Key Takeaways:
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Daqing blends natural beauty with industrial history, offering outdoor parks, cultural centers, and seasonal festivals.
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The city is famous for its oil heritage, hot springs, and wide-open lakes, perfect for exploration in all seasons.
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This guide highlights ten of the top things to do in Daqing, from relaxing hikes to unique museums and scenic nature escapes.
Daqing is a modern city located in China’s Heilongjiang province, best known as the oil capital of the country. Since the discovery of petroleum in the late 1950s, Daqing has grown into an important industrial hub—but beyond its working roots, it offers striking natural beauty and cultural depth. The city is surrounded by wetlands, forests, and lakes that are stunning in both summer and winter. Its wide boulevards, clean streets, and surprising mix of nature and modern life attract visitors looking for something off the typical tourist path.
Locals love Daqing for its fresh air, seasonal outdoor activities, and deep local pride. Whether you’re walking through an oil heritage museum, soaking in hot springs, or biking beside peaceful lakes, Daqing offers a calm yet culturally rich experience. It’s a place that surprises most first-time visitors with how livable, green, and enjoyable it is year-round.
Table of Contents
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Visit the Daqing Oil Field History Museum
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Hike or Picnic at Daqing Forest Park
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Soak in the Hot Springs at Saertu District
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Explore the Beauty of Lianhuan Lake Wetland Park
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Enjoy Winter Activities at Daqing Ski Resort
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Walk the Trails Around Longfeng Wetlands
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Take a Scenic Bike Ride at People’s Park
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Experience Local Culture at Daqing Art Theater
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Attend the Ice and Snow Festival in Winter
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Visit the Daqing Science and Technology Museum
1. Visit the Daqing Oil Field History Museum
The Daqing Oil Field History Museum is one of the city’s most iconic attractions, offering a fascinating look at how Daqing became the center of China’s petroleum industry. Exhibits trace the city’s evolution from a quiet grassland to a booming oil town, showcasing machinery, historic photographs, and personal stories from early workers. Visitors get a real sense of the scale and national significance of Daqing’s oil boom. It’s an educational experience that also connects you to the city’s identity.
The museum’s architecture is sleek and modern, with spacious exhibits and interactive displays in both Chinese and limited English. Guided tours are available and recommended for deeper context. Even if you’re not an industry expert, the museum is laid out in a way that’s engaging and accessible to all. It’s a great place to start your trip and appreciate how deeply this city helped shape modern China.
2. Hike or Picnic at Daqing Forest Park
Daqing Forest Park is a green haven for locals and visitors alike, especially beautiful in spring and fall. The park features walking and biking trails that weave through groves of birch and pine trees, offering shade, fresh air, and photo-worthy views. Families often gather here for picnics, joggers take advantage of the wide paths, and birdwatchers love the quiet corners near the lake. There’s a natural calm to this place that makes it ideal for escaping the city bustle.
In warmer months, you can rent paddleboats or simply sit lakeside with a book. The park’s large footprint means it never feels too crowded, even on weekends. Pack a lunch, bring a blanket, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings year-round. In the winter, the park transforms into a snow-covered landscape perfect for a brisk walk or casual snow play.
3. Soak in the Hot Springs at Saertu District
Daqing is home to several natural hot springs, and Saertu District boasts some of the most accessible and luxurious ones. Locals believe the mineral-rich waters help with circulation, skin health, and relaxation, and they’re popular all year—especially during the frigid winters. Many of the facilities feature both indoor and outdoor pools, allowing visitors to soak while watching snow gently fall. The experience is as restorative as it is memorable.
You can choose between basic bathhouses and upscale spa resorts, depending on your budget. Some spots even include herbal pools, saunas, and massage services for a full wellness retreat. It’s a perfect way to end a day of sightseeing or hiking, giving you a local experience that feels indulgent and deeply cultural. If you’re visiting in colder months, this might become your favorite stop.
4. Explore the Beauty of Lianhuan Lake Wetland Park
Lianhuan Lake Wetland Park is a stunning network of lakes, reed fields, and marshes that showcase the natural side of Daqing. Boardwalks and wooden bridges let you wander over peaceful waters where herons, swans, and lotus flowers thrive. It’s especially vibrant in summer when wildflowers bloom and the reeds sway in the breeze. This park is a favorite for photography lovers and anyone seeking a bit of peace and quiet.
The park is well-maintained and family-friendly, with scenic picnic areas and boat rentals available in warmer months. There’s a subtle magic to the way nature dominates here—even within city limits. Locals often come to paint, write, or meditate beside the lake. It’s a serene escape that offers new sights and sounds in every season.
5. Enjoy Winter Activities at Daqing Ski Resort
For winter travelers, Daqing Ski Resort offers a fun, accessible way to enjoy the snowy season. The resort features slopes for all skill levels, from beginner bunny hills to more advanced runs, along with equipment rentals and instructors available on-site. It’s not as crowded or commercialized as some larger Chinese ski areas, which makes it perfect for relaxed travelers and families. The cold, dry winters in Heilongjiang ensure great snow conditions through most of the season.
Besides skiing and snowboarding, the resort also offers sledding, tubing, and snowmobiling activities. The surrounding landscape is postcard-worthy, with snow-covered pine trees and wide-open views. Warm food stalls and fire pits keep the chill at bay, creating a cozy mountain atmosphere. Whether you’re trying the sport for the first time or just want to play in the snow, this is a great place to make winter memories.
6. Walk the Trails Around Longfeng Wetlands
Longfeng Wetlands is one of Daqing’s most ecologically important areas, where protected bird species and aquatic plants thrive across vast marshlands. Elevated wooden walkways let visitors walk across delicate ecosystems without disturbing them, offering close-up views of cranes, egrets, and swans depending on the season. Interpretive signs in Mandarin help explain the local flora and fauna, and birdwatching towers give an even better vantage point. It’s peaceful, uncrowded, and full of life year-round.
This spot is especially popular among local students and researchers due to its biodiversity. Whether you’re exploring solo or with family, the walking paths are well-maintained and perfect for a morning or late-afternoon outing. Spring and autumn bring the most visible wildlife, while winter offers a minimalist, frosted beauty. Longfeng Wetlands is an ideal place to disconnect and appreciate nature’s rhythm.
7. Take a Scenic Bike Ride at People’s Park
People’s Park is one of Daqing’s largest recreational areas and a favorite for locals looking to stretch their legs or enjoy weekend downtime. Its tree-lined paths, lakefront views, and relaxed vibe make it the perfect place for a scenic bike ride. Bikes are available to rent nearby, and the paved trails circle gardens, fountains, and children’s play areas. It’s also a popular place to spot community groups practicing tai chi or seniors playing Chinese chess under shaded pavilions.
During spring and summer, the park comes alive with color—flowerbeds bloom, couples paddle across the lake, and food carts set up shop with cold drinks and snacks. Autumn brings crisp air and golden leaves, while even in winter, the wide open paths remain accessible. People’s Park shows the social side of Daqing’s daily life and offers a great way to move your body while enjoying local culture.
8. Experience Local Culture at Daqing Art Theater
The Daqing Art Theater is the city’s central venue for cultural performances, including traditional Chinese dance, modern plays, classical music concerts, and local storytelling events. Its modern stage and comfortable seating make it a great place to enjoy high-quality performances in a relaxed setting. Many of the shows incorporate local themes, reflecting the identity of northeastern China and celebrating regional heritage. Even without full language comprehension, the music, visuals, and movement offer a memorable experience.
Keep an eye on local event listings or ask your hotel about upcoming shows. Ticket prices are usually very affordable, and the theater occasionally offers free community performances. It’s an excellent way to immerse yourself in the cultural heartbeat of the city. Whether it’s an opera or a student recital, every performance offers a window into the lives and traditions of Daqing residents.
9. Attend the Ice and Snow Festival in Winter
Every winter, Daqing hosts its own Ice and Snow Festival, complete with dazzling sculptures, festive lights, and seasonal games. While smaller than Harbin’s world-famous version, this festival brings big excitement to the city with local ice artists creating castles, animals, and imaginative figures out of snow and crystal-clear blocks. At night, colored lights illuminate the displays, turning the entire area into a glowing, icy wonderland. Families flock to see the exhibits, take photos, and enjoy hot treats from nearby stalls.
In addition to the sculptures, the festival often includes skating rinks, tube slides, and performances on outdoor stages. It’s a fantastic event to bring kids or friends and celebrate winter in true northern China style. The energy is lively, but not overwhelming, making it enjoyable for travelers of all ages. Bundle up and enjoy one of Daqing’s most charming seasonal highlights.
10. Visit the Daqing Science and Technology Museum
For an interactive and educational experience, head to the Daqing Science and Technology Museum. This large, hands-on facility features exhibits on everything from space travel and robotics to natural science and petroleum engineering. Designed with kids and families in mind, the museum includes simulation rides, touchable experiments, and rotating science shows. The oil-themed exhibits tie into Daqing’s identity, offering an insightful perspective into the city’s development.
Visitors of all ages will enjoy the modern design and creative displays. It’s a perfect stop on a rainy day or during the winter when outdoor activities are limited. English signage is minimal, but the visual and interactive nature of the exhibits makes them accessible to non-Chinese speakers. It’s a place where curiosity thrives and imagination is sparked—ideal for both children and adults.
What to do if you have kids?
Daqing is very family-friendly, offering safe green spaces, interactive museums, and winter activities that cater to kids of all ages. Spend the day exploring the Science and Technology Museum, enjoying rides in Gelaqiu Park, or letting kids run wild at People’s Park’s large play areas. In colder months, the Ice and Snow Festival and smaller neighborhood rinks offer winter fun with sledding and skating. Dining out is easy, with casual restaurants and snack stalls that welcome families. Just be sure to layer up during the chilly northern winters—temperatures can drop quickly.
Where can I find free events in Daqing China taking place this weekend?
To find free events happening in Daqing this weekend—like outdoor concerts, art exhibits, seasonal fairs, or cultural performances—check out https://planmyweekend.ai. It’s an easy tool that helps both locals and travelers instantly discover free, social things to do in cities across the world. Whether you’re looking to meet people, hear live music, or explore a local market, Plan My Weekend makes event discovery simple and fast.
Final thoughts on planning a trip to Daqing China
Daqing may not be on every traveler’s radar, but those who visit discover a city full of contrasts—rich in natural beauty, proud of its industrial roots, and deeply connected to its local culture. From wetlands to ski slopes, oil museums to peaceful parks, there’s a quiet charm and authenticity to Daqing that’s easy to appreciate any time of year. Whether you’re here for a short visit or a long stay, the city invites you to slow down, explore, and enjoy its wide open spaces. Plan ahead, dress for the season, and discover why Daqing is one of China’s most underrated destinations.
Author: Dejon Brooks
Dejon Brooks is an entrepreneur who founded Trend Watchers with his life savings. Aged 24, Dejon has turned Trend Watchers into a successful business. After reaching over 150M+ people on his personal accounts, he now spends his time growing Planmyweekend.ai
