Jiamusi Travel Guide

Chinese Name: ????(ji? m? s? sh?)

Population: 2,447,000

Area: 32,700 square kilometers (12,626 square miles)

Nationalities: Han, Korean, Manchu

Administrative Division: 5 districts (Qianjin District, Yonghong District, Xiangyang District, Dongfeng District, Suburban District); 4 counties (Huanan, Huachuan, Tangyuan, Fuyuan); 2 county-level cities (Tongjiang, Fujin)

City Government: No.2666, Chang'an Lu, Qianjin District, Jiamusi City

Useful Telephone Numbers:
Tourist Complaints: 0454-8242243
Weather Forecast: 121
Zip Code Inquiry: 184

Bank of China Jiamusi Branch:No.105, Zhongshan Lu, Qianjin District, Jiamusi City

China Post Jiamusi Branch: No.333, Zhongyang Jie, Aihui District, Heihe City

Location: Jiamusi is situated on the boarder of the Heilongjiang Province, with Harbin on its west, Shuangyashan on its east. It is separated from Russia by the Wusuli River (Ussuri River) in the east and the Heilongjiang River (Amur River) in the north.

History: Historical records list Jiamusi as an ancient bridle road of the Songhua River, leading to the Heilongjiang River estuary. It was once inhabited by the Sushen ethnic group, ancestors of the present Manchu group. There's no exact record of the origin of Jiamusi. It wasn't until the Twentieth Century that Jiamusi became the active town that it is now.

Physical Features: Jiamusi is located on the lower reaches of the Songhua River, neighboring the Sanjiang (Three Rivers) Plain formed by the Songhua, Heilongjiang and Wusuli rivers. Its terrain is low, with mountains beginning in the north, south and western areas of the city. Jiamusi's plains, which lie in its northeastern area, are flat and low.

Climatic Features: Jiamusi enjoys a cold temperate continental monsoon climate with an annual average temperature of 3 degree centigrade (37.4 degree Fahrenheit). The temperature elevates gradually leading up to the summer months, and gradually decrease after. Temperatures typically peak in July.

When to Go: The bitter cold of winter usually sets in around November, and spring sets in around March. The average temperature between April and October is above zero centigrade (32 Fahrenheit). June is probably the best time to visit Jiamusi, and is when the Sanjiang International Tourism Festival is held.

Special Local Products: Jiamusi is known for its freshwater fish and souvenirs that include fish skin costumes and fishbone ornaments.

Local Highlights:

In addition to the Han, Mongol, Hui ethnic groups, a population of Korean, Manchu and Hezhen ethnic minorities also reside in Jiamusi. Among the four ethnic townships, are two Korean (Xinghuo and Tangwang townships) and two for Hezhen (Jiejinkou and Bacha townships). Hezhen is known for its fishing culture throughout Northern China. The area's cuisine features many seafood dishes, and specialized clothing and ornaments are made of fish skin and bones.

Attractions:

Fuyuan Port is located at the area where the Heilongjiang and Wusuli Rivers converge. This is the only release for the waterways of Jiamusi City and Heilongjiang Province, and allows the water to run into the sea. The port faces Russia (across the river). Further downstream one will find the Russian cities of Komsomolsk and Nikolayev.

Honghe Nature Reserve is a wetland habitat of swans, wild geese and red-crowned cranes. Bird watching is best throughout the summer months.

Jinjiekou is a compact community of the Hezhen people, located along the river in the Sino-Russia border. Here visitors learn the unique customs of the Hezhen indigenous group.

Wusu is a small but rich town. It is the largest fishing ground for salmon, and is seated along the easternmost end of China. The sun's rays strike Wusu first in China.

Other Scenic Spots : Wofoshan Skiing Resort, Sanjiang Nature Reserve

Travel Tips:

1. Jiamusi Airport is located on the southern portion of the Tongsan (Tongjiang-Sanya) Highway, 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) east of Jiamusi City. Here one can access flights to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Harbin, as well as international flights to Khabarovsk of Russia. The railways in Jiamusi connect it with Harbin, Hegang, Mudanjiang and Shuangyashan, through which connections can be made with other cities.

2. Highways link Jiamusi with Harbin and Tongjiang. The long-distance bus station is in No.146, Zhanqian Lu, Qianjin District. Passenger liners also shuttle between Harbin and Jiamusi Section on the Songhua River throughout the summer months.