Korean Pine Profuse Yichun

Uxuriantly forested Yichun faces Russia across the river Heilongjiang of the eponymous northeastern province. Among the many tree species that grow here is the distinctive Korean Pine.

Yichun’s fresh air – its rolling terrain blanketed in lush green that generates as many as 50,000 negative oxygen ions per cubic centimeter – gives Yichun huge visitor appeal as a tranquil refuge from big city life.

Tianci (Heaven-sent) Lake is said to have evolved from the crater of a falling star.

Rain Amid Sunshine

The multiple transport modes from Yichun to provincial capital Harbin include rail, expressway, and air. My friends and I chose the most flexible option of the four-hour drive.

Even in early September, we found the weather in China’s northernmost province relatively chilly. As we approached the Lesser Hinggan ranges the colors of windswept leaves in roadside fields changed from dark green to lighter hues, and eventually to gold.

The weather was unpredictable. A cloudburst as we drove through glorious sunshine drenched the car, yet the road ahead was completely dry. A local friend told me that this is the norm, and the reason why anyone you see on the road in this mountainous region carries an umbrella.

The downpour freshened the air – already pristine thanks to the absence of heavy industry and hence pollution in the region.