Qitaihe Travel Guide: Champions Hall, Xiandongshan and Taoshan Lake
Qitaihe is a compact coal-mining city in eastern Heilongjiang with an unexpected claim to fame: it has produced a remarkable run of short track speed skaters, including the Winter Olympic champions Yang Yang and Wang Meng. The Short Track Speed Skating Champions Hall tells that story, and it stands beside Xiandongshan Park and the Taoshan Lake wetland, so the city's main sights fit into a single walk. One day is enough. Trains stop at Qitaihe West on the Mudanjiang–Jiamusi high-speed line.
Why a coal town makes skating champions
Provincial sports officials describe Qitaihe as China's "hometown of short track speed skating". Coach Meng Qingyu started training children on outdoor ice in the 1970s, and the city went on to produce three Winter Olympic champions, several world champions and a long list of national medallists. If you follow winter sport, that alone justifies a stop; if you do not, Qitaihe is a pleasant, small base on the eastern Heilongjiang rail line rather than a destination.
Places worth visiting
Short Track Speed Skating Champions Hall
Formerly the Qitaihe Observation Tower, the hall stands at the start of Shanhu Road in Taoshan District, between Taoshan Park and Xiandongshan Park. Eight floors of exhibits cover Meng Qingyu and the coaches who followed him, Yang Yang, China's first Winter Olympic gold medallist, Wang Meng's era of dominance, and the skaters who came after. Local listings describe it as free to enter; check opening hours before you go. The upper floors also give a view over the lake and the city.
Xiandongshan Park
Xiandongshan, "Immortal Cave Hill", is the forested hill on the edge of the centre. Stairs and paths lead up to viewpoints over Taoshan Lake and the city. An hour or two is plenty; go in the cooler morning in summer, and watch for ice on the steps from late autumn.
Taoshan Lake and the wetland park
Taoshan Lake, a reservoir with a national wetland park and a lakeside square, is where locals walk in the evening. Combine it with the Champions Hall and Xiandongshan for a natural loop. In winter the lake freezes, and the outdoor ice that shaped the city's skaters becomes part of daily life.
Further out
Shilongshan Forest Park and the Wanbaoshan ski area are reached by taxi. Wanbaoshan is a local ski hill, useful if you are here in winter and want a few runs, not a resort to plan a trip around. Qitaihe Museum covers the city's coal and local history.
When to come to Qitaihe
June to September is the warm, green season for walking. September and early October bring autumn colour on the hills. Winters are long and very cold, from November to March, but they are also skating season, when the city's ice culture is most visible. Dress for temperatures well below freezing.
Getting in and where to stay
- Rail: Qitaihe West is on the Mudanjiang–Jiamusi high-speed line. From Harbin, journeys run via Mudanjiang and take several hours; check current times.
- From the station: take a taxi or the station bus into Taoshan District.
- Where to stay: Taoshan District puts you within walking distance of the Champions Hall, Xiandongshan and the lake.
Neighbours on the same rail belt include Jiamusi to the north, Mudanjiang to the south, Jixi for Xingkai Lake and Shuangyashan. Harbin is the provincial hub.
Eating in Qitaihe
Northeastern home cooking dominates: stews with potatoes and noodles, dumplings, pot-wrapped pork (guobaorou) and barbecue skewers in the evening. Portions are generous, so order less than you think. Hearty soups are the answer to winter cold.
How to arrange the route
One day: morning at the Champions Hall, climb Xiandongshan before lunch, afternoon and sunset by Taoshan Lake, barbecue dinner, train onward the next morning.
Winter variation: swap the lake walk for a few hours at Wanbaoshan or watching local skaters on the ice.
What to cut if short on time
If you are only changing trains, the Champions Hall alone is the stop to make. Shilongshan and Wanbaoshan are the first to drop.
Things to confirm before you go
- Champions Hall opening hours and any booking.
- Train connections at Qitaihe West, since services are less frequent than on main lines.
- Ice and snow on hill paths from late autumn.
- Wanbaoshan operating dates if you want to ski.
Frequently asked questions
What is Qitaihe famous for?
Coal mining and short track speed skating. The city has produced Winter Olympic champions including Yang Yang and Wang Meng.
Is Qitaihe worth visiting?
For a day, if you are already travelling the eastern Heilongjiang rail line or follow winter sport. It is not worth a long detour on its own.
How many days do I need in Qitaihe?
One. The Champions Hall, Xiandongshan and Taoshan Lake fit into a single walk.
Sources
The facts in this article were checked against the following sources, retrieved September 30, 2026, and rechecked on October 20, 2026.
- Qitaihe https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qitaihe
- Heilongjiang Provincial Sports Bureau, Qitaihe Short Track Speed Skating Champions Hall (August 2024) https://tyj.hlj.gov.cn/tyj/c116533/202408/c00_31763814.shtml
- Heilongjiang Department of Culture and Tourism, Qitaihe history and culture study route (July 2023) https://wlt.hlj.gov.cn/wlt/c114254/202307/c00_31648855.shtml
- Qitaihe scenic ranking (Amap) https://www.amap.com/ranking/qitaihe/scenic
Tickets change; this article does not quote yuan amounts, so check the official notice for your date.
Park photos from Ctrip sight pages; re-use follows source terms.