China Visit Guide
Laoheishan volcanic crater and lava fields at Wudalianchi, Heilo
Natural site · HEILONGJIANG · UNESCO
Wudalianchi Volcanic Formation
五大连池火山 · Wǔdàliánchí Huǒshān
About
UNESCO Global Geopark and proposed World Heritage site in northern Heilongjiang — a young volcanic field with 14 cinder cones, extensive lava flows and five interconnected crater lakes formed in eruptions as recent as 1720–1721 CE.
Wudalianchi (Five-Linked Lakes) is one of China's most significant volcanic landscapes — a young basaltic volcanic field in northeastern Heilongjiang where 14 volcanic cones and their associated lava flows have built up over the past 280,000 years. The most recent eruptions occurred in 1719–1721 CE when Laoheishan and Huoshaoshan volcanoes erupted, damming the Baihe River and creating the five interconnected lakes that give the area its name.
The landscape is a textbook display of volcanic geomorphology: aa and pahoehoe lava flow surfaces, lava tunnels, pressure ridges, spatter cones, cinder craters and maar lake formations are all represented within the accessible scenic area. The lava surfaces from the 1721 eruption remain largely unvegetated, creating an eerie grey moonscape around the youngest cones that contrasts sharply with the forested older lava fields.
The naturally carbonated spring water emerging from the volcanic rock has been prized for its supposed medicinal properties since the Qing dynasty. Russian explorers and settlers in the 19th century described the springs enthusiastically, and a health-tourism industry around the mineral waters persists today. The springs are characterised by high iron and magnesium content; deposits of reddish iron oxides coat the stream channels around the main spring sources.
The scenic area centres on Laoheishan Volcano, which can be climbed in about 30 minutes on a well-maintained path to the crater rim. Views from the rim encompass the lava field, the five lakes and the distant Greater Khingan Range. The Huoshaoshan cone nearby provides a different perspective on the most recent eruption landscape.
How to get there
Fly to Heihe Airport from Harbin (45 min), then take a coach to Wudalianchi town (about 2 hours). Alternatively, take a train from Harbin to Nenjiang or Bei'an, then a coach to Wudalianchi (total about 5–6 hours). The scenic area is about 7 km from Wudalianchi town by taxi.
When to visit
June–September. The area has a cold continental climate; winters are extremely cold (below -30°C). Summer weekends attract visitors from Harbin but the site is rarely overcrowded.
Other natural sites in China
- Badain Jaran Desert — Lakes and Dunes巴丹吉林沙漠—沙山湖泊群
UNESCO · UNESCO Natural World Heritage site in Inner Mongolia — the third largest desert in China, featuring some of the world's tallest stationary dunes and a unique network of freshwater and saline lakes sustained by a still-unexplained subterranean water system.
- China Danxia中国丹霞
UNESCO · UNESCO Natural World Heritage site — a serial property of six Danxia landscapes across six provinces, representing China's defining red-cliff-and-pillar sandstone landform type, including Danxia Mountain, Zhangye, Taining and Langshan.
- Crescent Lake & Mingsha Mountain月牙泉与鸣沙山
Spring-fed crescent-shaped lake at the foot of 250m sand dunes, 5 km south of Dunhuang. Camel rides, sand-sledding, sunset viewing.
- Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve稻城亚丁
A remote highland sanctuary in south-western Sichuan centred on three sacred snow peaks venerated by Tibetan Buddhism, often called the 'last Shangri-La'.
- Dianchi Lake Kunming滇池
The largest freshwater lake in Yunnan at 300 km², historically the scenic centrepiece of the Kunming basin and now being restored after decades of water-quality degradation.
- Erhai Lake洱海
250 km² freshwater lake east of Dali Old Town. 130 km cycling loop; Bai-minority lakeside villages on the eastern shore.
- Fanjingshan梵净山
UNESCO · UNESCO Natural World Heritage site in Guizhou — an isolated mountain island rising from subtropical forest, home to two critically endangered endemic species: the Guizhou snub-nosed monkey and the Fanjingshan fir.
- Hailuogou Glacier National Park海螺沟冰川
The lowest-altitude glacier accessible in Asia, flowing from the slopes of Mount Gongga down through a bamboo and subtropical forest valley to just 2,980 m above sea level.
Other UNESCO World Heritage sites in China
- Ancient City of Ping Yao — Heritage Overview平遥古城—文化遗产综览
The walled city of Pingyao, inscribed by UNESCO in 1997, preserves the most complete example of Ming-Qing urban planning in China — its banking heritage, city wall, temples and courtyard residences forming a cohesive historical ensemble.
- Ancient Villages of Southern Anhui — Xidi and Hongcun皖南古村落—西递、宏村
UNESCO-listed pair of Ming-Qing Huizhou merchant villages in southern Anhui, renowned for whitewashed walls, inky horsehead gables and moon-shaped ponds.
- Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City良渚古城遗址
UNESCO-listed archaeological site in Hangzhou preserving the remains of a 5,000-year-old city with a sophisticated water-management system, jade ritual culture and social hierarchy — regarded as one of the earliest state-level societies in East Asia.
- Badain Jaran Desert — Lakes and Dunes巴丹吉林沙漠—沙山湖泊群
UNESCO Natural World Heritage site in Inner Mongolia — the third largest desert in China, featuring some of the world's tallest stationary dunes and a unique network of freshwater and saline lakes sustained by a still-unexplained subterranean water system.
- Capital Cities and Tombs of the Ancient Koguryo Kingdom高句丽王城、王陵及贵族墓葬
UNESCO-listed capital cities and royal tombs of the Koguryo Kingdom in Jian, Jilin — the Chinese portion of a transnational heritage property shared with North Korea, representing one of the most powerful states of ancient East Asia.
- China Danxia中国丹霞
UNESCO Natural World Heritage site — a serial property of six Danxia landscapes across six provinces, representing China's defining red-cliff-and-pillar sandstone landform type, including Danxia Mountain, Zhangye, Taining and Langshan.
- Classical Gardens of Suzhou (UNESCO)苏州古典园林
UNESCO-listed collection of private gardens in Suzhou — four inscribed in 1997 and five more added in 2000 — representing the pinnacle of Chinese garden design through the refined integration of architecture, water, rock and plant.
- Couple's Retreat Garden耦园
UNESCO-listed Suzhou garden organised symmetrically around a central residence. Less crowded than the four most-visited gardens.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does Wudalianchi Volcanic Formation cost to visit?
- Adult entry to Wudalianchi Volcanic Formation is ¥100, ¥null for children. Scenic area combined ticket approximately 100 CNY. Access to specific volcanoes and springs may require separate sub-tickets.
- When is Wudalianchi Volcanic Formation open?
- Wudalianchi Volcanic Formation opening hours: 08:00–17:00 in summer; 09:00–16:00 in winter (November–March).
- How long do you need at Wudalianchi Volcanic Formation?
- Allow 4–8 hours for Wudalianchi Volcanic Formation. Add buffer time if you plan to visit at peak season or include nearby sights in the same trip.
- When is the best time to visit Wudalianchi Volcanic Formation?
- June–September. The area has a cold continental climate; winters are extremely cold (below -30°C). Summer weekends attract visitors from Harbin but the site is rarely overcrowded.
- How do you get to Wudalianchi Volcanic Formation?
- Fly to Heihe Airport from Harbin (45 min), then take a coach to Wudalianchi town (about 2 hours). Alternatively, take a train from Harbin to Nenjiang or Bei'an, then a coach to Wudalianchi (total about 5–6 hours). The scenic area is about 7 km from Wudalianchi town by taxi.
Spotted something out of date? Submit a correction.
Research
Cross-checked against primary sources
Verified
Address, hours, fees confirmed at the date shown
Updated
Re-verified periodically; corrections welcome