅Songzhan Roasted Goose: Smoked to the bone, with firm, tender meat.
✅Hot Soup Cold Noodles: Warm broth, chewy noodles.
✅Iron Pot Stewed Ribs and Green Beans: A perfect accompaniment to rice, huge portion!
📅Three-Day Itinerary
Day 1|Arrive in Zhaodong by high-speed rail and check into your hotel. In the afternoon, visit Zhaoyue Mountain Wetland Park, walk along the boardwalk to admire the reeds and lake, and wait for the stunning sunset. In the evening, head straight to the night market and eat your way from one end to the other.
Day 2|Visit the Balicheng Ancient City Ruins, experience the history of the Liao and Jin dynasties, stroll through the local morning market, and experience the daily life of the locals.
Day 3|Stroll around the city, buy baked pancakes and roasted goose as souvenirs, have lunch, and return to Harbin.
💡Heartfelt Travel Tips✨
1. For short-distance high-speed rail trips, it's recommended to check train schedules in advance. Weekend schedules are limited, so try to buy tickets ahead of time.
2. The Duerbote Grassland has a lot of mosquitoes, so be sure to bring mosquito repellent. The ultraviolet radiation is strong on the grassland, so don't skip sunscreen.
3. The temperature difference between day and night is significant in Hengdaohezi and Acheng mountainous areas, so even in summer, bring a light jacket.
4. In smaller towns, use reputable taxi platforms whenever possible; avoid taking rides offered by roadside pick-up services.
5. When exploring the grasslands, do not trample on the grass. When visiting historical sites and ruins, respect cultural relics and do not vandalize them.
6. Northeastern Chinese cuisine has very large portions, so don't order too much at once to avoid waste.
💌Finally, a few final thoughts: The area around Harbin is truly full of hidden gems! 🥰
Without long journeys, a one-hour high-speed rail ride allows you to experience Russian-style towns, grassland wetlands, ancient sites, and authentic local cuisine.
Avoid the crowds, enjoy affordable prices, and relax at a leisurely pace.
On weekends or short holidays, simply buy a high-speed rail ticket and embark on a spontaneous short trip!