Qiqihar (Chi-chi-har), alternatively Tsitsihar, is the second-largest city in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province and one of the oldest cities in northeast China. It was originally settled by Daur and Tungus herdsmen and its name, Qiqihar, is a Daur word. The city is known for its cranes, hence being referred to as Crane City. The cranes can be seen in Qiqihar's Zhalong Nature Reserve (or you can see the crane statues in the small park across from the Qiqihar train station).
This is the train I took from Harbin to Qiqihar. It's pulling in at Harbinbei (Harbin North) Railway Station.
The older part of Qiqihar Railway Station.
The newer part of Qiqihar Railway Station. This is where you buy tickets and make departures.
There's a small park across from the Qiqihar Railway Station.
This statue (seen at night above and in the daytime below) is the prominent feature in this small park across from the Qiqihar Railway Station).
Qiqihar is known as Crane City, hence the cranes in this small park across from Qiqihar Railway Station.
Qiqihar is a little more than an hour from Harbin by high-speed train. So, it was convenient for a short trip. Tripadvisor lists several things to do in and around Qiqihar (https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g798009-Activities-Qiqihar_Heilongjiang.html). Since I was only there for a very short trip, I settled for exploring some of the city (I am, after all, an urban explorer) and going to Longsha Park - which itself has plenty to see and do when the weather is warmer, including amusement rides. Even this time of year, the park is worth visiting. Tsitsihar Guan Yu Temple is located within the park, and the area of the park near the temple is dotted with various pagodas.
During Spring Festival season, it is common for people to set off explosives - er um I mean fireworks - as this guy was doing.
St. Miller Catholic Church, built in 1931, underwent some restoration a few decades after the Cultural Revolution.
Cotton candy in the cold of February?
Longsha Park Number One Gate
Introduction to and map of Longsha Park
Tsitsihar Guan Yu Temple
Monks in Tsitsihar Guan Yu Temple. Large sticks of incense were being opened for placement in various parts of the temple grounds; hence the wrappers you see.
So, if you're visiting Heilongjiang Province, take a trip to Qiqihar.
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