A Hidden Summer Retreat in Northeast China | Jingpo Lake

| Jingpo Lake. Tortured by the scorching 38°C heat, I decisively headed to Heilongjiang and plunged into the cool embrace of Jingpo Lake. Jingpo Lake is a national 4A-level scenic area, and this trip instantly switched me from "roasting mode" to "refreshing channel"! 🌅 Attractions and Activities: 1. Diaoshuilou Waterfall: The world's largest basalt waterfall. Witnessing it in person is absolutely breathtaking! The waterfall cascades down with tremendous momentum, and the splashing water brings a refreshing coolness that instantly dispels the summer heat. There are cliff diving shows at 10:00 and 14:00 daily—don’t miss them! The diving warriors leap from the cliff, merging with the magnificent waterfall—so thrilling! 2. Jingpo Lake Boat Tour: Taking a boat ride on the lake is a must! The calm lake surface is like a giant mirror reflecting the green mountains and trees on both sides. Sailing through, the breeze gently brushes your face, making it delightfully refreshing. You can also see unique sights like Maogong Mountain and Dagu Mountain, each perfect for capturing stunning photos. 3. Volcanic Crater Underground Forest: Stepping into this mysterious underground forest feels like traveling back to ancient times. The dense forest blocks out the sky, with sunlight filtering through the leaves to form golden beams. Walking along the forest boardwalk, breathing in the fresh air rich in negative oxygen ions, the heat and fatigue vanish instantly. 🚗 Transportation: You can fly to Harbin or Mudanjiang first. From Mudanjiang to Jingpo Lake is about 1.5 hours. Alternatively, take the high-speed train to Mudanjiang and then transfer to the direct shuttle to the scenic area. If you prefer independent travel, driving yourself is also fantastic, with beautiful scenery all along the way. 🍱 Food Recommendations: 1. Jingpo Lake Fish Feast: You must try the fish at Jingpo Lake! Redtail fish and lake crucian carp have tender meat. Whether braised in sauce or steamed, the taste is absolutely delicious. 2. Korean Cold Noodles: The sweet, sour, and icy cold noodles are a perfect summer refreshment. The noodles are chewy, and the broth is sweet and sour—one bite and the heat disappears. The old shop at the scenic area entrance serves the most authentic flavor! 🏠 Accommodation Recommendations: 1. Jingpo Lake Hotel: Excellent location, with some rooms offering direct lake views. Waking up to the lake and mountain scenery in the morning is so pleasant! 2. Lakeside Homestays: If you want to experience local customs, lakeside homestays are a great choice. They are affordable and offer a warm, homey feeling. 💡 Helpful Tips: 1. Summer UV rays are strong, so be sure to take sun protection measures; there are many mosquitoes in the forest, so bring insect repellent. 2. The last boat departs at 16:30, so plan your time wisely to not miss this beautiful journey. 3. Signal inside the scenic area is unstable, so download offline maps in advance for convenience. This summer, don’t endure the heat any longer—come to Jingpo Lake and start a refreshing adventure!