The Easternmost Glory of China! November Fuyuan Guide: Chase the Earliest Sunrise in China + Snowy Bear Watching

Who would have thought! November in Fuyuan is truly a winter treasure land! With temperatures ranging from -23°C to 1°C, it perfectly suits the "light ice and snow mode." The Heilongjiang River gradually freezes like a silver ribbon, and a thin layer of snow covers the borderlands. There’s no biting cold of deep winter, nor the crowded peak season. As the city that welcomes the earliest sunrise in China, here you can witness the stunning morning light coloring the snow, the vast Sino-Russian border river, the vibrant Hezhe fishing culture, and unique fun like snow bear watching and ice fishing. After reading this guide, you’ll want to rush to this Easternmost rendezvous immediately✨ Must-Visit Attractions: Every spot is so beautiful you’ll want to freeze time 1. Dongji Square🌅 The best spot in China to watch the earliest sunrise. Visiting in November unlocks the ultimate romance of "mountains and rivers bathed in morning light!" The square is wrapped in silver-white snow at dawn, with the giant "Dong" (East) character sculpture shining brightly in the orange-red morning light. Thin mist rises from the river, intertwining with the snowy white landscape. The scene of the national flag, border river, and sunrise in one frame is so breathtaking it leaves you speechless. It’s recommended to wrap up warmly and arrive an hour early, stepping on the soft snow to wait. Watching the first ray of sunlight pierce the horizon and dye the sky in golden-red gradients makes all the waiting worthwhile! After sunrise, stroll through the snow and enjoy the unique view of the confluence of the Ussuri River and Heilongjiang River, perfect for stunning photos that will flood your social media📸 2. Heixiazi Island🐻 A "treasure island" on the Sino-Russian border. In November, the wetlands are covered with thin snow, and the dried grass by the wooden boardwalk is frosted with sparkling white crystals, naturally creating a vast and desolate filter effect. The 145 RMB ticket includes an eco-friendly shuttle, offering great value! First, rush to the Wild Bear Park and take a sightseeing vehicle to get close to over a hundred black bears—they roll in the snow or crowd together to snatch food. Their round bodies and clumsy charm will melt your heart. Then climb the Dongji Pagoda; from the top, enjoy a panoramic view of the wetlands, with the distant silhouette of Khabarovsk, Russia faintly visible. Be sure to check in at the Sino-Russian boundary marker to leave a memorable mark of your border trip. Walking on the wetland boardwalk, listen to the crunch of snow underfoot and feel the undisturbed tranquility, a truly healing experience. 3. The Easternmost Military Outpost🚩 The easternmost military post of the motherland, which looks even more solemn and sacred against the white snow in November. The red outpost building contrasts sharply with the snowy landscape. Morning sunlight shines on the watchtower, creating a rich atmosphere with shifting light and shadow. For just 30 RMB, you can enter this pure land and feel the solemnity of the "Easternmost Outpost." If lucky, you might witness the soldiers’ changing of the guard ceremony, with their neat steps and upright postures instantly stirring your patriotic spirit. Standing beside the outpost looking out over the border river fills your heart with awe and pride for the country’s frontier—this check-in is deeply meaningful. 4. Fuyuan Fish Museum🐟 For 60 RMB, unlock the "encyclopedia of freshwater fish." Visiting in November helps you avoid crowds and immerse yourself in Fuyuan’s fishing culture. The museum displays specimens of sturgeon, salmon, and other "three flowers, five luo, eighteen sons" fish species. Especially impressive is the huge sturgeon skeleton, vividly showing the power of this "living fossil of the water." After the visit, you’ll not only gain knowledge but also look forward to Fuyuan’s full fish feast. Imagining the fresh fish meat while looking at the specimens will make your mouth water! 5. Zhua Ji Hezhe Ethnic Village🏡 This Hezhe ethnic village exudes a quiet, homely atmosphere in November. Snow-covered wooden houses at the village entrance, fishing nets hanging under eaves, and firewood stacked by the door all reflect a strong fishing and hunting culture. Enter the Hezhe Cultural Heritage Center to experience making traditional fish skin paintings. Follow the inheritors to sketch patterns with fish skin and feel the charm of this ancient craft. The village restaurants hide authentic Hezhe cuisine. In winter, sitting around the stove eating a pot of hot stewed fish, the fresh aroma fills the air. Paired with corn cakes dipped in the broth, it’s heartwarming and satisfying, making you reluctant to leave. Special Activities & 3-Day Highlight Itinerary Must-Try Unique Experiences - Ice Fishing: For 150 RMB, join fishermen to cut holes in the frozen river and fish under the ice, personally experiencing the traditional Hezhe fishing and hunting fun. The fish you catch can be cooked by the restaurant, so you get to eat the fish you caught yourself—an overwhelming sense of accomplishment! - Dongji Fish Market Morning Market: The early morning market is bustling, with fresh river fish filling the stalls. Freshly sliced sturgeon sashimi tastes sweet and tender, the plump salmon roe is salty and rich, and you can buy vacuum-packed dried fish as souvenirs to bring the fresh taste of the East home. - Sino-Russian Mutual Trade Zone: You can buy Russian-style goods without leaving the country! Russian red sausage, chocolates, wafers, and more are all available at affordable prices. A stroll here yields plenty of finds and lets you experience the lively atmosphere of border trade. 3-Day Itinerary for a Relaxed, Immersive Experience - Day 1: Sunrise + Border Scenery Chase the sunrise at Dongji Square early morning, then head straight to Heixiazi Island to visit the Wild Bear Park and climb the Dongji Pagoda. Have a simple lunch on the island tasting river fish; the delicious fish soup with rice is especially fragrant. In the afternoon, stroll through the Heixiazi Island wetlands and return to the city by evening. Dinner features Russian-style Western cuisine: sweet and sour borscht to whet the appetite, crispy yet tender Russian grilled meat, paired with chilled kvass for a full foreign flavor experience🍴 - Day 2: Fishing Culture + Folk Experience Morning visit to Fuyuan Fish Museum to gain knowledge, then rush to Dongji Fish Market to buy fresh fish. Lunch must include a full fish feast with sturgeon stewed with tofu and steamed salmon served in turn. The fish meat is tender and free of fishy smell, and the soup with rice can be eaten in large bowls. In the afternoon, visit Zhua Ji Hezhe Village to try fish skin painting and stay overnight in a wooden house guesthouse. In the evening, gather around the stove to eat stewed salmon and listen to villagers’ fishing and hunting stories, full of homely warmth. - Day 3: Solemn Check-in + Souvenir Shopping Morning check-in at the Easternmost Military Outpost to feel its solemn atmosphere. Lunch features the Hezhe signature dish Talaha (grilled sturgeon meat), crispy outside and tender inside, dipped in pepper salt, full of aroma. In the afternoon, shop for souvenirs at the Sino-Russian Mutual Trade Zone, then return with a full harvest, ending a perfect Easternmost trip. Fuyuan on the Palate: Winter Warm Food List - Full Fish Feast: For 120-200 RMB per person, enjoy "fish-eating freedom!" Must-order sturgeon stewed with tofu, with tender fish meat and tofu soaked in rich fish broth. Steamed salmon tastes sweet and fresh with no fishy smell. Corn cakes baked on the pot’s edge are crispy outside and soft inside; dipped in fish soup, they’re so delicious you’ll lick the plate🐟 - Hezhe Specialty Dishes: Talaha is definitely the signature dish—grilled sturgeon meat crispy outside and tender inside, dipped in pepper salt or spicy sauce, becoming more flavorful the more you chew. Salmon roe has a rich texture, perfect with bread or rice, a truly "intangible cultural heritage on the palate." - Russian Flavor: For 80-150 RMB per person, enjoy authentic Russian cuisine! Borscht is sweet and sour, warming you up in winter. Russian red sausage has a balanced fat and lean ratio, with firm and chewy meat. Paired with a glass of chilled kvass, it’s refreshing and cleansing, like being on the streets of Russia. Transportation, Accommodation & Practical Tips - Transportation🚗: From Harbin, you can take a sleeper train (about 400 RMB) or fly via Jiamusi to Fuyuan. Taxis in the city are very convenient. For remote spots like Heixiazi Island, it’s recommended to rent a car for 400-500 RMB/day. For icy roads, special vehicles are recommended at 200 RMB/day for safer and more worry-free travel. - Accommodation🏨: Comfortable hotels in the city cost 180-260 RMB/night, offering great value. For a unique experience, choose a guesthouse in Dongji Town, 150-200 RMB/night, with atmospheric wooden house style. For convenience, pick a budget hotel near the bus station, some of which offer pick-up services, making travel very easy. - Notes⚠️: November in Fuyuan is extremely cold; thick down jackets, snow boots, thick gloves, hats, and phone warmers are essential. Drones are prohibited in the border area; avoid photographing sensitive facilities. When visiting Hezhe villages, please respect local customs.