Plan at a glance
Drive between the wetland sites
Genheyuan National Wetland Park (根河源国家湿地公园) is on the outskirts of Genhe, about 5 km from town. Search for “根河源国家湿地公园” (Genheyuan National Wetland Park). Its attractions are spread out, with more than 10 km of internal roads, so driving makes it easier to move among the Wuhai Boardwalk (雾海栈道), reindeer enclosure, Lengjiwan (冷极湾, Cold Pole Bay), and Everflowing River (不冻河).
Tickets and last entry
The reference admission price is about CNY 80; online prices may be around CNY 60–75. Discount eligibility for visitors aged 65 and over, military personnel, and others depends on the day’s policy and proof of eligibility. Typical hours are 08:00–17:30, with entry ending at 17:00. The park may close earlier in autumn and winter, so check the day’s notice before setting out.
A reservation is usually not required; visitors scan a code at the entrance gate. Online prices vary by platform and bundle, so confirm the visit date, discount eligibility, and entry window before buying.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
Choose your visit
See the river bend from Lengjiwan (冷极湾)
The Lengjiwan (冷极湾, Cold Pole Bay) viewpoint looks down on a bend in the Gen River (根河) shaped like the Chinese character meaning “cold”; it is the park’s main feature. The boardwalk is about 2.3 km, but it is unclear whether that means one way or round trip. Before starting, confirm the distance, parking at both ends, and whether a shuttle connects them.
Wuhai Boardwalk (雾海栈道) and birch forest
The Wuhai Boardwalk (雾海栈道) passes through wetland and old-growth forest. Mist may appear in the morning or after rain when conditions are right; the birch trail is suited to autumn foliage. Mist and leaf color depend on weather. Visit only during opening hours and on open trails; do not enter early to photograph morning mist.
Everflowing River and Shouwang Bridge
The Everflowing River (不冻河) and Shouwang Bridge (守望桥) are possible stops along the driving route. In winter, water may still flow across the river, and evening light can be good for the valley. The park closes at 17:30; if sunset is later, leave on time rather than waiting by the river.
Build your day
Short self-drive route, about 2–3 hours
After driving into the park, follow signs to the reindeer enclosure, Lengjiwan, and the Everflowing River and Shouwang Bridge. There is parking at both ends of the Lengjiwan boardwalk: park at one end, walk to the viewpoint, and return to your car the same way. Use the other end only if you have confirmed that the park is running a shuttle or arranging vehicle transfers that day. The 2–3 hour estimate includes driving between stops, time at each stop, and short walks; it is not the time needed to walk the full 2.3 km boardwalk.
Half-day route including the Wuhai Boardwalk
After opening, drive first to the Wuhai Boardwalk, then follow open roads to the reindeer enclosure and Lengjiwan, and finish at the Everflowing River area before leaving ahead of closing. Morning mist depends on the weather; adjust stops for that day’s road conditions and park hours. Do not enter or leave outside opening hours for sunrise or sunset.
Get there
Drive from central Genhe
Navigate to “根河源国家湿地公园” (Genheyuan National Wetland Park). The entrance is about 5 km from central Genhe. The internal driving route is long and has many junctions, so download an offline map, follow signs, and park only in attraction lots or designated areas.
Taxi or public transport
A taxi for the round trip from Genhe costs about CNY 100–120. Agree with the driver on a pickup time and parking point before setting out. City buses are infrequent and may not serve the park’s scattered stops in time; do not take one without checking the schedule.
Know before you go
Do not plan around closed activities
Rafting is usually closed, and the park’s small trackless train may or may not be operating. Do not include either in your visit time or ticket budget. Reindeer interactions may cost extra; follow staff instructions and do not bring food to feed them.
Mobile signal, junctions, and restrooms
Mobile signal is weak across much of the park, and there are many junctions. Download a map and note your parking point before entering. Restrooms are limited and some may be closed, so prepare before leaving Genhe. After your visit, check your clothes and belongings for ticks.
Use a restroom in Genhe or near the entrance before going in, and keep drinking water in the car. There is parking at both ends of the Lengjiwan boardwalk, but a parking lot does not guarantee a restroom or supplies along the trail. Once on the boardwalk, follow your plan and return to your vehicle.
Short autumn season and cold mornings
Autumn color is most concentrated from late September to early October, but strong winds can bring down leaves early. Nights are already cold by late September, so bring a warm jacket. Mosquitoes and ticks are common in the forest; wear light-colored long sleeves and trousers, bring repellent, and check your clothes and skin after returning to the car.
Nearby attractions and food
Aoluguya Reindeer Tribe is about a 20-minute drive away, and China’s Coldest Village is about an hour away. Combine them only after checking that day’s opening status and road conditions. Back in Genhe, Yongchang Copper Pot Hot Pot and Shepherd’s Whole Lamb House are meal options; confirm their locations and hours first.