September Milk Town Autumn Quest | 2-Day 1-Night Anda Grassland & Wetland Hidden Gem Guide
September Milk Town Autumn Quest | 2-Day 1-Night Anda Grassland & Wetland Hidden Gem Guide
In September, Anda is crisp and refreshing, with the breeze of the Songnen Plain carrying a faint scent of milk through the streets. As the "Hometown of Chinese Dairy Cows," this century-old small city, which rose to prominence due to the Chinese Eastern Railway, hides the nostalgic charm of old Russian-style architecture, the healing serenity of reed-filled wetlands, and the rustic, cozy atmosphere of a cheese town. Without crowds of tourists, you'll find only authentic Northeast dairy flavors and the autumn spirit of the plains—perfect for those who enjoy slow travel and niche, down-to-earth experiences.
Day 1: Stroll through the century-old railway station, autumn picking at Guda Lake Wetland
In the morning, head straight to the Russian-style architectural complex in front of the station. Anda Station was built in 1901, and the surrounding area still preserves over 60 century-old Russian-style staff residences, with yellow walls, red roofs, stone foundations, and wooden window frames that show the weathering of time. Walk slowly along the old street in front of the station, where you might occasionally see courtyards drying corn; every snapshot has a vintage film texture. No need to specifically look for photo spots—just step on the fallen sycamore leaves on the street, listen to the distant train whistles, and feel the vibrant, everyday life of the century-old railway.
For lunch, find an old-school restaurant in the city center. You must order the local milk tofu—fresh milk fermented until dense and slightly tart, then pan-fried until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a milky aroma that hits you right away. Pair it with a pot of beef stewed with potatoes; the portion is hearty and goes perfectly with rice, and you can eat your fill for around 40 yuan per person. In the afternoon, drive for about 20 minutes to Guda Lake National Wetland Park. September is the season when the reed sea turns yellow. The wooden boardwalk winds through the water, and the wind makes the reeds ripple in layers, occasionally startling water birds into flight toward the sky. It is very uncrowded; the entire boardwalk is occasionally occupied only by a few local elderly people taking a walk. It is so quiet that you can only hear the wind and birdsong—a perfect way to refresh your lungs and de-stress.
In the evening, return to the city to visit the Liudao Street Night Market. Try the local time-honored "Tete" ice cream; the fresh milk flavor is rich, and the taste hasn't changed in over 20 years. Then, grab a few fluffy Qixing steamed buns, take a bite in the evening breeze, and soak in the solid, down-to-earth atmosphere of the small city.
Day 2: Tasting in the cheese town, leisurely walk on the grassland
On the second day, drive for half an hour to the Cheese Town in Youyi Village, Xianyuan Township. This is the birthplace of the first domestic cheese in New China, where Soviet technicians left behind their handmade cheese-making craft in the early years. In the town, Russian-style wooden houses are scattered along the edge of the pasture, windmills turn slowly, and you can see black-and-white dairy cows grazing by the roadside. You can visit the dairy exhibition hall to see old cheese-making tools, or try your hand at stirring milk skin, and taste a piece of freshly made original yogurt—so thick it clings to the spoon, with a pure milky aroma. No need to rush; walk slowly along the pasture trail, where the air is filled with the scent of grass and milk, offering a fully healing experience.
For lunch, have a "full milk feast" at a local farmhouse in the town: milk-baked rice, milk tofu buns, and stewed fish in milk sauce—every bite carries the fresh fragrance of the grassland. You can eat to your heart's content for about 50 yuan per person. On the way back in the afternoon, you can take a detour to the edge of the Qingkenpao Grassland to see the scenery. In September, the sheep grass turns golden, and windmills line the distance. You don't need to go deep; just standing by the road and looking at the vast autumn scenery of the plains is enough. Once you've had your fill, head back at a leisurely pace.
Practical tips
· Transportation: Travelers from out of town can take a high-speed train directly to Anda Station. The starting taxi fare in the city is 5 yuan. For trips to the wetland and cheese town, self-driving or chartering a car is recommended, as road conditions are very good.
· Accommodation: Choose an express hotel near the station in the city center. They are cost-effective at around 100 yuan, making it convenient for strolling the old streets and catching trains.
· Clothing: The temperature difference between morning and evening in September is large, and the wind in the wetlands and grasslands is cool. Remember to bring a windproof light jacket and wear comfortable sports shoes for walking on the boardwalks.
· Note: Most of the old buildings are residential homes, so please do not disturb the residents when taking photos. When in the wetland, stay on the boardwalk and do not disturb the water birds.
The whole trip costs just over 600 yuan per person for a comfortable experience, featuring culture, nature, and the scent of milk. With few crowds and quiet scenery, it is a rare, hidden treasure in western Heilongjiang.