Sanjiangkou Wetland Park

The Sanjiangkou Wetland Park sits at the confluence of the Songhua and Heilong rivers, where the combined waters begin their journey east toward the Russian border and the Ussuri River junction. The park provides accessible walks and observation platforms over the marsh and riverine landscape, and is a reasonable introduction to the Sanjiang Plain ecology without the logistical demands of reaching the Honghe reserve.

Waterbirds are present throughout the warmer months — herons, egrets, ducks, and waders are reliably visible — and the reed beds in late summer turn a deep ochre that makes for good photography. In autumn the landscape is particularly striking. The park is reachable by public transport from the city centre, making it a viable half-day excursion for anyone who does not have the time or arrangement to reach Honghe.

things to do sight
A story
Sanjiangkou — Three Rivers Meeting — is the point where the Songhua flows into the Heilong (Amur), which itself meets the Ussuri not far to the east. China, Russia, and the meeting of three of northeast Asia's major river systems converge at this flat, reedy junction. The scale of the landscape only becomes apparent when you look at it from the observation tower and realise the horizon is flat in all directions.