Wow, I’m officially announcing—
I’ve found the ultimate summer escape for July.
It’s not Dali or Moganshan, but a small city at the far eastern edge of the country that you can name but probably don’t really know where it is.
Fuyuan, where the average summer temperature is just over 20℃, and the river breeze feels even better than air conditioning. The best part is—few people, stunning scenery, and an unforgettable experience. It’s the kind of hidden gem that makes your friends puzzled when you tell them about it after your trip.
🗺️ Three days and two nights itinerary · tested and optimized
Day 1|Arrival + slow city tour + sunset
Arrive in the afternoon and take a walk in the riverside park to soak in the slow pace of this border town. Walk along the Heilongjiang riverbank. Across the river is Russia, and you can see the buildings on the other side with the naked eye.
Then visit the Fish Museum (ticket 50 RMB), which showcases various fish from the Heilongjiang and Ussuri rivers, including sturgeon, kaluga, and salmon specimens, plus live fish tanks. It’s not a boring museum; the exhibits are thoughtfully arranged. Spend about an hour there.
In the evening, head to Dongji Pavilion to watch the sunset (details mentioned earlier). The mountain trail is shaded by trees on both sides. It takes about 30 minutes to reach the top. Wait at the summit as the light gradually softens, turns golden, then purple—absolutely breathtaking.
🌙 For dinner, return to the main street in town and enjoy river fish. Cold-water fish are the soul of this place, with firm, fresh, and sweet meat. Just pick any local old restaurant—you won’t go wrong.
Day 2|Early morning light chase + in-depth tour of Heixiazi Island
This is the most intense day of the trip.
Depart at 2:30 AM → arrive at Dongji Square by 3:00 AM to watch the sunrise → finish by 4:30 AM → go back to catch up on sleep until 7:30 AM → leave at 8:30 AM for Heixiazi Island.
No need to repeat the detailed island guide here, but a few hidden gems:
🔸 There’s a small platform midway along the boardwalk in the wetland park. Few tourists reach it, but the view is excellent. You can capture the boardwalk disappearing into the reeds, creating a deep perspective.
🔸 On the third floor of the Dongji Pagoda, there’s a small window framing the wetlands outside like a painting. Many people don’t know about this.
🔸 At the China-Russia border marker on the island, you can take photos. Standing on the line, one foot in China and the other across the border, it feels very ceremonial.
In the afternoon, return from the island and visit Wusu Town. Known as the "first town of the East," it has very few permanent residents but is home to a Hezhe ethnic village where you can learn about the traditional culture of this fishing community.
The Hezhe fish skin painting is a national intangible cultural heritage. Artisans demonstrate the process live, and you can try it yourself. Turning a piece of fish skin into art is incredibly relaxing.
🔸 In the evening, visit the Shell Beach campsite by the river. The light in July evenings is soft, and lying on the sand watching the sky darken bit by bit is magical.
Day 3|Border river cruise + leisurely departure
No rush on the last day. In the morning, take a border river cruise to see the confluence of the two rivers from the water. The main channel is the China-Russia border, and the captain shares border stories. The cruise lasts about 40 minutes to 1 hour. Tickets are affordable, and the experience is unique.
Have lunch in town, then head back at a relaxed pace in the afternoon.
🛏️ Rest recommendations for three days
Stay the first night near the riverside in town for easy early morning departure to Dongji Square and convenient city exploration. A river view room opens to the Heilongjiang River, and falling asleep to the sound of flowing water beats any white noise.
For the second night, switch to the Dongji Square or Wusu Town area, closer to Heixiazi Island, so you don’t have to rush the next day. There are some hidden cottages in the woods with green views from the window and frog sounds at night—a true wild luxury experience.
⚠️ Pitfalls to avoid (learned the hard way)
Heixiazi Island closes entry at 3:00 PM! Many people go in the afternoon only to find they can’t get in. Always depart in the morning.
Chartering a car is much more reliable than taxis. Attractions are far apart, and taxis are hard to get. Book a driver a day in advance.
July mornings have a big temperature difference. At sunrise, it can feel like 12–13℃. Don’t wear short sleeves or you’ll freeze.
The island has many mosquitoes. Bring insect repellent spray.
Summer is peak season. Whether for car hire or accommodation, book at least three weeks in advance.
Drones are strictly controlled in the border area. Don’t fly without permission.
🧳 Packing list
High SPF sunscreen | windbreaker | insect repellent | sunglasses | power bank (weak signal and fast battery drain on the island) | ID card | flat shoes | telephoto lens (if you have one)
💰 Budget reference (per person)
Round-trip transportation: 1,500–2,500 (depending on departure city)
Two-day car hire: 800–1,000
Total tickets: about 200
Two nights accommodation: 800–1,500
Three days meals: 500–700
Total per person: 3,800–5,900
One last thing—
Fuyuan is the kind of place that leaves you speechless for a long time after you visit. Not because you’re unmoved, but because you’re overwhelmed and don’t know what to say. When you stand at the country’s easternmost point and watch the sun start to light up 9.6 million square kilometers of land beneath your feet, you suddenly feel how wonderful it is to be alive.
Ladies, go now. Before it gets crowded.