A city full of exotic charm located on the border with Russia! Tourist attractions in Manchuria, China

Have you heard of a city called Manzhouli in the People's Republic of China? China is one of the popular overseas travel destinations for Japanese people, but few Japanese visit Manzhouli, making it a somewhat lesser-known city.
Manzhouli is a county-level city located in Hulunbuir City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, in the People's Republic of China. It faces the border with Russia and thrives as China’s largest land-based trade city.
Manzhouli is home to many hidden tourist attractions. A large lake where you can enjoy birdwatching, a romantic spot where you can see beautiful sunsets, and a park with a 30-meter-high Matryoshka doll are just a few examples unique to Manzhouli, given its location on the border with Russia.
In this article, I will introduce four carefully selected tourist spots in Manzhouli!

1. Hulun Lake (Hulun Hu)

Hulun Lake in Manzhouli is one of the largest freshwater lakes in China, ranking among the top five. The lake stretches about 90km in length and 30km in width, covering an area of 2,339 km², and offers magnificent views, making it a popular tourist destination.
Hulun Lake is also mentioned in ancient Chinese records. The lake is home to various aquatic life, such as fish, as well as waterfowl like cranes and swans, making it an ideal spot for birdwatching.
Because it is located on the border with Russia, Manzhouli experiences sub-zero temperatures during the winter months. By early November, Hulun Lake freezes over entirely. The sight is as if the entire area has turned into a smooth ice skating rink, with the ice thickness reaching over 1 meter!
Although it's cold, visiting Hulun Lake in winter is worth the experience. On clear days, the blue sky reflects on the lake's surface like a mirror, creating a beautiful scene. It’s a highly recommended sightseeing spot.

2. National Gate

The National Gate in Manzhouli is a large gate located at the land border between China and Russia. The Trans-Siberian Railway runs beneath this gate.
Many Chinese tourists pass through this gate to travel between China and Russia. However, unfortunately, only Chinese citizens are allowed to observe the land border in Manzhouli, so Japanese tourists cannot enter.
Nevertheless, you can still tour up to the very edge of the border by taxi or car, so it's recommended to drive or take a walk around the area.

3. Matryoshka Square

If there's one unique spot in Manzhouli, it's definitely Matryoshka Square. This popular tourist destination is known for its unique and colorful sights.
The park is filled with fascinating giant Matryoshka dolls, including those resembling popular characters and famous figures. Given Manzhouli’s location on the border with Russia, there are also buildings that exude a Russian-like atmosphere.
In Matryoshka Square, there are shops selling Russian and Mongolian souvenirs. It's a great place to buy a memento from your visit to Manzhouli. These items also make great gifts for people who have supported you.
Additionally, some of the shops sell ice cream made locally in Manzhouli, which is definitely worth trying as a keepsake from your trip to Manzhouli!

4. Temujin's Military Camp

Manzhouli is located in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, so Mongolia is also nearby, and there are tourist spots related to Mongolian heritage. One such spot is "Temujin’s Military Camp," which means "Temujin's Barracks."
This theme park recreates the lifestyle of the Mongolian people. Numerous yurts, or movable homes, are set up across the vast grasslands. Inside these yurts, you can enjoy Mongolian dishes made with lamb and other ingredients. Additionally, colorful flags are displayed throughout the area, recreating the battle flags used during the Yuan Dynasty. The atmosphere lets you feel the brave spirit of the Mongol horsemen.
Not only is it a tourist spot related to Russia, but it also offers a connection to Mongolia. You can experience something uniquely Manzhouli that you can't find in Beijing or Shanghai!

◎ Summary

We introduced four recommended tourist spots in Manzhouli.
Manzhouli, located on the border with Russia, is a city full of exotic charm. The giant Matryoshka dolls, including famous characters and public figures, make for great souvenirs and memorable parts of your journey.
Also, as Manzhouli is part of Inner Mongolia, you can experience the lifestyle and culture of nomadic peoples, making it a unique experience that you won’t find in Beijing or Shanghai.

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A city full of exotic charm located on the border with Russia! Tourist attractions in Manchuria, China