Things To Do
in Qiqihar
Qiqihar is a major city in the Heilongjiang province of northeastern China, known for being the second largest city in the province after Harbin. It boasts rich historical significance, with a diverse culture influenced by its role as a military and trade center throughout history.
The city is also renowned for its beautiful natural landscapes, including the Zhalong Nature Reserve, a wetland area famed for being a habitat of the rare red-crowned crane.
- "Ni hao" - Hello
- "Xie xie" - Thank you
- "Zao an" - Good morning
- "Zai jian" - Goodbye
- "Shen me" - What?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $15 - $40
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $3 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $20 - $50
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $10 - $30
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Zhalong Nature Reserve, famous for its stunning wetlands and migratory birds. Enjoy the tranquility of the landscape while observing rare species in their natural habitats.
Head to the Qiqihar City Museum to learn about the local history and culture. This museum features diverse exhibits from ancient times to modern local life.
Explore the local night market for delicious street food. Try popular dishes like dumplings and grilled skewers while mingling with locals.
Begin your day with a walk along the banks of the Nen River, enjoying the peaceful views over the water. Capture photos of the sunrise reflecting off the river.
Discover the local arts scene by visiting some art galleries in the city. Many showcase traditional and contemporary works created by local artists.
Dine in a traditional izakaya-style restaurant, where you can sample various small dishes. This is an excellent chance to enjoy local flavors and social dining.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage with a mix of ethnic communities.
- Affordable cost of living compared to larger Chinese cities.
- Beautiful natural landscapes surrounding the city, including rivers and mountains.
- Strong emphasis on agriculture, providing fresh local produce.
- Growing industrial base contributes to economic development.
- Limited job opportunities in comparison to major cities.
- Harsh winters with extremely low temperatures can be challenging.
- Less developed public transportation system than in larger urban areas.
- Potential language barrier for non-Mandarin speakers.
- Air quality issues during certain seasons due to industrial activity.
Best Activities in Qiqihar
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the wetlands and observe a diverse range of birds and wildlife at this beautiful nature reserve.
Enjoy a leisurely stroll, boat rides, and beautiful scenery in this popular park.
Experience the thrill of winter sports and marvel at the ice and snow sculptures.
Tours
Uncover the best of Qiqihar with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Qiqihar
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers panoramic views of the city and beautiful photo opportunities, especially around the lake and gardens.
Provides stunning views of Qiqihar and the surrounding landscape, making it a prime spot for photography enthusiasts.
Food in Qiqihar
Qiqihar Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Crispy sweet and sour pork with a delightful crunch, often found in local restaurants such as Xiangyang Restaurant and Dongbei Ren Restaurant.
Must-Try!
A popular dish made with fresh sturgeon sourced from the nearby rivers, best enjoyed at seafood restaurants like Qiqihar Haiyan Hotel.
A delectable hot pot featuring Manchurian flavors, available at Huamei Hot Pot Restaurant and Yuelai Hot Pot.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Qiqihar better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This bustling night market offers a wide array of street food options such as roasted skewers, savory pancakes, and steaming soups, providing a feast for the senses.
A vibrant market showcasing local produce, spices, and snacks, perfect for those seeking an authentic taste of Qiqihar's culinary scene.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Qiqihar, it is important to show respect for elders through polite behavior and deference to their opinions and decisions.
When visiting someone's home in Qiqihar, it is a common practice to bring a small gift such as fruit, tea, or pastries as a sign of respect and courtesy.
People in Qiqihar value personal space and may prefer to maintain a certain physical distance during interactions, particularly with acquaintances or strangers.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Qiqihar with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Qiqihar
Ensure a smooth experience
In Qiqihar, China, tipping is not a common practice. Tipping at restaurants, hotels, and other service establishments is generally not expected.
Cash is still widely used for everyday transactions in Qiqihar, especially in smaller shops and markets. However, larger businesses and hotels may accept credit cards, and mobile payment options like WeChat Pay and Alipay are increasingly popular.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is a pleasant time to visit Qiqihar, with mild temperatures and beautiful cherry blossoms in bloom. It's a great time to explore the city's parks and enjoy outdoor activities.
Summer in Qiqihar can be hot and humid, with temperatures reaching highs. However, this season is ideal for bird-watching at Zhalong Nature Reserve and enjoying local summer festivals and events.
Autumn brings cooler temperatures and colorful foliage, making it a wonderful time to visit Qiqihar. Visitors can witness the stunning landscapes and enjoy various cultural and historical attractions.
Winter in Qiqihar can be cold, with temperatures dropping below freezing. However, it's a great time to experience local winter activities such as ice fishing, skiing, and attending traditional winter celebrations.
Qiqihar at Night
Hiking in Qiqihar
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A large area with diverse flora and fauna, offering various trails through scenic forests and landscapes.
A picturesque area along the Hulan River featuring hiking paths, beautiful river views, and natural rock formations.
A serene spot with hiking trails that offer expansive views of the reservoir and opportunities for birdwatching.
A well-known hiking destination with challenging trails and stunning panoramic views from the summit.
Offers hiking trails amidst lush greenery and a chance to experience local wildlife, as well as cultural sites.
Aiports
How to reach Qiqihar by plane.
The largest airport in Northeast China, located about 300 kilometers from Qiqihar.
An airport serving Jiamusi, located approximately 200 kilometers from Qiqihar.
Located around 180 kilometers from Qiqihar, this airport serves Mudanjiang city.
Approximately 150 kilometers away, this airport caters to the Daqing region.
About 500 kilometers from Qiqihar, this airport serves the city of Hailar.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group in Qiqihar, comprising a significant portion of the population.
An ethnic minority group with historical significance in the region, particularly in northeastern China.
A smaller ethnic group in Qiqihar, primarily concentrated in certain neighborhoods.
A minority group found in Qiqihar, reflecting the cultural diversity of the area.
Includes various small groups such as Hui and Russian communities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A widely played sport in Qiqihar, basketball is popular among both youth and adults, with many local courts and clubs.
Soccer enjoys a significant following in Qiqihar, with numerous amateur leagues and schools participating in local tournaments.
Table tennis is a favored sport in Qiqihar, often played both recreationally and competitively, with many residents taking part in the sport.
Badminton is popular in Qiqihar, with many indoor facilities available for both casual play and organized competitions.
In the winter months, ice hockey gains popularity in Qiqihar due to its cold climate, with several teams representing the city.
Volleyball is often played in schools and community centers, with local tournaments being held regularly.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Qiqihar.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Qiqihar cuisine is meat-centric, some restaurants like Xinyuan Vegetarian Restaurant and Jujube Tree offer vegetarian and vegan dishes with a local twist.
Diners with gluten sensitivities can find suitable options at international restaurants such as Pizza Hut and KFC, as well as by seeking out rice-based dishes in local eateries.