Jingpo Lake|The Northeast’s Summer Retreat Garden, 22℃ in Summer
When summer heat makes you restless, here’s a cool lake you can reach directly by high-speed rail—Jingpo Lake in Heilongjiang! China’s largest alpine barrier lake, a blue treasure hidden deep in the mountains, with an average summer temperature of only 22℃. The lake breeze carries a moist coolness that’s a hundred times more comfortable than air conditioning.
💦 Why must you visit Jingpo Lake in June?
Jingpo Lake is truly the most underrated summer getaway in Northeast China, purer than Songhua Lake and more expansive than Changbai Mountain’s Tianchi Lake:
✅ Convenient access: 1.5 hours by high-speed rail from Harbin to Mudanjiang, then 1 hour by car to the scenic area
✅ Refreshingly cool: Average summer temperature 22℃, 6℃ cooler than Harbin, 10℃ cooler than Shenyang, with lake breezes blowing away all the heat
✅ Stunning water views: China’s largest alpine barrier lake, with a vast surface like the sea and crystal-clear water
✅ Spectacular waterfall: Diaoshuilou Waterfall is one of China’s three major waterfalls, its roar audible for miles when water volume is high
✅ Few crowds and relaxing: No over-commercialization, quiet lakeside perfect for total relaxation
In June, Jingpo Lake makes you not want to leave. The lake surface is like a huge blue-green mirror nestled among the mountains. You can hear the roar of Diaoshuilou Waterfall from afar. The underground forest is several degrees cooler than outside. Dense trees grow inside the volcanic crater. Drifting on a boat, you see the green mountains reflected in the water, and your whole being feels healed.
🗺️ Suggested itinerary
Jingpo Lake scenic area is divided into North Lake and South Lake. We recommend 2-3 days with a relaxed itinerary:
Day 1: Mudanjiang Station → North Gate of Jingpo Lake → Diaoshuilou Waterfall → Boat tour → Stay in the scenic area or Jingpo Town
Day 2: Underground Forest → Volcanic Crater → Return (or add a day to visit South Lake)
🌟 Must-visit spots at Jingpo Lake
1️⃣ Diaoshuilou Waterfall, “One of China’s Three Major Waterfalls”
A waterfall over 40 meters wide, water cascades from a lava plateau. In June, the water volume is abundant, and the roar is thunderous, audible for miles. The most amazing part is the huge pool at the base, where mist rises like fine rain. Standing on the viewing platform, the mist cools you so much you instinctively shrink your neck. There’s a daily diving show where people jump from the top into the deep pool—nerve-wracking for the faint-hearted. 👶 Tip for families: The viewing platform has railings for safety, and the mist is heavy, so bring a waterproof jacket for kids.
2️⃣ Jingpo Lake Boat Tour, “A Blue Ribbon Among Mountains”
Boat tours are the highlight of the scenic area. The lake is wide and clear, with continuous green mountains reflected in the water. In June, the trees’ reflections are as clear as a mirror. The boat’s wake ripples gently outward. Sitting at the bow, feeling the lake breeze, the mountain shadows slowly recede, and water birds occasionally skim the surface. You’ll be completely immersed in this blue world.
3️⃣ Underground Forest, “A Forest Growing Inside a Volcanic Crater”
Thousands of years ago, volcanic eruptions formed a huge crater. Hundreds of years later, dense trees grew inside it, making it look like a deep green pit from above. In June, walk down the steps to the crater bottom; the deeper you go, the cooler it gets. The tree canopy blocks most sunlight, and the air is moist and cool. Looking up from the bottom, the cliff walls are covered with green moss, and the canopy breaks the sky into fragments, like entering another planet.
4️⃣ Volcanic Crater Forest Park, “A Green Miracle on Lava”
The area around Jingpo Lake is full of volcanic landforms. Thick moss and pine trees grow on the black volcanic rocks. In June, purple and white wildflowers bloom in the cracks. Walking on the boardwalk, you see black lava underfoot and lush greenery and flowers beside you. The striking contrast of black and green makes every photo look like it was taken in Iceland.
5️⃣ Jingpo Town, “A Lakeside Slow-Life Village”
A European-style town next to the scenic area, with colorful pointed-roof houses. In June, the flower beds along the streets bloom vibrantly. Stroll slowly in the evening, with the aroma of grilled fish in the air. When tired, find a café with outdoor seating and watch the sunset dye the lake orange-red. Just relax and don’t think about anything.
📸 Photo tips: Easily capture stunning lake views
✅ Front of Diaoshuilou Waterfall: Use mist as foreground, contrast the dynamic waterfall with the calm pool
✅ Boat side: Blue-green lake water reflecting mountain shadows, white wake trailing behind
✅ Bottom of Underground Forest: Shoot upward to capture the canopy breaking the sky, moss-covered cliffs
✅ Volcanic crater boardwalk: Black volcanic rock with green moss and wildflowers in one frame
✅ Jingpo Lake at sunset: Lake surface bathed in warm golden light, distant mountains silhouetted
✅ Outfit: Light-colored outdoor wear pairs perfectly with the blue-green lake
✅ Best times: 9-11 AM for maximum waterfall flow, 4-6 PM for golden lake reflections
🍜 Jingpo Lake Food Recommendations
✅ Jingpo Lake Carp: Wild carp from the lake, firm and sweet meat, excellent braised or in soup, about 50 RMB per person
✅ Grilled lake fish: Freshly grilled crucian and white fish at lakeside stalls, crispy skin with chili and cumin, 15 RMB each, perfect for eating on the go
✅ Northeast Mixed Stew: A hearty home-style stew with green beans, potatoes, eggplant, and ribs, about 40 RMB per person
✅ Sticky Bean Buns: Traditional Northeast snack made with millet flour and red bean paste, steamed and dipped in sugar, soft and sweet, 10 RMB for three
✅ Wild Vegetable Buns: Large steamed buns stuffed with fern and monkey leg vegetables, refreshing and not greasy, 15 RMB each, very filling
📝 Super practical tips
Transportation:
High-speed rail: Arrive at “Mudanjiang Station,” 1.5 hours direct from Harbin, then take a tourist bus or chartered car to the scenic area
Self-driving: About 4 hours from Harbin via Suiman Expressway, good road conditions
Scenic area transport: Electric carts available, convenient for traveling between spots
Ticket info:
Jingpo Lake scenic area entrance ticket: 100 RMB, free for children under 1.2 meters
Boat tour: 100 RMB/person (about 1 hour)
Underground Forest: 50 RMB (includes electric cart)
Diaoshuilou Waterfall diving show: Included in entrance ticket
Avoid pitfalls:
❌ Large temperature difference between morning and evening by the lake, bring a jacket for evenings
❌ Lake fish are fresh but have many bones, be careful picking bones for kids
❌ Many steps in the Underground Forest, take care if you have knee issues
❌ Boat tours are crowded in the morning, fewer people in the afternoon
Outfit suggestions:
👕 Top: Short sleeves with a light jacket
👖 Bottom: Comfortable long pants
👟 Shoes: Sneakers
🧢 Extras: Sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent
Best time to visit:
June to September is perfect for summer cooling, with June having the fewest crowds and best value
Plan 2-3 days to cover the lake, waterfall, and underground forest comfortably
🏨 Accommodation recommendations
🏨 Town Hotel
European-style town, comfortable environment, close to the scenic area
🏨 at Scenic Area Entrance
Most convenient for walking into the scenic area, saves waiting for electric carts
🏨 City Hotels
Good conditions and many options, suitable for transit