Glory on ice with lakes and mountains, slow travel in Qitaihe, the coal city | three-day in-depth travel guide
Glory on ice with lakes and mountains, slow travel in Qitaihe, the coal city | three-day in-depth travel guide
Many people associate Qitaihe with being the hometown of Winter Olympic champions, but they often overlook this small city’s wetlands, forest seas, industrial heritage, red historical sites, and authentic local life. Once a coal mining city, it has now transformed ecologically. On one side is the passionate glory of short track speed skating; on the other is the gentle scenery of Taoshan Lake’s vast reed fields and forest deer herds. The city moves at a relaxed pace, offers affordable prices, and is suitable for short trips all year round.
Travel and accommodation guide
Qitaihe’s attractions are divided into three main areas: Taoshan urban cultural ecology, nearby countryside, and Boli County’s historic forests. Self-driving is the best way to explore. Attractions in the city center are close together, and taxi fares start low enough for round trips. Solo travelers can get around easily by combining public buses with short taxi rides.
Choose accommodation based on your needs: if you enjoy night markets and morning markets, stay in the central business district of Taoshan District, where restaurants and supermarkets are plentiful; if you want to stay by the lake, choose a guesthouse near Taoshan Lake, where you can see the lake and reeds right from your window; if you plan to visit Boli Misai or Dapingtai Forest, spend a night in Boli County.
The temperature difference between day and night is significant. It cools quickly by the lake and in the forest at dusk, so always bring a light jacket regardless of the season. The wetlands and forests are lush with plants and mosquitoes, so long pants and insect repellent are essential. The local cuisine blends miner-style street food with Northeast home cooking. The specialty snacks offer great value, and the indigo berry is a unique local product.
Three-day essential itinerary
Day 1 Champion culture + lakeside ecology, understand the city’s essence
Focus on the city’s core landmarks on the first day, connecting ice and snow culture with wetland scenery. Start early at a long-established local morning market with a bowl of authentic Boli hot noodles and sugar crisp cake, then pick up affordable souvenirs like dried indigo berries and wild mushrooms.
In the morning, visit the short track speed skating champion museum, a city landmark for culture and tourism. Register free with your ID. Closed all day Monday. Inside, see medals, competition skates, and uniforms of Winter Olympic athletes like Yang Yang, Wang Meng, and Wu Dajing. The gold medal wall is impressive. You can also try skating on a simulated ice surface and climb to the top observation deck for a panoramic view of Taoshan Lake.
In the afternoon, stroll through Taoshan Lake National Wetland Park. The free wooden boardwalk circles the lake. The iconic Champion Bridge spans the water. In summer, lotus flowers bloom and egrets and swans often rest in the reeds. Rent a bike to circle the lake or climb the birdwatching platform to admire the green mountains and clear water. The sunset over the lake creates a perfect atmosphere.
In the evening, visit Wanbao Lake Industrial Park, a city leisure spot transformed from an abandoned mine. Giant retro mining vehicles add an industrial vibe, and the lawns are great for walking and relaxing. Before nightfall, head to the pedestrian street night market to try turtle pot barbecue and charcoal-grilled skewers, experiencing the city’s lively local flavor.
Day 2 Cute deer countryside + city forest, relaxed natural slow travel
Spend the day on an easy, gentle nature route suitable for all ages. In the morning, go to Woken River Deer Island Park. For a small fee, buy deer feed to feed the free-roaming sika deer. The wooden deer viewing platform is perfect for photos. Black swans swim on the lake, and you can pedal a boat on the river under shady trees without worrying about sun exposure.
In the afternoon, drive to the nearby Zengchan Village countryside, a popular spot with hundreds of acres of wheat fields and a giant blue moon art installation. The wheat waves in the breeze, and the country roads are refreshing, perfect for taking healing countryside photos. On the way back, climb to the Wanghe Pavilion in Taoshan Park. The gentle trail leads to a viewpoint with a full view of the city’s three mountains and two lakes. The forest breeze soothes tired legs.
For dinner, choose a local old restaurant to try specialty clay pot roasted pork knuckle and iron pot stewed fish, paired with the sweet and sour indigo berry drink to balance the flavors.
Day 3 Red history + primeval forest, unlock hidden gems
On the third day, head to Boli County to explore cultural relics and primeval forests. In the morning, visit Boli Misai, a military site left by the invading Japanese army. Dozens of cave warehouses preserve historical traces. Immerse yourself in the heavy red history. Follow the scenic area’s guidance and respect cultural relic protection rules throughout the visit.
In the afternoon, go to Dapingtai Forest Park, a vast primeval red pine forest. Take the forest cable car for a bird’s-eye view of the endless green sea. Streams flow through the forest, and the air is rich in negative oxygen ions. Mountain farmhouses serve freshly picked wild vegetables and wild mushroom feasts.
At the end of the trip, return to the city’s cultural and creative pedestrian street to complete your souvenir shopping and conclude the journey.
Authentic local food list
1. Boli hot noodles: the city’s signature snack, served hot though called cold noodles, with rich bone broth, chewy thin noodles, braised egg, sausage, and special spicy oil. Found everywhere at morning markets and street stalls.
2. Cast iron turtle pot barbecue: unique to Qitaihe, a heavy iron pot shaped like a turtle. Beef and lamb are stir-fried with special sauce at high heat, tender and flavorful. A night market favorite.
3. Mine pit charcoal skewers: originating from old miner food, featuring beef brisket, grilled eggs, and spicy fried silkworm pupae with strong flavors, becoming more delicious with every bite.
4. Wild specialty dishes: clay pot roasted pork knuckle, cold wild vegetable salad, iron pot stewed reservoir fish, all made with fresh natural ingredients.
5. Specialty drinks: chilled indigo berry juice and indigo berry wine, sweet and refreshing, made from a local exclusive fruit.
Helpful travel tips
1. The champion museum and museum are closed on Mondays. Adjust your itinerary in advance to avoid wasted trips. Forest and wetland parks stop admitting visitors at dusk, so try to visit in the morning.
2. Taoshan Lake and Deer Island Park have dense vegetation and strong mosquito bites. Apply insect repellent before entering. The lakeside boardwalk can be slippery and wet. Stay away from deep water areas.
3. Boli Misai and Dapingtai Forest Park are over an hour’s drive from the city. Self-driving is more convenient. There are few supply points along the way, so bring enough water and snacks.
4. The lake and forest are windy in the early morning and evening. Bring a light jacket for evening walks to avoid catching a chill. Summer often has short showers, so carry a rain umbrella.
5. Souvenirs near scenic spots are overpriced. Buy indigo berries, wild mushrooms, and dried fish at city morning markets or large supermarkets for better value.
6. Boli Misai is a protected historical site. Do not touch or carve on the cave walls. Follow the scenic route throughout the visit.
A small city, half filled with the striving glory of ice and snow arenas, half with the gentle tranquility of lakes and wetlands. Shedding the weight of its industrial past, Qitaihe creates a quiet, uncrowded short-trip destination in Northeast China with healing nature, passionate culture, and authentic local flavor.