Mudanjiang (Mǔdānjiāng 牡丹江) is a prefecture-level city in Heilongjiang (hēi lóng jiāng 黑龙江) province of the People's Republic of China. The administrative seat of the prefecture resides in Mudanjiang City. Its importance derives from its status as a border city, bordering Russia, and location only 248 km from Vladivostok. It serves as a regional communications hub with a railway junction and an international airport connecting with several major Chinese cities as well as Seoul,Korea. In 2007 Mudanjiang had a GDP of RMB 42.1 billion with a 13.3% growth rate.

History
Mudanjiang, also called Mudan Ula by Manchu, stands for a meandrous river. In the 2,300 years from the Shang Dynasty (shāng cháo 商朝) (16th-11th century BC) to Sui Dynasty (suí cháo 隋朝) (581-618), it was inhabited by the ancestors of the Manchu. The central government began to administrate this area in the Tang Dynasty (táng cháo 唐朝) (618-907) and it was one of the headstreams of the uprising of the Qing Dynasty (qīng cháo 清朝) (1644-1911). The city gains its name for the Mudanjiang River flowing through it.

Climate
Mudanjiang has a humid continental climate, with long, bitter winters, and very warm and humid summers. Average temperatures range from a low of −22.6 °C (−8.7 °F) in January to a high of 27.9 °C (82.2 °F) in July. Spring and fall are quick and relatively dry transitional periods. The annual precipitation of 537 millimetres (21.1 in) falls mainly from May to September.Its weather is cool and rarely windy in spring and autumn.June to September is the best time to Mudanjiang City, not only for the cool weather, but also for the highest water level of a year. That will be the best time to viewing waterfall and boating on lakes.

Tourism

The cityscape of Mudanjiang is characterised by the encircling mountains and meandering River Peony, which divides the downtown area. Located in the southeast of Heilongjiang Province, the area is widely known for its dramatic scenery and natural wonders.
With close proximity to the Russian border and the popular winter holiday destination of Harbin, Mudanjiang enjoys a healthy tourist trade. Visitors flock to marvel at sights such as the underground forest, volcanic craters, waterfalls and ancient buildings. The harsh winter brings a thick blanket of snow, providing grounds for a range of leisure activities such as skiing, skating and horse-drawn sleighing.
With close proximity to the Russian border and the popular winter holiday destination of Harbin, Mudanjiang enjoys a healthy tourist trade. Visitors flock to marvel at sights such as the underground forest, volcanic craters, waterfalls and ancient buildings. The harsh winter brings a thick blanket of snow, providing grounds for a range of leisure activities such as skiing, skating and horse-drawn sleighing.

Attractions
Jingpo Lake (jìng bó hú 镜泊湖)

It is the largest alpine barrier lake in China formed by the volcanic eruption ten thousand years ago. Mountains surround this narrow and long lake while the lake embraces islets in the water. The Diaoshuilou Waterfall (diào shuǐ lóu bào bù 吊水楼瀑布), underground lava tunnel and the crater forest constitute the highlights of the scenic area.
Admission Fee: CNY 80
How to go: You can take the special line at the train station to get there

The Diaoshuilou Waterfall (diào shuǐ lóu bào bù 吊水楼瀑布)


Mudan Feng  Natural Preservation Zone (mǔ dān fēng zì rán bǎo hù qū  牡丹峰自然保护区)

It's located 10 kilometers to the southeast of Mudanjiang City, and in the northwest of Laoyeling Mountain (lǎo yé lǐng shān 老爷岭山), bordering Taiping Hill (tài píng lǐng 太平岭) to the east and Zhangguangcai Hill (zhāng guǎng cái lǐng 张广才岭) to the west. It takes a area of 400 km². It is a primitive ecological nature scenery and national nature preserve zone. It has a cold temperate climate, is full of rainfall, grows many kinds of precious trees.
Admission Fee: CNY 7
How to go: You can take bus NO.24 to get there

Underground Forest (dì xià sēn lín 地下森林)

It's located 50 kilometers northwest to the Jingbo Lake, and in the deep mountain of southeast Zhangguangcai Hill. Its altitude is about 1000 meters. It is also a national nature preserve zone. There are plenty resources in the Underground Forest, both plants and animals. When you walk down the stairs you can see rare black sheep.
Admission Fee: CNY 20
How to go: You can take bus at Jingbo Villige and it will take an hour to get there

Shuangfeng Forestry Center (shuāng fēng lín chǎng 双峰林场)

 If visitors want to experience the interesting skiing, sledding and grand snowscape, the Shuangfeng Forestry Center is the best choice. Located in Changting Town of Hailin City, the forestry center is reputed as the 'snow town'. Its nival period lasts for seven months from October to the next April.
Admission Fee: CNY 30
How to go: You can book a special line in advance

Local Food
Northeast Country style Cuisine (dōng běi nóng jiā fàn 东北农家饭)
It's famous for its strong color, heavy taste and large quantity. Mudanjiang is located in the south of Heilongjiang and cold also dry in winter, so the stewed cuisine is popular.


Korean Ethnic Minority Group Cuisine
Because Mudanjiang is a famous residence of Korean ethnic minority group, so there are many restaurants in the city and they are most owned by the Korean. The food is authentic and delicious and the price is good.


Jingbo Lake Fish Feast
It is said that you have to taste the Fish Feast when you visit Jingbo Lake. Jingbo Lake has plenty aquatic product, such as crucian carp. The fish is big and fat and weights up to 1000~1500g. The flesh tastes good, when cooked for soup or red-cooked, even better. It's used to be the royal food.


Tips
1. Choose the right season to visit the city: if you want to see the waters you should come in spring; if you want to enjoy the snow city of course you should come in winter.
2. Winter in Mudanjiang is extremely cold. Apart from the winter wear, visitors should also keep their photographic equipment properly protected.

Have a good time  in Mudanjiang!