Wudalianchi

This aerial drone photo taken on Jan. 29, 2024 shows a snow scenery of the Wudalianchi Geopark in Heihe, northeast China's Heilongjiang province. (Xinhua/Xie Jianfei)

The Wudalianchi Scenic Area, located in Heihe, Heilongjiang province, sits in the extension zone from Lesser Khingan Mountains to Songnen Plain, covering an area of 1,060 square kilometers. Millions of years ago volcanic eruptions and lava blocked the ancient channel, forming five barrier lakes connecting the volcanoes, hence the name. Scientists have likened this place to a "museum of natural volcanoes".

The area has a thriving ecological system with a high density of biodiversity. There are 1,044 species of plants from 143 families, 428 genera, and 144 species of wild animals from 61 families in the protected area, as well as dozens of national rare or endangered animals and plants.

Regarded as the most representative example of inland volcanic groups in northern China, Wudalianchi has a series of peculiar and well-preserved volcanic landforms. The spring water here has a high mineral content and excellent quality which earned it a reputation for favorable medical properties.