Not Nara, not Scandinavia, a 21℃ year-round temperature must-visit summer retreat for families with kids

📍Not Nara, not Scandinavia, a kid-friendly summer escape with a 21℃ average temperature — Yichun!

Save this post for a 3-day, 2-night relaxed family trip, packing forest, deer, and rafting all in one.

🌿Day 1 Jinshan Deer Park · Stay in a Fairy Tale Valley

Arrive at Jinshan Deer Park before 9 AM, the mist in the valley hasn’t cleared yet, and the deer are waiting by the creek. Bring your own carrot sticks—they work better than the feed sold on site, and the deer will chase you to lick your palms. The photo spot is the single-plank bridge over the creek; shooting against the light creates a soft-focus masterpiece. At 4 PM, hike up the nearby Jinzu Peak, where the breeze at the summit is like 21℃ air conditioning. The sunset bathes the entire forest in honey tones, kids run along the wooden boardwalk, and parents just need to keep clicking the shutter.

🌲Day 2 Wuying National Forest Park · Natural Air Conditioning

Wake up naturally and drive 40 minutes into Asia’s largest red pine forest. First, take the electric cart to Tianci Lake, where the 22℃ water invites you to step in and catch little fish—kids won’t want to get out. The Forest Museum offers AR interactions; after seeing how red pines grow up to 30 meters tall, your kids can become little tour guides. On the way back, stroll the Xiangshui Creek wooden boardwalk, shaded all the way, stroller-friendly. In the evening, stop by Luxi Ranch for extra fun—10 yuan for a handful of feed to pet sika deer, alpacas, and mini ponies. The forest slide and swings are right nearby, so kids can burn energy while parents snap photos.

💦Day 3 Shangganling Creek Water Park · Zero-Distance Stream Trekking

No rush on the last day; sleep in until 9 AM and head to Shangganling Creek Water Park. The wooden boardwalk runs alongside the stream, kids squat in the crystal-clear water picking up stones, shaded all the way, an easy 1.5 km walk. For lunch, enjoy Jinshantun iron pot stew with freshly caught river fish bubbling away, dipping corn cakes in the fish soup—kids can eat two pieces easily. After a full meal, head back home; it’s a 20-minute drive to the airport, and the high-speed train takes only 2.5 hours back to Harbin—perfect ending.

🏨Stay in the Scenery

For a laid-back stay, choose Yichun Yuenanshan Resort Hotel, right at the forest’s edge, with family rooms featuring small tents and smart speakers. For a wilder experience, head straight to Wuying Auto Campground, where standalone forest cabins offer deer views from the window, and nights are filled with insect sounds and stargazing. Around 500 yuan per person including breakfast, excellent value.

🍽️Food Memo

At Jinshantun, the must-order iron pot stew is the river fish and ribs combo, with corn cakes soaked in soup as the perfect match. At Wuying, small barbecues are grilled over red pine wood, and lamb skewers carry a pine aroma. End the night at Central Street Night Market with Madieer popsicles and grilled cold noodles—kids will be happily messy.

🎒Kids’ Packing List

Two thin long-sleeve shirts (10℃ temperature difference morning and night), creek trekking shoes + swimsuit (for Tianci Lake water play), mosquito repellent patches + No Bite spray (many forest insects), several carrot sticks (deer feeding essential), waterproof phone pouch (must-have for rafting).

🚗Quick Transport Guide

By plane: Harbin Taiping Airport → Yichun Lindu Airport 1h, rent a car or take a ride-hailing service upon arrival. By high-speed train: Harbin Station → Yichun West Station 2.5h, then a 20-minute taxi to downtown. By car: 3.5h from Harbin, all highway with no traffic jams.

⚠️Notes

Forest signal is weak, download offline maps in advance. Don’t wear long skirts at the deer park; deer chase ribbons. Rafting requires a height of 1.1m or above; younger kids can switch to bamboo rafts. Bring sunscreen—no matter how dense the shade, it can’t block the midday UV rays.

🔖Save + share, this summer escape with kids into a 21℃ forest fairy tale!