Jingbo Lake lies in the southeast of Heilongjiang Province. Regarded as the 'West Lake in Northern Area', it is one of the famous scenic attractions as well as summer resorts in China. The lake surface measures approximately 31.1 miles long from south to north and 5.6 miles wide from east to west. This long and narrow alpine barriers lake took form since the magma flowing from volcano eruption dammed the Mudanjiang River about ten thousand years ago.
The lake surface is 1,152 feet above the sea level with the water as deep as 203 feet. Jingbo Lake is the biggest freshwater alpine barrier lake caused by volcano eruption in the world. On the outlet of its northern end there is cliff facing a deep pool so that a so-called suspending waterfall is formed. The world-famous waterfall at Jingbo Lake with water drop of 82 feet could make a water curtain of 43.7 yards wide during the time when there is a plenty of rain. The lake water flies down from the fall, surging white waves and making a thunderous sound that could be heard within an area of 6.2 miles. The waterfall makes a 196-foot-deep pool with a diameter of over 77 yards. The water in the pool is crystal clear with fish swimming here and there. This is also the source of Mudanjiang River.
The name of the lake changes continually. It was called Huerha Sea before Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644). Huerha comes from the language of Manchu Minority, meaning 'Big Net' in Chinese. It was so named because the occasions of fising with big nets could be viewed. Then in early Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911), the lake was named Bierteng Houwen which means 'Mirror Lake' in Chinese. The name of Jingbo Lake (Mirror Lake) was adopted in the mid Qing Dynasty and has been used ever since. A memorial stamp with Jingbo Lake as main image was issued by Post Ministry of China on August 15, 1998. Since then the name of Jongbo Lkae spread far and wide as a name card of China.
Jingbo Lake is an idyllic lake, where there are mountains, singing birds and fragrant flowers around. The winding waterway is full of so many twists and turns that it could be difficult to reach all of them in tow or three days if you go on sightseeing by boat. At night, Jingbo Lake sleeps peacefully with neither waves nor sound. The distal light cast a shade on the lake and the reflected neon lamps glitter under water, too. There are two boats faintly visible but without light. Stars twinkle in the sky but are not bright. Occasionally you will hear the vague chirping of some birds from very far mountains.
There are abundant resources other than picturesque scenery in Jingbo Lake area. The lake is teeming with various fishes. The local people drink water and eat the fish in the lake. They are healthy in both mind and body as they are nourished with the essence of the heaven and earth. The rice irrigated by the lake water has been the tribute to imperial court since the ancient times. Also available on either bank of the lake are some natural spots including the underground primeval forest formed due to volcano eruption plus some ancient cultural relics including the ruins of Bohai State. Many state leaders and foreign presidents have been to Jingbo Lake and left behind excellent poems. The State Council has listed Jongbo Lake among natural protection regions and important scenic resorts of the first batch on national level.
Entrance Fee: CNY 80; CNY 40 for kids between 1.1 - 1.3 m; kids under 1.1 m are free of charge
Best Time to Visit: Jun. to Sep.
Transportation:
A. From Harbin: Take a train from Harbin to Mudanjiang first (about 4 hours), and take the Tourism Bus at Mudanjiang Railway Station and get off at Jingbo Lake (about 2 hours);
B. From Mudanjiang: Take a Tourism Bus at Mudanjiang Railway Station and get off at Jingbo Lake (2 hours).
