Head here this summer! The first stop of the China Eastern Railway, Manzhouli

This summer, we journeyed north to the border town of Manzhouli, nestled between China and Russia. 🕌 Manzhouli is a small city with big fame. Located at the junction of China, Russia, and Mongolia, this port city is often praised as "Heaven above, Suzhou and Hangzhou below—but neither compares to Manzhouli’s dazzling lights." The onion-domed Russian architecture and the frequent sight of Belarusian faces give this border town a distinctly exotic charm. 🏟 Two must-do experiences in Manzhouli: ✅ **National Gate Scenic Area** 🎫 Ticket: 128 RMB. A must-visit! Learn about the history of the five generations of national gates. You can also head to the nearby Beijiang Pearl Revolving Restaurant for a panoramic view of the gate. ✅ **Matryoshka Doll Square** 🎫 Ticket: 198 RMB. Located next to the Matryoshka Hotel, this is a favorite for kids. Inside, you can enjoy performances like the Russian Circus and other fun activities. 🌟 **Free photo spots** 1️⃣ **Matryoshka Hotel** 🪆: The hotel lobby is free to visit, with stunning murals perfect for photos 📷—many travelers come here for shoots. However, staying here isn’t recommended, as the bustling tour groups make it feel like a downtown market. The rooms, decorated with matryoshka doll motifs, aren’t particularly refined. For the same price, the Manzhouli Hotel offers better value. 2️⃣ **Wedding Palace** 💒: An abandoned but beautiful building, ideal for photos 📷. Perched on a hillside in the suburbs, it offers a distant view of the entire city. 🍔 **Manzhouli Cuisine** A trip to Manzhouli isn’t complete without trying Russian food. We visited the popular **Lubly Russian Restaurant** 🍽. The food was decent, though not mind-blowing—worth a try for the experience. The restaurant’s ambiance is top-notch, making it a must-visit. Try to avoid peak dining hours; after 5 PM, be prepared to queue. 🌃 **Zhongsu Golden Street** Manzhouli’s night views are legendary, and an evening stroll for shopping is a must. Zhongsu Golden Street is one of the liveliest areas, and our hotel happened to be there. Stepping out for a walk, we were greeted by dazzling lights—truly living up to its reputation. 🥨 **Souvenirs** Manzhouli specializes in Russian goods, mostly concentrated on Zhongsu Golden Street. Think matryoshka dolls 🪆, Russian lighters, milk powder chocolates 🍫, vodka 🍾, cheese 🧀, beef jerky 🥓, and various Russian 🇷🇺 snacks. Spend over 300 RMB, and shipping is free. Personally, I found the same products less flavorful compared to those at the Khorgos Port.