Jiamusi Travel Guide

Chinese Name: 佳木斯 (jiā mù sī)
Population: 2,333,000
Area: 32,460 square kilometers (12,533 square miles)
Location: in the northeast of Heilongjiang Province, northeastern China
Administrative Division: 4 districts (Qianjin, Xiangyang, Dongfeng, Suburban); 3 counties (Huanan, Huachuan, Tangyuan); 3 county-level cities (Tongjiang, Fujin, Fuyuan)
Area Code: 0454
Zip Code: 154000
GDP (2018): CNY 101.2 billion (USD 15.29 billion)
Nationalities: Han, Mongolian, Hui, Korean, Manchu, Hezhen

Jiamusi is situated on the border of the Heilongjiang Province, with Harbin on its west, Shuangyashan on its east. It is separated from Russia by the Wusuli River (Ussuri River) on the east and the Heilongjiang River (Amur River) on the north. Located in the Sanjiang Plain, one of the three remaining black soil plains in the world, Jiamusi is a place rich in agricultural products where the annual grain output is up to 7.1 billion kg including 3.75 billion kg of rice. But in winter, the vast white Sanjiang Plain can be available for tourists to hunt and ski. With Heilongjiang River, Songhuajiang River and Wusulijiang River running through, this city is teeming with aquatic products, especially the local specialties including salmon, sturgeon and swordfish. The caviar is the best-selling product in the domestic and foreign markets. Besides, Jiamusi also features golden wheat waves, lush forests, large wetlands, and the ethnic customs of Hezhe nationality.

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 decreases 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 there, and is when the Sanjiang International Tourism Festival is held.

 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 this place. It wasn't until the Twentieth Century that this place became the active town that it is now.

 Physical Features: The city 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. Plains in this city, which lie in its northeastern area, are flat and low.

 Special Local Products: The city 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 that city. 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.