4 Days Shenyang to Arxan & Hulunbuir Grassland Tour by Train

Arriving in Arxan early morning, you are welcomed by crisp mountain air and the refreshing scent of forests. After disembarking, the journey begins immediately into Arxan’s signature blend of historic charm, border culture, and natural grassland scenery.

Arxan Railway Station (阿尔山火车站)

Your first stop is the iconic Arxan Railway Station, built in 1937. This small wooden station features a distinctive Japanese architectural style with sloping roofs and symmetrical design. It is one of the best-preserved historical stations in Inner Mongolia and serves as a popular photography landmark, especially in the morning light.

Arxan Border Region (阿尔山口岸)

Next, visit the Arxan Border Area, located along the Numur River near the China–Mongolia frontier. Although not a large commercial port, it represents the historical connection between nomadic cultures and cross-border trade routes. The surrounding landscape is peaceful and wide, offering a sense of openness and frontier atmosphere.

Transfer to Hulunbuir Grassland – Seven Fairy Lakes (七仙湖)

Continue the journey toward the Hulunbuir Grassland Scenic Zone, where you will encounter the famous Seven Fairy Lakes, a cluster of natural lakes surrounded by endless grasslands. This area is known for its untouched ecological environment—rolling green plains, mirror-like lakes, and herds of cattle and sheep moving freely across the landscape.

Here, travelers will experience the true essence of Inner Mongolia’s grassland culture: vast, quiet, and deeply connected to nature. It is an ideal location for photography, light walking, and absorbing the pure grassland atmosphere.

Cultural Experiences on the Grassland

• Mongolian Welcome Ritual – Dismounting Wine (下马酒): Guests are greeted with ceremonial milk wine as a symbol of respect and hospitality.
• Oboo Sacrifice Ceremony (祭敖包): A traditional spiritual ritual where locals offer prayers for harmony, health, and good fortune, believed to connect heaven and earth.

Optional Activities (Self-paid Experience Program)

• Nomadic Family Visit (访牧户): Learn about traditional herding life, milk tea preparation, and Mongolian customs
• Horseback Riding Experience (骑马): Ride across open grasslands like a true nomad

Grassland Cuisine

• Lunch: Traditional Mongolian Hand-Pulled Meat (手把肉), freshly prepared and served in authentic style, highlighting the pure flavor of grassland livestock

Afternoon Nature Experience (Arxan Return)

After the grassland visit, return toward Arxan for light nature-based activities:

• Oxygen Forest Bath Trail: Walk through dense pine forests and volcanic terrain while breathing in high-quality fresh air
• Forest Ranch Experience: Interact with animals such as deer, alpacas, ponies, rabbits, and birds in a natural ecological setting

This combination of grassland and forest creates a rare dual landscape experience—open plains in the morning and alpine forest serenity in the afternoon.

Accommodation

Stay overnight in a comfortable Arxan hotel, allowing you to rest and prepare for the deeper exploration of Arxan National Forest Park on the following day.

Notes:

• Arxan has a cool alpine climate; even in summer, a jacket is recommended
• Walking shoes are essential for forest and grassland terrain
• Weather conditions may affect grassland visibility and activity timing

After breakfast, the day is dedicated to exploring the natural wonders of Arxan National Forest Park (阿尔山国家森林公园), a AAAAA scenic area renowned for its volcanic landscapes, pristine forests, and alpine lakes.

Arxan National Forest Park Highlights

• Tianchi (Arxan Heavenly Lake, 阿尔山天池) – Spend about one hour at this spectacular volcanic crater lake. Its crystal-clear water reflects the surrounding mountains, showcasing nature’s artistry in vivid color. Walking around the lake, you can enjoy fresh mountain air and panoramic forest views.
• Santan Gorge (三潭峡) – This canyon features three remarkable pools: Woniu Pool, Hushi Pool, and Yuexin Pool, with streams cascading along rock formations. The area is known for its mystical and serene scenery, offering excellent photo opportunities.
• Shitang Forest (石塘林) – Observe the unique basalt forest, formed from ancient volcanic activity. Trees grow among cracks in the lava, creating a dramatic natural spectacle. This site is one of the largest basalt formations in Asia, combining geological wonder with lush vegetation.
• Dujuan Lake (杜鹃湖) – Known as Rhododendron Lake, this volcanic dammed lake is surrounded by blooming rhododendrons in spring, giving it a magical appearance. Its L-shaped waters connect to nearby Songye Lake, and visitors can admire the lake from multiple scenic viewpoints.
• Wuli Spring (五里泉) – Famous for its crystal-clear, icy-cold water (3–6°C), Wuli Spring is considered therapeutic for cardiovascular and digestive health. Even in extreme winter temperatures, the spring does not freeze.

Lunch – Forest Cuisine

Enjoy a “Forest-style Meal” (林俗宴) featuring wild vegetables and free-range poultry sourced locally, prepared in traditional northeastern cooking styles (stir-fry, braise, and stews). The meal highlights the natural flavors of Arxan’s alpine environment.

Evening – Return to Arxan → Overnight Train

After a day of forest exploration, guests return to Arxan town for the overnight train back to Shenyang (沈阳). The train journey allows for rest and reflection on the natural beauty experienced over the past two days.

Reference Train (subject to final ticket confirmation):
K7566 (16:43 – 05:35)

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch (Forest-style Meal)
Accommodation: Overnight train sleeper

Tips:

• Visitors need to purchase the park sightseeing bus ticket (105 CNY) before entry
• Wear comfortable walking shoes and prepare light jackets for mountain weather
• Cameras are highly recommended for capturing panoramic forest and volcanic landscapes

The overnight train arrives in Shenyang early morning, marking the end of your Arxan adventure. Guests are assisted in disembarking and can continue onward travel or return home. This marks the conclusion of a four-day immersive journey into Inner Mongolia’s Arxan region, combining grassland culture, border history, and alpine forest landscapes.

Meals: Not included
Accommodation: Not included (end of tour)

Tips for Departure:

• Ensure all personal belongings are packed before leaving the train
• For onward travel, check local transport or airport connections in Shenyang
• Keep a record of the train schedule and tickets for smooth disembarkation