Shuangyashan Travel Guide: Anbang River Wetland, Qixing River and the Ussuri Border
Shuangyashan is a coal city in eastern Heilongjiang, and its draw is the Sanjiang Plain around it: reed marsh, rivers and big farms running east to the Ussuri River and the Russian border. For a short visit, the Anbang River National Wetland Park in Jixian County is the practical choice, close to Shuangyashan West station on the Mudanjiang–Jiamusi high-speed line. Come between June and September, plan one wetland day, and treat Raohe on the Ussuri as a separate overnight trip.
The city and the plain
The name means "Pair of Ducks Mountain", after two peaks northeast of the city, and it dates to 1384. Hardly anyone lived here before coal was found in 1914; mining began in earnest in 1928 and the city was created in 1956. Proven coal reserves are the largest in Heilongjiang, and the downtown is a working industrial city in a valley of the Wanda Mountains on the Anbang River. The countryside is the point: the prefecture lists over 2,100 km² of wetland, four national nature reserves (Anbang River, Qixing River, Naoli River and a reserve for the Northeast black bee) and several forest parks.
Places worth visiting
Anbang River National Wetland Park
The Anbang River reserve in Jixian County is the most accessible of the wetlands: boardwalks over the reeds, bird hides, a small exhibition hall and boats in summer. It is near Shuangyashan West station, so it works as a stop on the way between Harbin, Jiamusi and the east. Go early in the morning, when birds are active and before the midday heat and mosquitoes; bring repellent. Summer 2026 visitor posts put opening at 08:00–16:30 with an optional electric cart; check the park's notice before travelling, as hours change by season and it may not open in winter.
Qixing River and Naoli River reserves
The Qixing River reserve in Baoqing County is a larger, wilder reed marsh protected for its breeding waterbirds. Access is by car, and some areas are closed to protect birds, so ask the reserve or a local driver what is open. The Naoli River reserve, further east, is similar and harder to reach. These are for birders with a car and a spare day.
Raohe and the Ussuri River
Raohe County faces Russia across the Ussuri River (the Russian town of Bikin is on the far bank). Two things bring people here: the river border itself, especially when the ice breaks up in spring, and the Xiaonanshan prehistoric site, a nationally protected monument. Raohe is a long drive from Shuangyashan city; plan to stay at least one night if you go.
In town
The city is a place to sleep and eat rather than to sightsee. Qixingfeng National Geopark and Bailiwan Forest Park are the nearest green escapes if you have an afternoon.
Shuangyashan Library
The public library, with a broad square in front, is one of the city's newer civic buildings and a useful indoor stop on a cold or wet day.
Getting in and where to stay
- High-speed rail: Shuangyashan West, in Jixian County, is on the Mudanjiang–Jiamusi high-speed line, with trains to Harbin in about three hours and to Jiamusi in about 25 minutes.
- Conventional rail: Shuangyashan station in the city is at the end of a branch line; trains are slow.
- Road and air: the expressway to Jiamusi is 57 km; buses take about 45 minutes. Jiamusi airport, about 80 km away, is the nearest.
Stay in the city or in Jiamusi, which has more hotels and is the base for Fuyuan and the far east. Xingkai Lake is covered in Jixi, Jingpo Lake in Mudanjiang.
When to come
June to September is the season: green wetland, long days and open boardwalks. May and late September bring migrating birds. Winters are long, windy and well below freezing; the wetlands are frozen and many services close.
Eating in Shuangyashan
The food is northeastern home cooking: stews with glass noodles, guo bao rou (sweet-and-sour fried pork), dumplings and grilled skewers. Raohe adds river fish from the Ussuri. Restaurants are cheap and portions large; order fewer dishes than you think.
How to arrange the route
- On a rail journey: get off at Shuangyashan West, spend the morning at Anbang River wetland, continue to Jiamusi or Harbin in the afternoon.
- Two days by car: day one Anbang River and the city; day two Qixing River reserve, or a long drive east to Raohe with a night there.
What to cut if short on time
Keep one wetland morning. Cut the city sights first, then the second reserve. Raohe only makes sense with a car and an extra night.
Things to confirm before you go
- Wetland park opening dates and hours for the season.
- Whether reserve areas you want to visit are open to visitors.
- Train times on 12306, since some high-speed services skip Shuangyashan West.
- Insect repellent and sun protection for summer.
Frequently asked questions
Is Shuangyashan worth visiting?
For wetlands and birds in summer, yes, especially as a stop on the high-speed line. For city sightseeing, no.
Can I see Russia from Shuangyashan?
From Raohe County, on the Ussuri River, you look across to the Russian bank. That is several hours' drive from the city.
Is Shuangyashan near Xingkai Lake?
No. Xingkai Lake is reached from Jixi, to the south.
Sources
The facts in this article were checked against the following sources, retrieved September 30, 2026, and rechecked on October 21, 2026.
- Shuangyashan https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shuangyashan
- 双鸭山市 (Chinese Wikipedia) https://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/双鸭山市
- Anbang River National Wetland Park visitor posts (Trip.com, 2026) https://www.trip.com/moments/poi-anbang-river-national-wetland-park-13415451/
Ticket prices are not quoted because no official 2026 notice was found; check at the gate.
All photos are from Wikimedia Commons, used under CC licenses or public domain; re-use requires attribution.
- shuangyashan-wetland.jpg from File:Wetland in Heilongjiang, China.JPG, by 韩笃一, CC BY-SA 3.0
- shuangyashan-city.jpg from File:Shuangyashan 1.jpg, by H2v5o68z, CC0
- shuangyashan-library.jpg from File:Shuangyashan Library 3.jpg, by H2v5o68z, CC0