Things To Do
in Manzhouli
Manzhouli is a border city in northeastern Inner Mongolia, China, known for its strong Russian influence, cross-border trade, and distinctive Russian-style architecture. It serves as one of China’s largest land ports with a busy customs and logistics presence and a multicultural retail and food scene. The city is a gateway to the Hulunbuir grasslands and nearby forests, offering both urban border-town character and easy access to wide, open landscapes.
Winters are long, cold, and scenic with snow and ice activities, while summers are short, warm and pleasant for outdoor excursions.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your morning by strolling through the vibrant streets of Manzhouli's Historic Center, where Russian architecture meets Chinese culture. Visit the Russian Style Square to admire its unique buildings and take photographs against the backdrop of the stunning structures. Grab a breakfast of delicious local pastries and coffee at a nearby café to fuel your day.
In the afternoon, head to the Manzhouli Border Culture Museum to learn about the fascinating history of this border city and its cultural exchanges. Explore various exhibits that showcase artifacts, photographs, and stories from the past, providing insights into the lives of the locals. Afterward, take a leisurely walk through the nearby parks, enjoying the lush landscape and fresh air.
As the sun sets, immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of the evening market. Sample local street food delicacies such as grilled skewers and dumplings while mingling with locals and fellow travelers. End your day with a visit to a cozy bar or restaurant to enjoy a drink and reflect on your day's adventures.
Begin your day with a visit to the Manzhouli Port, one of the largest land borders between China and Russia. Witness the bustling activity of customs officers and trade workers while learning about the significance of this border. Enjoy a traditional Chinese breakfast at a local diner before embarking on your journey.
In the afternoon, take a guided tour to the nearby Zhalantun City, where you can explore the scenic landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Visit the Zhalantun Museum to gain deeper insights into the history of the region and its people. Capture stunning photographs of the surrounding mountains and rivers as you enjoy nature's beauty.
Return to Manzhouli for a relaxing evening stroll along the illuminated streets. Dine at a local restaurant specializing in Russian cuisine, savoring dishes like borscht and pelmeni. Conclude your day with a visit to a local tea house, where you can experience traditional Chinese tea ceremonies.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $4-8 |
| ☕Coffee or pastry at a cafe | $2-6 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (within city) | $2-6 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $40-80 |
| 🎟️Entrance fee / local attraction | $3-15 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Unique border-town culture with Russian architecture and multicultural flavors
- Gateway to Hulunbuir grasslands and natural scenery
- Good for photographers seeking unusual architecture and winter landscapes
- Affordable prices compared with larger Chinese cities
- Harsh winters can limit travel and outdoor activities
- Limited nightlife and fewer international-standard tourist services
- Language barriers outside tourist areas (English less common)
- Some areas near the border have access restrictions
- "你好 (Nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
- "谢谢 (Xièxie)" - Thank you
- "多少钱？ (Duōshǎo qián?)" - How much does this cost?
- "我不会说中文 (Wǒ bù huì shuō Zhōngwén)" - I don't speak Chinese
- "我是素食者 (Wǒ shì sùshí zhě)" - I am a vegetarian
- "可以拍照吗？ (Kěyǐ pāizhào ma?)" - Can I take a photo?
Places to Visit in Manzhouli
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic square with oversized matryoshka sculptures and colorful Russian-style buildings — great for portraits, architecture and evening lights.
Photograph international trucks, border infrastructure and the Argun/Erguna river area (observe local rules about photography near security zones).
Street-level scenes with onion-domed facades, shops and old-style signage; the station area often has atmospheric shots of travelers and trains.
Wide-open landscapes, herds, horse riders and traditional yurts offer dramatic sunrise/sunset shots and expansive sky compositions.
In winter the snow, frost and occasional ice-sculpture displays create striking contrasts and soft, low light for dramatic photography.
Food in Manzhouli
Manzhouli Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Handmade meat dumplings — often beef or mutton — served boiled or fried; available at family restaurants and food stalls near Matryoshka Square.
Must-Try!
A staple in Inner Mongolian cooking, slow-cooked or roasted, commonly found in local eateries and grassland guest houses.
A salty, milky tea popular in the region; served in teahouses and homestays, often accompanying hearty meals.
Rye breads, pirozhki and sweet pastries from Russian-style bakeries and cafes around the pedestrian streets.
Warm bowls with beef or mutton and noodles, a comforting choice for cold days; available in downtown restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A cluster of shops and street stalls near Matryoshka Square selling grilled skewers (chuan), fried dumplings, pancakes, Russian sweets and souvenirs—good for sampling many small dishes.
Small vendors near the cross-border shopping zone offering smoked and preserved meats, dairy products, and Russian-import snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Do not photograph customs, checkpoints or restricted installations; always obey signage and personnel. Carry identification (passport) when traveling near the border area.
Greet elders first, be modest and avoid loud behavior in public spaces. A handshake or a nod is common when meeting people; learning a few polite Chinese phrases is appreciated.
If invited into a home or yurt, accept small amounts of food and drink; removing shoes may be expected indoors—watch local cues and accept hospitality politely.
Safety
Tipping in Manzhouli
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in most Chinese venues; it’s appreciated but not expected. For guided tours or exceptional service, a small tip is fine, but do so discreetly.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay and Alipay) are widely used, but cash (RMB) remains important in smaller stalls and rural/grassland areas. Credit cards are accepted at larger hotels and restaurants; carry some cash for taxis, markets and small vendors.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Short spring with melting snow, muddy roads early in the season and temperatures rising from below freezing to mild; a good time for fewer tourists but variable weather—pack layers and waterproof footwear.
Warm and relatively short; daytime temperatures are pleasant and ideal for grassland visits, outdoor activities and festivals—bring sun protection and light layers for cool evenings.
Crisp, clear days and colorful foliage on nearby woodlands; temperatures drop quickly later in the season—great for photography and outdoor walks but bring a warm jacket.
Long, very cold and dry winters with heavy snow and temperatures often well below freezing—dress in high-quality cold-weather gear, allow extra travel time, and expect some services to operate on reduced schedules.
Manzhouli at Night
Hiking in Manzhouli
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Gentle trails and open tracks across the grasslands offering panoramic views, horse-riding options, and wide-sky photography—best in late spring to early autumn.
Small forest parks and lakes on the outskirts of the city provide short hikes, birdwatching and shaded walks—suitable for half-day excursions.
Paths along the border rivers (viewing from permitted public areas) for easy walking and landscape photography—observe all border signage and restrictions.
Airports
How to reach Manzhouli by plane.
Small regional airport serving domestic flights; convenient for direct access to the city—taxis and shuttle services connect the terminal to downtown.
Larger regional airport with more frequent domestic connections; a drive or short domestic connection from Manzhouli and useful link for onward travel in Inner Mongolia.
Major international airport for Heilongjiang province, farther away but offering many domestic and international flights—useful if coming from larger Chinese hubs or abroad.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population with most residents involved in commerce, services and local government.
Significant presence with cultural influence on food, dress, festivals and grassland traditions.
A visible Russian influence through trade, expatriates, and heritage reflected in architecture, cuisine and markets.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Deeply connected to Mongolian culture, horse riding and equestrian performances are common in grassland areas and cultural festivals.
Given the long winters, ice skating and amateur ice hockey are popular recreational activities in colder months.
Common community sports played at schools and parks like much of China; pick-up games are frequent.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Manzhouli.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are limited but possible: order simple vegetable stir-fries, noodle soups with vegetables, and Russian breads/pastries. Communicate clearly by showing 'I am vegetarian' in Chinese (我是素食者 / wǒ shì sùshí zhě) and confirm no meat stock is used.
Halal-specific restaurants are uncommon; seafood and vegetable dishes are safer choices. If you require halal food, plan ahead or bring snacks, and check for halal certification or Muslim-owned eateries in larger nearby cities.
Carry translations for your allergies in Chinese and be cautious with dairy-heavy cuisine; cross-contamination is possible in small kitchens.