Heilongjiang Hiking & Trekking Guide 2026

Top trails

Routes worth lacing up your boots for.

1. 1

   Laoheishan Volcano Summit Trail, Wudalianchi

   About 3 km round trip from the shuttle drop-off to the crater rim and back1.5-2.5 hours including rim viewpointsmoderateSummit about 515 m above sea level; roughly 150 m of climb on loose volcanic cinder steps

   The highest of the 14 young volcanoes in Wudalianchi, last erupting in 1719-1721. A stepped path climbs black cinder slopes to a rim overlooking a 350 m-wide crater lined with pine and birch, with the frozen-lava 'Stone Sea' below.

2. 2

   Huoshaoshan Crater Loop, Wudalianchi

   About 3-4 km loop over lava fields and around the crater3-4 hours including photo stopseasy to moderateCrater rim about 512 m above sea level; gentle 80-100 m climb

   A walk across rugged black lava flows to the rim of Huoshaoshan, about 2 km north-east of Laoheishan. The area is recommended for hiking and photography, with lava ropes, cinder cones and pioneer vegetation across the basalt.

3. 3

   Longmen Shizhai Lava Fortress Walk, Wudalianchi

   About 2-3 km on marked paths1-2 hourseasyNegligible, under 50 m of gain

   A short walk through a lava plateau of basalt formations known as the Dragon Gate Stone Fort, one of the sights covered by the Wudalianchi joint ticket, suited to a relaxed stop between the volcano hikes and the lakes.

4. 4

   Liangshui National Nature Reserve Korean Pine Forest Trail

   Boardwalk and forest paths of roughly 3-8 km depending on the loop2-5 hourseasy to moderateRolling terrain, up to about 100-200 m of gain on longer loops

   A protected old-growth Korean pine and mixed broadleaf forest in the Xiaoxing'anling mountains with boardwalks, streams and wildlife habitat, one of the best-preserved primeval pine forests in north-east China.

5. 5

   Fenglin National Nature Reserve Forest Walk

   Short marked loops, about 2-6 km2-4 hourseasy to moderateLow relief, under 150 m gain

   A UNESCO Man and the Biosphere reserve protecting one of China's largest tracts of virgin Korean pine broadleaf forest. Visitor access is limited to designated paths.

6. 6

   Diaoshuilou Waterfall and Jingpo Lake Shore Trail

   About 2-4 km of viewing paths and steps around the falls1.5-3 hourseasyShort stair descents to the basin, under 80 m of gain

   Jingpo Lake's lava-formed waterfall, where the lake outflow plunges about 20 m into the Mudan River gorge, with paths and viewing platforms on the basalt rim. The lake is a Global Geopark shaped by volcanic damming.

7. 7

   Zhalong Wetland Crane Boardwalk

   About 2-5 km on boardwalks and paths, longer with the reserve's electric carts2-4 hourseasyFlat wetland, no notable gain

   A Ramsar-listed reed wetland where red-crowned cranes breed. Boardwalks and observation towers allow walking and birdwatching; cranes are present roughly April to October.

8. 8

   Beiji Village and Arctic Point Walk, Mohe

   Short walks of 1-3 km around the village, the Heilongjiang River bank and northernmost marker1-3 hourseasyFlat river terrace

   China's northernmost village, at about 53 degrees north on the Heilongjiang (Amur) River border. Summer walking offers the northernmost markers and river views; nights near the summer solstice have very late twilight and occasional aurora.

Trail difficulty levels

Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.

When to hike

Seasonal conditions in Heilongjiang.

Spring

April to May: thaw and mud, cool at -5 to 12 C; trails in the north stay snowy into May

Summer

June to August: the main hiking season, 15-28 C, with mosquitoes and heavy rain in July-August

Autumn

September to early October: cool, clear, best foliage in the Xiaoxing'anling forests; snow can arrive by mid-October

Winter

November to March: -15 to -35 C; hiking is replaced by skiing, snowmobiling and snowshoe walks, and most nature reserves close to visitors

Local hazards

What to watch out for on the trail.