4 Days Shenyang to Hulunbuir Grassland Tour By Train

Upon arrival at Hailar Railway Station in the morning, you will be greeted by your local guide and begin your grassland journey. The first stop is Hulun Lake (呼伦湖), one of China’s largest freshwater lakes, often called the “Mother Lake of the Grasslands.” The lake stretches endlessly like an inland sea, with blue waves, open horizons, and abundant wildlife. A short sightseeing visit allows you to enjoy the vast water scenery and learn about its importance to nomadic cultures.

Lunch features a signature Hulun Lake wild fish banquet, known for its fresh and delicate flavors sourced directly from the lake.

In the afternoon, continue to Dajue Chan Temple (大觉禅寺), a peaceful Han Buddhist temple located in the grassland region. The temple’s architecture blends traditional Chinese Buddhist design with the surrounding steppe landscape, offering a quiet spiritual contrast to the vast open plains.

Afterward, travel to Manzhouli (满洲里), China’s most famous border city near Russia. The city is known for its striking European-style architecture, Russian signage, and multicultural atmosphere. Walking through Manzhouli feels like stepping into a different country, where Eastern and Western cultures meet.

You will visit the exterior of Manzhouli National Gate Scenic Area (国门景区), a symbolic border landmark of China and Russia, followed by the iconic Matryoshka Doll Square (套娃广场), a Guinness World Record–holding attraction featuring giant Russian nesting doll structures.

Later, explore the Sino-Russian Trade Free Market Zone (中俄互贸免税区), where cross-border trade goods and souvenirs are available in a lively commercial setting.

In the evening, enjoy free time in Manzhouli city, where neon lights, Russian-style restaurants, and cultural performances create a vibrant frontier nightlife atmosphere.

Overnight stay in Manzhouli hotel.

After breakfast, depart Manzhouli and head toward the heart of the Hulunbuir Grassland cultural zone. The first stop is Ironwood Genghis Khan Camp (铁木真大汗行营), a large-scale Mongolian nomadic heritage site designed to recreate the historical lifestyle of Genghis Khan’s era. Here, you will explore traditional Mongolian tents, warrior culture displays, and exhibitions introducing the history of the Mongol Empire. The site offers an immersive introduction to steppe civilization and nomadic traditions.

Continue to Zhalainuoer Museum (扎赉诺尔博物馆) (closed on Mondays), where you can learn about the prehistoric and mining history of the region, including fossils and artifacts that reflect the evolution of human activity on the grasslands. Nearby, you will pass by the exterior of the Mammoth Theme Park (猛犸象公园), home to massive mammoth sculptures symbolizing the ancient Ice Age heritage of northern China.

Afterward, arrive at the highlight of the trip—the Hulunbuir Grassland Scenic Area (呼伦贝尔草原). Endless green plains stretch beneath the sky, dotted with grazing horses, sheep, and traditional yurts. Here you will experience a full Mongolian cultural immersion program.

The experience begins with the Horse Team Welcome Ceremony (马队迎宾), a traditional greeting symbolizing honor and hospitality. Guests are then welcomed with the “Ala Wine” (下马酒) ritual, a Mongolian custom of offering milk wine to visitors. You will also participate in the sacred Ovoo Worship Ceremony (祭敖包), where locals pray for harmony and good fortune.

Lunch features a traditional Mongolian feast of hand-grabbed mutton (手扒肉), followed by a series of interactive cultural activities known as the “Five Grassland Experiences”, including:

• Watching the spectacular live show “Song of Mongolian Horses (蒙古马颂)”, featuring horse riding, wrestling, and archery performances
• Practicing grassland archery
• Riding the themed Genghis Khan mobile yurt carriage (蒙古行军大帐) across the steppe
• Visiting a nomadic family household, learning milk tea preparation, tasting dairy products, and trying traditional costumes
• Riding the Rainbow Grassland Train (彩虹小火车) for panoramic steppe views

In the late afternoon or evening, return to Hailar. Depending on train schedule, guests will board the overnight train back to Shenyang, marking the end of the grassland journey, or stay overnight in Hailar before departure the next day.

If your return train departs in the early morning, you will transfer to Hailar Railway Station (海拉尔站) after breakfast or directly after hotel checkout. The guide assists with departure coordination and ensures a smooth boarding process. If your train is scheduled later in the day, you may have limited free time in Hailar for a short rest, a final walk, or simple shopping for local souvenirs such as Mongolian dairy products, handicrafts, or grassland-themed gifts.

Once onboard, the journey back to Shenyang begins. This train segment offers a calm transition from the open grasslands of Inner Mongolia back toward the urban landscapes of Northeast China. It is a long-distance ride, allowing travelers to relax in sleeper cabins or seats depending on booking class.

During the return trip, passengers can reflect on the highlights of the tour: the vast Hulunbuir Grassland, the mirror-like Hulun Lake, the European-style streets of Manzhouli, and the immersive Mongolian cultural experiences such as horse riding ceremonies, archery, yurt visits, and traditional rituals. The changing scenery outside the window gradually shifts from endless steppe to forests, rivers, and towns.

Meals are self-arranged on the train. It is recommended to carry snacks, bottled water, and light food for comfort during the long journey. Charging ports may be limited, so keeping a power bank is advisable.

Upon arrival in Shenyang Railway Station, guests disembark independently, marking the official end of the 4-day Hulunbuir Grassland tour. The journey concludes with unforgettable memories of nomadic culture, pristine landscapes, and the unique frontier spirit of northern China.

End of tour services.