Hutou Scenic Area: The Borderland Pearl on Ussuri River

Hutou Scenic Area: The Borderland Pearl on Ussuri River
Hutou Scenic Area: The Borderland Pearl on Ussuri River

Located in Hulin City, Jixi, Heilongjiang Province, Hutou Town is a national 5A-level scenic spot on the China-Russia border along the Ussuri River. Integrating red culture, border river scenery and WWII relics, it's known as the "Oriental Maginot Line".

History & Culture

Historical Origins

  • Name Origin: Named after tiger-head-shaped cliff, serving as frontier fortress since Qing Dynasty
  • Military Fortress: Japanese-built Hutou Fortress (1934-1939) was called "Oriental Maginot Line"
  • Final Battlefield: Site of WWII's last battle on Aug 26,1945 (11 days after Japan's surrender)

Cultural Features

  • Red Culture: Hutou Fortress Museum is national patriotism education base
  • Border Culture: Unique blend of Chinese-Russian frontier culture
  • Ecological Culture: Wetlands and Wandashan Mountains form ecological barrier

Main Attractions

Core Sites

  • Hutou Fortress Ruins: Asia's largest military fortress with 12km underground tunnels
  • Ussuri River Origin: "First Tower of Ussuri" marks China-Russia border start
  • Hutou Guandi Temple: Easternmost Guandi Temple built in 1729
  • WWII End Monument: Commemorates the final battle

Natural Landscapes

  • Ussuri River Cruise: Enjoy border river views with Russian scenery
  • Zhenbao Island Wetland: Ramsar site ideal for birdwatching
  • Shending Peak Sunrise: Highest peak of Wandashan with spectacular sea of clouds

Unique Experiences

Themed Activities

  • Fortress Exploration: Discover underground tunnels with wartime history
  • Border River Cruise: Experience "one river, two countries" along borderline
  • Wetland Birding: Observe red-crowned cranes and oriental storks

Seasonal Highlights

  • Summer Retreat: Riverside fishing & forest hiking (Jun-Aug)
  • Autumn Colors: Golden reeds and mountain foliage (Sep-Oct)
  • Winter Sports: Ussuri River ice car rally (Dec-Feb)

Practical Information

Opening Hours

  • Peak Season (May-Oct): 08:00-17:30
  • Off Season (Nov-Apr): 09:00-16:00
  • Fortress Museum: Closed Mondays (except holidays)

Ticket Info

  • Combo Ticket: ¥120 (covers fortress, museum, temple etc.)
  • Single Site: Fortress ¥65 / Temple ¥30 / Cruise ¥80
  • Discounts: 50% off for students/seniors, free for active military

Transportation

  • By Air: Nearest airport: Jixi Xingkaihu (150km away)
  • By Train: To Hulin Station then transfer to shuttle bus (1hr)
  • By Road: From Harbin via G10 Suiman Expressway to S306 Provincial Road

Important Notes

  • Follow guides in military sites - no unauthorized access
  • Drones prohibited in border area without special permit
  • Prepare mosquito repellent in summer, -30℃ gear in winter