Yichun

Introduction

Yichun sits on the Songhua River in Heilongjiang province, with the Amur River marking the border between the city and Russia. Forests break the urban area into separate districts, and the city is known by the nickname Lindu.

Green cover defines the place: the greening rate reaches 83%, and much of the population lives in districts divided by woodland rather than in one continuous built-up core.

Three days in Yichun

Day one: Start in Yichun itself, getting your bearings in a city set among the forests of Heilongjiang. Walk or ride along the Songhua River, which runs through this part of the province, and take in the water and the wooded banks. Use the day to settle into the pace of the place and to see how the city sits between the river and the surrounding forest.

Day two: Give the day to the forests. Yichun is known for its woodland, so head out among the trees and spend your time walking the trails and breathing the green. The forest here is the main draw, and a full day in it is well spent. If you want a base for the night, look for somewhere in Lindu.

Day three: Turn north toward the Amur River, the border with Russia. The river marks the edge of Heilongjiang, and the view across to the far bank is a striking way to finish. Keep the day unhurried, following the water and the forest that lines it before heading back to Yichun.