Wudalianchi National Forest Park (五大连池国家森林公园) is in Heilongjiang province.

Understand

Wudalianchi, or Five Interconnected Lakes, is a topigraphical miracle wrought by an erupting volcanic mountain more than 60,000 years ago. The mountains and caves around the lakes, and the waters in them, are known for their exotic shapes and hues. It is also the location of China's largest cold mineral water recuperating center.

Get in

Buses to and from Harbin's main long-distance bus station on a daily basis (takes about 5 hours). The buses drop off and load at the WuDaLianchi Worker's Sanatorium.

Get around

Private minivans are the only way to see most of the Park. Drivers congregate near a bilingual map of the Park where you can show them where you want to go and then negotiate a price. The map is opposite the entrance to Nan Quan (South Spring) which is a half hour walk east of the Worker's Sanatorium.

See

• Laohei Shan and Shi Hai (Mt. Laohei and the Sea of Stone)- most popular volcano in the park
• Lava Ice Cavern and Lava Snow Cavern (Bing Dong) - year round colored light show
• Zhongling Temple - fine views from the temple and fat Buddhas to boot

Do

• Do come visit during the annual Water Drinking Festival held by the local Daur minority in May

Sleep

Lodging

• WuDaLianchi Worker's Sanatorium (Gongren Liaoyangyuan), large complex just east of the main traffic circle, ☏ +86 456 7221569, fax: +86 456 7221814.