The area is an important stopover spot for migratory birds, including many vulnerable species.

The lake straddles the border between Heilongjiang Province in China to the west, and Primorsky Krai in Russia to the east.

[3] The entire area is known as the Khanka Depression, as it is a lowland surrounded by mountains and higher ground.

The region has a Humid continental climate - cool summer subtype (Koppen classification Dwb).

This climate is characterized by high variation in temperature, both daily and seasonally; with long, cold winters and short, cool summers with no averaging over 22 °C (72 °F).