Stand on the south bank of the Amur in Heihe and the far shore is another country: Blagoveshchensk, in Russia's Amur Oblast, sits directly across the water. The river has shaped this city's history, its border, and much of what there is to see.
Heihe suits travellers who are curious about the Sino-Russian borderlands, who want river views and volcanic landscapes rather than big-city attractions, and who are prepared for a place with a monsoon-influenced humid continental climate: long, bitterly cold and windy winters, and warm, wet summers with most of the year's rain falling from June to August.
1. Aihui History Museum
Also known as the Aihui History Exhibition Hall, this museum covers Sino-Russo history in the area, and some of its exhibits carry Russian headings. It sits about 33 km south of Heihe city centre via the G331 highway, and admission is ¥20.
Because it is outside the city, treat it as a half-day trip rather than a quick stop, and pair it with the Ancient city of Aigun, which lies in the same direction.
2. Ancient city of Aigun
Aigun, also written Aihui, is the old town from which today's Heihe grew, and it is described as a famous historical scenic spot. The Treaty of Aigun between China and Russia was signed here in the 19th century.
Combine it with the Aihui History Museum on the same outing, since both sit south of the city centre and the museum provides the historical background for what you see at the old town.
3. Amur River
The Amur, known in Chinese as the Heilongjiang or Black River, forms the border between China and Russia and runs along the south bank of which Heihe sits, directly opposite Blagoveshchensk. It is the defining feature of the city and the anchor of any visit.
Walking the riverbank is the simplest way to take it in. Pair it with Heihe Port if you want to see the crossing point, and with a boat trip if you want to be on the water rather than beside it.
4. Boating on the Heilongjiang River
It puts you on the water that separates the two countries and gives you the view back toward the Heihe bank.
Go in the warm, wet summer months, when temperatures are at their most comfortable; the river is the same one you would otherwise only see from the shore.
5. Swimming in the Heilongjiang River
Swimming in the Heilongjiang River is listed among the things to do in Heihe. It is a local way to experience the river rather than just look at it.
Restrict this to the warm season, given the city's long, bitterly cold winters, and combine it with a riverbank walk or a boat trip on the same day.
6. Wudalianchi Volcano
The Wudalianchi Volcanic Range is one of Heihe's tourist attractions, and visitors can take a trip to the local volcanoes. Wudalianchi Lake is named alongside it.
This is a full-day or overnight destination rather than a city sight, so plan it as its own excursion instead of squeezing it between in-town stops.
7. Wudalianchi Lake
Visit it as part of the same trip as the volcanoes, since the lake and the volcanic range belong to the same destination.
8. Heihe Island
Heihe Island is listed among the places to see in Heihe. It is an in-city option that fits easily around the riverfront.
Pair it with the Amur River bank and Heihe Port, which are the other river-facing stops, so you cover the waterfront in one stretch.
9. Heihe Port
Heihe Port is listed among the places to see. It is the point where the border crossing and river traffic come together, and it makes the cross-border geography of the city concrete.
Combine it with a walk along the Amur River and, if you are taking to the water, with a boat trip on the Heilongjiang River.
10. James River National Forest Park
James River National Forest Park is named among Heihe's places to see. It offers a change of scene from the riverfront and the city streets.
Pair it with James River Rafting, which is listed separately, so that the forest park and the river activity form a single outing.
11. James River Rafting
James River Rafting is listed among the things to do in Heihe. It is the active counterpart to the James River National Forest Park.
Do it in the warmer months, and combine it with the forest park rather than treating the two as separate trips.
If you only have one day
Morning: Head south of the city centre via the G331 highway to the Aihui History Museum, then continue to the Ancient city of Aigun. The two belong together, and the museum gives you the Sino-Russo background for the old town where the Treaty of Aigun was signed.
Afternoon: Return to Heihe and spend the afternoon on the water side of the city: the Amur River bank, Heihe Island and Heihe Port. If the weather is warm, add a swim in the Heilongjiang River or a boat trip on it.
Evening: Finish with a walk along the Amur River as the light goes, looking across to Blagoveshchensk on the opposite bank. Keep the evening flexible, since the city's winters are bitterly cold and windy.
What is across the river from Heihe?
Blagoveshchensk, in Russia's Amur Oblast, lies directly across the Amur from Heihe. The river has formed the Sino-Russian border since the 1858 Aigun Treaty and the 1860 Treaty of Peking.
When is the best time of year to visit Heihe?
Summers are warm and wet, with July averaging 21.1 °C, and close to two-thirds of annual precipitation falling from June to August. Winters are long, bitterly cold, windy and dry, with January averaging −22.0 °C.
How do I get to Heihe?
By rail on the Heihe–Bei'an line toward Harbin, Qiqihar and Daqing; by air via Heihe Aihui Airport; or by road on China National Highway 202, which runs from Heihe to Dalian via Harbin, Jilin City and Shenyang. The Blagoveshchensk–Heihe Bridge, completed at the end of 2019, links the two cities across the Amur.
How much does the Aihui History Museum cost, and where is it?
Admission is ¥20. The museum is about 33 km south of Heihe city centre via the G331 highway, and its phone number is +86 452 8211007.
Decide which season suits you, check the rail and air links, and start building your Heihe itinerary around the river.