On the southeastern border of Jixi City, Heilongjiang Province, Xingkai Lake lies like a huge emerald straddling the China-Russia boundary. As Asia’s largest transboundary freshwater lake, it covers an area of 4,380 square kilometers, with its northern part belonging to China and southern part adjacent to Russia. Boasting the grandeur of an ocean and the serenity of northern water towns, it is a stunning natural masterpiece bestowed upon Northeast China.

Its most marvelous scenery lies in the unique landscape of one ridge dividing two lakes. A 98-kilometer natural sand ridge splits the lake into two sections. The Greater Xingkai Lake stretches boundlessly with merging sky and water, whose surging waves present magnificent scenery. The Lesser Xingkai Lake is peaceful and graceful, dotted with swaying reeds and flying water birds, resembling a secluded border wonderland. The contrast of vitality and tranquility shapes its unparalleled dual-lake charm.

It is a world-class ecological treasure land and a vital stopover for migratory birds. Covering over 2,200 square kilometers, Xingkai Lake Wetland ranks among the world’s top three wetlands and is home to 285 species of birds. Every spring and autumn, rare birds including red-crowned cranes, oriental white storks and Chinese mergansers inhabit and breed here. Flocks of birds soaring freely fully embody the harmonious beauty of nature.

The hundred-li sand ridge presents poetic scenery all year round. In May, centuries-old apricot trees bloom in full blossom, filling the lakeside with delicate fragrance. In midsummer, shaded ridges and golden sandy shores make it an ideal summer resort. In autumn, golden reeds and dyed forests reflect in the clear lake just like oil paintings. In winter, the lake freezes over entirely covered with rime ice. The spectacular fish harvest on frozen lakes inherits the age-old fishing culture.

Possessing breathtaking natural views, Xingkai Lake also boasts profound cultural heritage. As early as 6,800 years ago, the Sushen people, ancestors of the Manchu nationality, lived by fishing and hunting here and created the splendid Xinkailiu Culture. To this day, the lake nourishes all living creatures along the banks. China and Russia have jointly built cross-border reserves to protect the ecological homeland. Blending lake scenery, wetland landscapes and time-honored culture, Xingkai Lake has become an irreplaceable natural and cultural landmark on the northern border.