Things To Do
in Tongjiang
Tongjiang (同江) is a small border city in northeastern Heilongjiang province where the Songhua and Amur (Heilongjiang) rivers meet, giving it a working riverside character and strong cross-border ties with Russia. The city mixes Dongbei (northeast China) culture, riverside fishing traditions, and traces of Russian influence in architecture and food. Winters are long and harsh, producing dramatic river ice scenes; summers are warm and humid with green wetlands and migrating birds.
Tongjiang is best for travelers interested in off-the-beaten-path river scenery, local Dongbei life, and borderland history rather than big-city amenities.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Tongjiang Ancient Town, where the architecture reflects the rich history of the region. Stroll along the cobblestone streets, admiring the traditional wooden buildings and vibrant local shops. Don't forget to stop by a local tea house for a refreshing cup of green tea.
After lunch at a local restaurant, head to the Tongjiang Museum to learn about the area's history and culture. The museum houses fascinating exhibits, including artifacts from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Spend some time exploring the surrounding gardens, which offer a peaceful retreat.
As the sun sets, enjoy a scenic boat ride on the Tongjiang River, taking in the stunning views of the illuminated skyline. Afterward, indulge in a delightful dinner at a riverside restaurant, savoring local specialties such as fish dishes. Conclude your evening with a leisurely walk along the riverbank, enjoying the cool breeze.
Begin your day with an early morning hike up the nearby Jiao Mountain, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The trails are lined with lush greenery, and you may even spot some local wildlife. Reach the summit just in time to witness a stunning sunrise over the river valley.
After descending, treat yourself to a picnic lunch at the base of the mountain, surrounded by nature. Later, visit the Tongjiang Wetland Park, where you can stroll along the boardwalks and observe various bird species in their natural habitat. The peaceful atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for relaxation.
As evening approaches, return to the city for a visit to the local night market. Sample an array of street food, including skewered meats and traditional dumplings, while mingling with locals. Cap off the night with a visit to a nearby karaoke bar for a fun-filled musical experience.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-7 |
| 🍽️Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $15-30 |
| 🛏️Budget hotel (per night) | $25-50 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $1-4 |
| 🚌Local bus fare | $0.30-0.80 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Unique river-border landscape and photography opportunities
- Authentic Dongbei culture and hearty local cuisine
- Low tourist density—off-the-beaten-path experience
- Good seasonal wildlife and wetland birdwatching
- Harsh winters require serious cold-weather preparation
- Limited English and tourist infrastructure compared with bigger cities
- Fewer dining and entertainment options at night
- Transport connections can be infrequent—advance planning required
- "你好 (nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
- "谢谢 (xiè xie)" - Thank you
- "请 (qǐng)" - Please
- "厕所在哪儿？(cè suǒ zài nǎr?)" - Where is the bathroom?
- "多少钱？(duō shǎo qián?)" - How much does this cost?
- "我不吃肉 (wǒ bù chī ròu)" - I don't eat meat
- "你会说英语吗？(nǐ huì shuō yīng yǔ ma?)" - Do you speak English?
- "请慢一点 (qǐng màn yì diǎn)" - Please speak more slowly
Places to Visit in Tongjiang
Visit one of these nice places.
Wide river views, fishing boats, ice formations in winter and reflective water at dawn and dusk—excellent for landscape and documentary photography.
Vibrant market life, fish-smoking racks, nets and daily river commerce; great for candid street and cultural shots.
Small clusters of older architecture with cross-border stylistic traces—useful for atmospheric urban photography.
Boardwalks and observation points in spring and autumn offer opportunities for bird and landscape photography.
If visiting in deep winter, dramatic frozen river surfaces, ice fishing, and low-angle sun create unique photographic compositions.
Food in Tongjiang
Tongjiang Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Locally sourced river fish, often smoked or grilled and served simply with starches or pickles; available at riverside stalls and small restaurants.
Must-Try!
A hearty braised pork and potato stew, very common in family restaurants and perfect for cold weather.
Dumplings filled with pork, cabbage or local fish, and scallion pancakes—staples found in markets and breakfast shops.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small markets near the riverside where vendors sell fresh fish, smoked products, pickles and dumplings—great for sampling fresh Amur-catch and observing food culture.
Seasonal stalls offering grilled fish, fried buns and snacks—best in warmer months and at market days.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite nod or simple greeting (ni hao) is common. Shake hands in formal situations; avoid loud or confrontational behavior in public.
Show deference to older people in conversation and seating; allow elders to be served first in group meals.
In private homes, removing shoes is common—follow host cues and accept slippers if offered.
Tongjiang is a border city—avoid photographing sensitive border infrastructure or military sites and respect local rules about river access.
Safety
Tipping in Tongjiang
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in most small restaurants or taxis; a small tip or rounding up is appreciated but not expected. In tourist-oriented services or upscale hotels, a modest tip is acceptable.
Mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay dominate urban transactions in China; many small vendors may accept cash (RMB) only. International cards are less widely accepted—carry cash and set up mobile payment if possible.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring brings melting ice and muddier roads; temperatures rise gradually. Migratory birds return to wetlands—good for birdwatchers but pack layers and waterproof footwear.
Warm and humid with green riverside scenery; best season for boat trips, markets and comfortable walking. Expect mosquitoes near wetlands—bring repellent.
Crisp, cool weather and clear skies make it a pleasant time for hiking and photography; fall colors appear in nearby hills and wetlands.
Long, very cold winters (often below freezing) with heavy ice on the rivers—spectacular for ice photography and winter activities but require heavy-duty cold-weather gear and caution on icy surfaces.
Tongjiang at Night
Hiking in Tongjiang
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Easy, flat walks along floodplain boardwalks and riverbanks—good for birdwatching and short nature hikes.
Short hikes in nearby wooded hills provide viewpoints over the river and wetlands; trails tend to be informal and best done with a local guide or directions.
Within a few hours' drive are the lower reaches of larger forested areas (Lesser Khingan foothills) offering longer hikes, seasonal wildflowers and wildlife viewing—suitable for day trips with a vehicle.
Airports
How to reach Tongjiang by plane.
Major regional airport serving Jiamusi (a 2–3 hour drive from Tongjiang depending on route). Regular flights to Harbin, Beijing and other regional hubs; reach Tongjiang by long-distance bus, train or private car.
Smaller regional airport closer to the eastern border; limited domestic flights but useful for accessing the border region. Ground transport is needed between the airport and Tongjiang.
The largest international airport in Heilongjiang; best for international connections and more frequent flights. It is several hours away by road or rail, so plan multi-leg travel.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group in Tongjiang, involved in agriculture, fishing, trade and local businesses.
Smaller communities with distinct local traditions, especially those linked to fishing and riverine lifestyles; cultural heritage may be visible in some villages.
Not a large resident Russian population, but historical and economic ties with nearby Russian regions create occasional cultural and commercial exchange.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Winter activities are popular—local people enjoy skating on frozen rivers and ice fishing, which are as much social traditions as sports.
Common recreational sports in towns across China, played in schoolyards and community centers.
Local teams and pickup games are common among youth and community groups.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Tongjiang.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are limited—many dishes use meat broths or lard. Ask for vegetable dumplings, tofu dishes, stir-fried vegetables, and noodle dishes without meat; bring a translator app to confirm ingredients.
Vegan dining is challenging; expect reliance on simple vegetable sides, pickles, steamed buns and tofu. Carry snacks as backup and learn to say “no eggs/no dairy/no meat” in Chinese.
Wheat-based staples (noodles, pancakes, dumplings) are common; rice-based dishes and plain grilled fish are safer. Be explicit about gluten if you have celiac disease, as cross-contamination is likely.
Halal restaurants are uncommon; those who require Halal should plan ahead and consider self-catering or traveling to larger cities for certified options.