Discover Qiqihar: Culture, Parks and Barbecue Culture

When choosing a hotel in Qiqihar, the focus of your trip can make all the difference: the city combines a long historical legacy with urban parks, a distinctive barbecue culture and attractions in the surrounding area. If you want to focus on culture, the city museum and designated cultural heritage sites offer places to start. The city’s green spaces and nearby wetlands are also options for nature and wildlife observation.

City History and Cultural Sites

Qiqihar is a nationally recognized historic and cultural city, with a history stretching back more than 800 years. For 255 years, it was the capital of Heilongjiang. Sites designated as nationally significant cultural heritage include Pukui Mosque and the former residence of the Governor of Heilongjiang. Their distinct associations give the city’s history specific names and places.

Qiqihar City Museum is also a cultural point of interest: a 2025 tourism feature mentions an exhibition on civilization along the Nen River. If you specifically want to see this exhibition, check before your visit to confirm whether it is currently on display. This lets you plan around its subject without assuming it is a permanent exhibit.

Parks, Water and Biodiversity

Longsha Park is in central Qiqihar and covers 64 hectares, including 20 hectares of water. Longsha Zoological and Botanical Garden offers a different focus: covering about 705,873 square meters, it is home to more than 110 animal species and 120 species of trees and shrubs. Its attractions combine wildlife viewing and recreation with water tours and leisure activities.

Longsha Zoological and Botanical Garden also has themed areas, an ecological science and education hall, and an event stage. This makes it easy to distinguish between two types of urban green space when planning your trip: Longsha Park stands out for its central location and water, while the zoological and botanical garden combines animal and plant collections with educational and event spaces.

Qiqihar Barbecue and Local Food Culture

Qiqihar barbecue originated in the 1980s and is an important symbol of local food culture. The barbecue tradition brings together several ethnic traditions. Grilled ingredients include, among others, beef and lamb, fish and seafood, vegetables, mantou, eggs and tofu. What any particular restaurant offers may vary.

The World Chinese Cuisine Industry Federation named Qiqihar the “International Barbecue Capital” and described it as China’s only barbecue capital. Alongside the historic sites, this gives local cuisine its own place in trip planning. When comparing dishes, check the specific selection offered by each restaurant; it is not the same everywhere.

Wetlands, Island Landscapes and Nearby Attractions

Near Qiqihar, Zhalong is a dedicated birdwatching area, characterized by pristine wetlands and abundant waterfowl. Another option is the Hala New Village tourist area in the Meilisi Daur District and Yarse area. It covers 60 hectares and is 20 kilometers from central Qiqihar. There, distinctive ways of life and traditional customs offer insight into the area; activities also include horseback riding on the steppe, outdoor camping and river fishing.

Mingyue Island is a 766-hectare river island in the lower reaches of the Nen River, two kilometers northwest of the urban area. It is designated a national 4A-rated scenic area and a provincial scenic reserve. On the island, the Heilongjiang General’s Office has a history of more than 300 years and offers a glimpse into Heilongjiang’s history during the Qing dynasty. At the same time, Mingyue Island preserves a largely natural ecological character, with more than 400 plant species; its old trees include a mulberry tree about 150 years old.

Excursion boats, speedboats and eco-friendly sightseeing vehicles to the attractions are listed for Mingyue Island. Check which services are currently running before making plans. When choosing the focus of your outing, you can then weigh birdwatching in Zhalong, activities around Hala New Village and the river island’s natural and historical features.

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