Things To Do
in Suifenhe

Small meat dumplings popular in border eateries and Russian cafés; try them boiled and topped with butter or sour cream at cafés near the border market.

Must-Try!

Locally smoked fish from nearby rivers and lakes sold at markets and small restaurants; great as a snack or served with steamed buns.

Hearty northeastern Chinese stews and hand-made dumplings are staples in family-run restaurants and noodle shops across the city.

Fermented vegetables are a common accompaniment—served with pork, in stews, or as a topping for noodles in many local places.

A cluster of vendors and small stalls selling Russian breads, sausages, smoked fish, canned goods, sweets and inexpensive hot snacks—ideal for sampling cross-border street food and buying imported products.

Morning markets offer local vegetables, pickles and fresh freshwater fish; bargaining is modest and vendors are used to travelers buying takeaway portions.

Do not photograph customs or restricted facilities; carry your passport and necessary documents when near border checkpoints and follow signage and instructions from officials.

A simple '你好' (nǐ hǎo) or a nod is appreciated. Locals are generally pragmatic and friendly—being patient and polite goes a long way.

Communal dining and shared dishes are common—try a bit of everything when offered. Pouring drinks for others and toasting politely is part of local table manners.

English is not widely spoken; learning basic Mandarin phrases or using a translation app will ease interactions, especially when shopping or traveling outside central areas.

Tipping is not customary in China and is not expected in Suifenhe; small tips are sometimes accepted in tourist-oriented places but not required—rounding up is fine for good service.

Mobile payments (WeChat Pay and Alipay) dominate urban transactions; cash (CNY) is still widely used in markets and small eateries. International cards may work at hotels and larger stores, but carry cash for local stalls. Cross-border trade may involve Russian rubles in some shops near the border.

Cool to mild temperatures with melting snow and muddy trails; early spring can be wet—great for watching landscapes come back to life and for affordable travel before peak season.

Warm and humid but generally mild compared with southern China; best time for hiking, boat trips on nearby lakes, and outdoor markets—bring insect repellent for wetlands.

Crisp, clear days and excellent foliage colors make autumn one of the most scenic times for photography and hiking—early booking recommended for any guided trips.

Very cold with heavy snow and ice; dramatic winter landscapes and ice fishing or skating opportunities, but be prepared for sub-zero temperatures, icy roads and some limited services.

Regional airport serving Jixi with domestic connections; roughly 1.5–3 hours by road depending on route—useful for accessing Suifenhe from within Heilongjiang.

Larger regional airport with more frequent domestic flights and ground transport links to Suifenhe by bus or car—travel time is longer but offers more flight options.

The major international airport for Heilongjiang province with extensive domestic and some international connections; several hours by road or rail from Suifenhe—best option for international arrivals.

Across the border in Russia; geographically closer in some directions but crossing requires proper visas and border formalities—useful only if you have the necessary documentation for international travel.