Tired of the city's scorching heat and noise? Come to this small town hidden deep in the Greater Khingan Mountains. Here, you'll find the gentleness of Jiangnan, the freshness of the forest, the romance of Russian style, and most importantly, during the Dragon Boat Festival, the temperature is only 22℃—a true summer paradise.
🌟 How Comfortable Is This Small Town?
There’s no 35℃+ heat, no humming air conditioners, no hot and humid air. Here in summer, you need a jacket in the morning and evening, a quilt at night, and opening your window lets in the fresh scent of the forest. Step outside and you’re surrounded by greenery.
Life here moves slowly. The streets aren’t crowded or rushed; people stroll, chat, and drink tea leisurely. Time seems to slow down here. You don’t have to rush your itinerary or squeeze into tourist spots—just enjoy the slow life.
🚶 City Stroll Guide | Experience Russian Charm
This city rose with the construction of the Chinese Eastern Railway, leaving behind many century-old Russian-style buildings. Walking the streets feels like stepping into a Russian town.
Century-old street walk: From Suspension Bridge Park to the train station, you’ll see century-old Russian wooden houses with yellow walls and green windows, full of character. Many old houses are still residences, giving a glimpse into local life.
Chinese Eastern Railway Museum: Free admission. It showcases the history of the railway with many old photos and artifacts, telling the city’s story. The museum itself is a century-old Russian building, perfect for photos.
Along the Yalu River: Walk slowly along the riverside path. The water is clear, trees provide shade, and locals fish, stroll, or dance in the square here, full of life. At sunset, the sun’s glow on the river is stunning.
Suspension Bridge Park deep tour: Don’t just look at the suspension bridge! The park has many ancient trees, some over a hundred years old, with thick trunks and lush leaves—perfect for cooling off in summer. There’s also a zoo with sika deer, monkeys, and more, great for families.
🌲 Chaihe Moon Town 2 Days 1 Night Deep Guide
Chaihe is 175 km from the city, about 2.5 hours by car, a hidden gem deep in the Greater Khingan Mountains. You must stay overnight!
Day 1:
· Morning: Depart city, enjoy Greater Khingan forest scenery along the way
· Noon: Arrive in Chaihe, try local iron pot stew
· Afternoon: Mountain water rock paintings + Top Ten Bays, enjoy Chuo’er River views
· Evening: Stay in Chaihe, stargaze, eat roasted lamb leg
Day 2:
· Morning: Moon Tianchi (Moon Lake), go early for fewer people and calm water
· Afternoon: Tongxin Tianchi + stroll around Chaihe town
· Return trip
✨ Hidden Chaihe Activities | 90% of Tourists Don’t Know
Tongxin Tianchi: Even fewer people than Moon Tianchi, more pristine. There’s a boardwalk around the lake for a 1-hour hike with stunning views.
Chaihe Town: The town itself is beautiful with colorful houses, clean streets, and flowers everywhere, like a European town. Stroll in the morning, buy local wild blueberries and mushrooms—very charming.
Chuo’er River Rafting: In summer, you can raft on the clear river surrounded by forest, very cool and refreshing. The trip lasts 2 hours and is super fun.
Forest Picking: In July and August, the forest has wild blueberries, cherry plums, and mushrooms. Join locals for picking and enjoy the full experience.
📸 Off-the-Beaten-Path Photo Spots
1. Russian-style buildings in front of the train station: Yellow houses, green windows, empty streets—photos look like scenes from a Russian movie.
2. Ancient trees in Suspension Bridge Park: Sunlight filters through leaves, creating beautiful light and shadow—perfect for forest-style portraits.
3. Colorful houses in Chaihe Town: Stand in the middle of the street with colorful houses on both sides for a strong perspective effect.
4. Reflection at Moon Tianchi: When there’s no wind, the lake is like a mirror—reflection shots are amazing.
5. Sunset at Top Ten Bays: People standing on high ground with the winding river and sunset in the background create stunning silhouettes.
🍃 Slow Life Experiences
· Morning market stroll and snack: Go at 6 AM to buy fresh wild vegetables, wild blueberries, and freshly made soy milk and fried dough sticks, experiencing local life.
· Forest afternoon tea: Find a shady spot by the river, bring some food and drinks, listen to birdsong, and enjoy forest tea time.
· Night stargazing: The stars in Chaihe are incredibly beautiful, with the Milky Way clearly visible. Find an open spot and lie down to watch the stars.
· Chat with locals: People here are very warm and friendly. Chat with them and hear stories about the Greater Khingan Mountains.
🎒 Dragon Boat Festival Travel Checklist
✅ Light jacket (mornings and evenings around 15℃, really cool)
✅ Long pants (mosquito and sun protection)
✅ Comfortable hiking shoes
✅ Strong mosquito repellent (there are many forest mosquitoes)
✅ Sunscreen (strong UV rays)
✅ Thermos (warm water feels good)
✅ Power bank (poor signal in scenic areas)
💖 Final Words
This isn’t a trendy city for showing off check-ins, but it’s a place where you can truly relax. Here, you can forget work worries and life pressures, just enjoy the 22℃ summer and the slow life.
Come here for the Dragon Boat Festival and give your soul a holiday.
Accommodation
🏨 Zalantun Qingxing Garden Homestay
A garden homestay in Chaihe Moon Town, lie in bed and watch the stars, with attentive host service and flowers everywhere in the garden.
🏨 Zalantun Chaihe Blue Water Bay Resort
Unique standalone cabins, close to attractions, rich breakfast, elegant environment.
🏨 Moon Town Hot Spring Resort Hotel (Zalantun Chaihe Town Main Branch)
In the town center, rooms overlook the Chuo’er River and karst cliffs, with complete surrounding facilities.
🏨 Zalantun Chaihe Linshui Resort
Beautiful mountain and water environment, garden-style villas, right opposite the mountain water rock paintings, excellent location.
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