Qixingshan: Ascend the first peak of the Sanjiang Plain for a panoramic view
Heading from downtown Shuangyashan toward Jixian County, the farmland on both sides of the road gradually fades away, and rolling hills rise from the horizon. After about 1 hour of driving, when the birch and larch trees along the road merge into a forest, you have arrived at Qixingshan National Forest Park. Located at the northern foot of the Wanda Mountains, it is the largest forest park in the eastern Sanjiang Plain. Its main peak, Lijian Peak, stands at 852 meters above sea level and is known as the "first peak of the Sanjiang Plain."
The Seven Stone Peaks
The name "Qixingshan" (Seven Star Mountain) comes from seven distinct stone peaks. Lijian (Sharp Sword) Peak is sharp, Hutou (Tiger Head) Peak is majestic, Luotuo (Camel) Peak is sturdy, Juxian (Gathering Immortals) Peak is mysterious, Xiannv (Fairy) Peak is graceful, Baoyin (Precious Seal) Peak is solemn, and Langya (Wolf Tooth) Peak is rugged. Each of the seven peaks occupies its own space, scattered among the mountains; from a distance, they look like seven chess pieces on a green board. Following the hiking trail toward the main peak, the path consists mostly of wooden boardwalks and stone steps. Wear comfortable shoes, and you can reach the summit in just over 1 hour of leisurely walking. The final section requires climbing with the help of iron chains; it is a bit steep, but once you reach the top, the view opens up instantly. The entire sea of forest lies beneath your feet, with the ridges of the Wanda Mountains rolling out layer by layer—dark green nearby, fading to light blue in the distance. The wind blows up from the valley, carrying the scent of pine needles and earth.
Forest Paths and Hidden Corners
The Qixing Boardwalk winds through the sea of forest. The path is gentle, lined with Korean pines, larches, and birches. The canopy overhead connects, filtering the sunlight into dappled patterns. Walking on the boardwalk in summer, the temperature in the forest is several degrees cooler than outside, and the air is moist, smelling of pine resin and moss. Autumn is the most colorful season here; the birches and maples turn yellow and red, while the Korean pines remain dark green. These colors interweave across the hillsides, and fallen leaves carpet the boardwalk, crunching underfoot. The scenic area also features small attractions like Qixing Lake, Changshou (Longevity) Spring, Yixiantian (A Thread of Sky), and Hope Stone, scattered throughout the forest and along the trails. You will encounter them one by one—they are not densely packed, but each has its own place.
Traces of the Past
Qixingshan is also known as "Qixing Lazi." Deep in the forest lie the ruins of a secret camp used by the Northeast Anti-Japanese United Army, which is a provincial-level cultural relic protection site in Heilongjiang. During the War of Resistance, an arsenal, a clothing factory, a military and political cadre school, and a rear hospital were established here, serving as an important rear base for the region. Today, the ruins are hidden beneath the forest layers. Walking along the boardwalk, you can see the outlines of some remaining building foundations and dugouts, mostly covered by moss and fallen leaves—easy to miss if you are not looking closely. Signposts stand in the grass along the road; the text is not dense, but each one marks the location and purpose of these former facilities. When the mountain wind blows through the forest, those old traces remain quietly in place, standing alongside the surrounding trees.
The Four Seasons
In spring, the forest recovers from winter, and azaleas bloom in patches on the hillsides, their pinkish-purple flowers spreading against the rocks. Summer is the liveliest time here; the shade is dense, making it much cooler inside than outside, and mountain springs seep from rock crevices, forming small streams. Autumn is the most colorful season, with leaves across the mountains turning yellow and red—a painting when viewed from the summit. When winter snow falls, rime hangs on the pine branches, and the entire forest falls silent, with only the sound of footsteps on the snow. The scenic area is closed from October to mid-April of the following year, so if you want to visit, plan for spring, summer, or autumn.
Practical Information
Qixingshan National Forest Park is located in Jixian County, Shuangyashan City. It takes about 1 hour to drive from the city center, or you can take a bus to Jixian County and transfer. Opening hours are from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The entire hiking trail takes about 2 hours to complete, so wearing comfortable shoes is advisable. The mountain paths consist mainly of wooden boardwalks and stone steps, and the final ascent requires using iron chains, so be careful when using your hands and feet. There are many mosquitoes in the forest, so bring insect repellent if you visit in summer. The temperature difference between morning and evening is significant, so a light jacket will come in handy. It is windy at the summit, so it is best to bring a long-sleeved shirt even in midsummer.
As you descend from the mountain, the sky has already begun to dim. Looking back at the ridges covered by the canopy, the outlines of the seven stone peaks gradually blur in the twilight, leaving only the sound of the wind through the forest in your ears. Those old traces, the boardwalks, and the mountain springs remain quietly in their places, unhurried and steady.