4 Days Inner Mongolia Hulunbuir Naadam Festival Tour

After breakfast, begin your full-day immersion into the Naadam Festival (那达慕) at Baiyin Hada Grassland (白音哈达草原), one of the main festival grounds in Hulunbuir during summer.

Naadam, meaning “games” or “entertainment” in Mongolian, is the most important traditional festival of Mongolian culture. The vast grassland transforms into a vibrant celebration site decorated with colorful flags, yurts, and performance stages, creating a festive and energetic atmosphere.

The highlight of the day is the famous “Three Manly Skills” (男儿三艺):

• Mongolian Wrestling (搏克) – powerful traditional matches symbolizing strength and honor
• Horse Racing (赛马) – young riders racing across the open steppe at high speed
• Archery (射箭) – precision competitions showcasing ancient warrior skills

In addition to the competitions, enjoy rich cultural performances featuring:

• Morin Khuur (马头琴 / Horse-head fiddle) live music
• Traditional Mongolian long song (Urtiin duu 长调)
• Folk dance performances in colorful ethnic costumes
• Celebration gatherings with local herders and visitors

You will have time to walk through the festival grounds, take photos of wrestlers and riders, and experience the lively interaction between performers and spectators. The open grassland setting, combined with traditional music and nomadic spirit, creates one of the most authentic cultural experiences in Inner Mongolia.

In the late afternoon, return to Hailar (海拉尔). The evening is free for rest or optional city exploration.

Accommodation: Hailar
Driving Time: ~1–1.5 hours total
Highlights: Naadam Festival (Three Manly Skills), Mongolian music & dance, cultural immersion, grassland celebration atmosphere

After breakfast, your guide and driver will take you to explore the most picturesque section of Hulunbuir Grassland (呼伦贝尔草原), where the dragon-shaped Morigele River (莫日格勒河) winds through the boundless prairie. The drive is about 1 hour from Hailar, offering panoramic views of endless grassland, scattered Mongolian yurts, and grazing herds of sheep, cattle, and horses.

Upon arrival, enjoy free time to roam, take photos, or engage in optional grassland activities such as horseback riding, wrestling, or archery. A traditional Mongolian-style lunch (手扒肉, roasted mutton, etc.) is served on the prairie, giving you an authentic taste of local cuisine.

Next, continue north for Ergun Wetland (额尔古纳湿地) – the No.1 wetland in Asia. Follow wooden trails to a panoramic viewpoint for breathtaking vistas of the meandering Ergun River (额尔古纳河), golden marshes, verdant willow trees, and misty wetlands that create a painterly landscape. This is a top spot for photography and nature appreciation.

Afterward, head further north to Shiwei Russian Town (室韦俄罗斯民族乡). Stroll along its well-preserved Russian-style streets, admire riverside towns across the Ergun River, and hike up to the Fairy Slope (仙人坡) for stunning sunset views. Overnight in Russian-style wooden Mukeden houses, experiencing the exotic blend of Russian and local cultures.

Accommodation: Shiwei
Driving Time: ~2–2.5 hours Hailar → Morigele River → Ergun → Shiwei
Highlights: Hulunbuir Grassland, Morigele River, Ergun Wetland, Shiwei Russian Town, Fairy Slope sunset

Enjoy a peaceful morning in Shiwei (室韦), soaking in the unique Russian town charm and quiet rural landscapes.

Then, drive to Haur River Scenic Area (哈乌尔河景区), named “spring-like river” in Mongolian. Walk along the viewing platforms to admire the zigzagging river, forested wetlands, and subtle Ewenki cultural traces. Observe the herds of reindeer and explore the serene forest paths for a final taste of northern Inner Mongolia’s nature and traditions.

After your morning tour, return to Hailar (海拉尔) (~2.5 hours drive). Before heading to the airport, visit the Hulunbuir National Museum (呼伦贝尔民族博物馆) to trace the rich nomadic history of northern China. View ancient instruments, costumes, and everyday items that illustrate the lifestyle and culture of Mongolian and Ewenki peoples.

Finally, your guide and driver will transfer you to Hulunbuir Dongshan International Airport (呼伦贝尔东山国际机场) for your flight home or to your next destination. Departure flights after 17:00 are recommended for comfortable timing.

Accommodation: N/A (departure day)
Driving Time: ~2.5 hours Shiwei → Hailar
Highlights: Haur River Scenic Area, reindeer traces, forest exploration, Hulunbuir National Museum, airport transfer