6 Days Hulunbuir Autumn Tour – Feast Your Eyes with Fairytale Autumn Colors

After breakfast, begin your autumn journey into the heart of the legendary Hulunbuir Grassland (呼伦贝尔大草原). Leaving Hailar behind, the urban landscape quickly gives way to vast golden prairies stretching endlessly toward the horizon.

Your first major stop is the famous Morigele River (莫日格勒河), often regarded as the most beautiful meandering river in China's grasslands. During autumn, the scenery becomes particularly spectacular. Golden grasslands blanket the rolling hills while the emerald-green river snakes gracefully through the valley like a giant ribbon. Herds of cattle, sheep, and horses graze peacefully across the pasture, creating one of the most iconic landscapes in Inner Mongolia.

Enjoy ample time to walk across the grassland, photograph the breathtaking scenery, and experience the tranquility of the open steppe. The combination of golden fields, blue skies, white clouds, and winding waterways creates endless opportunities for memorable photographs.

Continue northward to Ergun Wetland Scenic Area (额尔古纳湿地景区), widely recognized as the largest and best-preserved wetland ecosystem in Asia. Follow the wooden boardwalks to panoramic viewing platforms overlooking a magnificent mosaic of autumn colors. Here, vibrant red shrubs, golden willow groves, green forests, and winding rivers combine to create one of the most stunning natural landscapes in Northeast China.

From the observation deck, admire the vast wetland stretching into the distance, where the Genhe River and Ergun River weave through colorful vegetation. During September and October, the changing foliage transforms the area into a natural masterpiece that attracts photographers from across the country.

After the visit, continue to Erguna City (额尔古纳市) for overnight accommodation.

Accommodation: Erguna
Driving Time: Approx. 4–5 hours
Highlights: Hulunbuir Grassland, Morigele River, Ergun Wetland, Autumn Photography

Today combines unique cultural encounters with fascinating ethnic traditions and wildlife experiences.

After breakfast, visit a local Russian Ethnic Family (俄罗斯族家庭) in the Erguna region. Descendants of Russian settlers have lived along the China-Russia border for generations, preserving many traditional customs and lifestyles. Upon arrival, enjoy a warm welcome accompanied by lively accordion music and traditional hospitality.

Learn about local Russian culture, history, and religious traditions while sampling freshly baked Big Lieba (大列巴), the famous Russian-style bread that remains a beloved local specialty. You will also have the opportunity to try on colorful Russian folk costumes and participate in a traditional painted egg-making activity. Decorate your own hand-painted egg as a memorable souvenir of your visit.

Afterward, travel through the colorful forests of the Greater Khingan Range (大兴安岭) toward the renowned Aoluguya Reindeer Village (敖鲁古雅使鹿部落), located near Genhe (根河). Known as the "Home of Reindeer in China," Aoluguya is the last settlement of the Ewenki Reindeer-Herding People (鄂温克使鹿部落) and preserves one of China's most unique indigenous cultures.

Upon arrival, visit traditional Cuoluozi (撮罗子) dwellings, distinctive cone-shaped shelters constructed from birch bark and wooden poles. Learn about the ancient hunting traditions and forest lifestyle of the Ewenki people before meeting the village's most famous residents—its friendly reindeer.

Spend time feeding, photographing, and interacting with these gentle animals as they wander freely among the forest surroundings. The sight of reindeer among golden birch and larch trees creates a magical autumn atmosphere rarely found elsewhere in China.

Before leaving, visit the Aoluguya Ewenki Museum (敖鲁古雅鄂温克博物馆) to gain deeper insight into the history, culture, beliefs, and migration stories of this remarkable ethnic group.

Continue to Genhe City (根河市) for overnight accommodation.

Accommodation: Genhe
Driving Time: Approx. 3–4 hours
Highlights: Russian Family Visit, Big Lieba Bread, Aoluguya Reindeer Village, Ewenki Culture, Greater Khingan Autumn Forests, Reindeer Photography

After breakfast, journey deeper into the magnificent Greater Khingan Range (大兴安岭) and travel to Mordaoga National Forest Park (莫尔道嘎国家森林公园), the largest national forest park in China and one of the premier destinations for autumn foliage in Northeast Asia. The drive itself is a visual feast, passing through endless forests painted in brilliant shades of gold, amber, orange, crimson, and emerald.

Upon arrival, begin exploring this vast wilderness, where dense forests, rolling mountains, winding streams, and fresh mountain air create a true autumn wonderland. During September and October, the park reaches its most beautiful season as larch, birch, pine, and maple trees transform the landscape into a colorful ocean stretching to the horizon.

Enjoy a leisurely forest walk along scenic trails surrounded by vibrant fall foliage. Continue to the famous Nine Mountain Ranges in One Glimpse (一目九岭观景台), one of the best viewpoints in the park, where you can admire panoramic views of endless golden forests covering the undulating mountain ridges of the Greater Khingan Range.

For a more immersive experience, you may choose the optional forest sightseeing train that travels through the heart of the park, offering unique perspectives of rivers, wetlands, forests, and wildlife habitats hidden deep within the mountains.

In the afternoon, continue northward to Shiwei Russian Town (室韦俄罗斯民族乡), one of the best-preserved Russian ethnic settlements in China. Situated along the Ergun River (额尔古纳河) on the China-Russia border, Shiwei combines Russian architecture, frontier culture, and beautiful riverside scenery.

Stroll through streets lined with colorful wooden houses, Orthodox-style buildings, and flower-filled courtyards. Walk along the riverside promenade and enjoy views of Russian villages on the opposite bank. As sunset approaches, hike to the famous Fairy Slope (临江仙坡), where the winding river, rolling grasslands, and border landscapes are bathed in warm golden light.

Tonight, stay in a traditional Russian-style wooden guesthouse known locally as a Mukeden House (木刻楞), experiencing the unique atmosphere of this fascinating border town.

Accommodation: Shiwei
Driving Time: Approx. 5–6 hours
Highlights: Mordaoga National Forest Park, Greater Khingan Autumn Forests, Nine Mountain Ranges Viewpoint, Fairy Slope Sunset, Shiwei Russian Town

Today features some of the most picturesque autumn scenery in Hulunbuir, combining forests, wetlands, rivers, and grasslands in one unforgettable day.

After breakfast, depart Shiwei and travel south through the colorful forests and river valleys of the border region. Your first stop is Haur River Scenic Area (哈乌尔河景区), one of Hulunbuir’s hidden natural treasures. The winding Haur River meanders through wetlands, forests, and grasslands, creating a peaceful landscape rich in autumn colors.

Walk along wooden pathways and observation decks overlooking the river valley, where golden birch trees, colorful shrubs, and calm waters form a beautiful natural painting. The area is also closely connected with the traditional culture of the Ewenki Ethnic Group (鄂温克族), offering insights into their relationship with the forests and grasslands.

Continue to the famous White Birch Forest Scenic Area (白桦林景区), home to one of the largest and most beautiful pure white birch forests in the Greater Khingan region. In autumn, thousands of white trunks stand beneath brilliant golden leaves, creating an enchanting landscape that attracts photographers from all over China.

Take a leisurely walk through the forest trails and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. Sunlight filtering through the golden canopy creates magical patterns of light and shadow, making every corner a perfect photo opportunity.

In the afternoon, arrive at Heishantou (黑山头), one of Hulunbuir’s most famous grassland destinations. Here, vast grasslands meet rivers and wetlands, creating an expansive landscape unlike anywhere else in China.

Optional horseback riding is available at one of the region’s most professional horse ranches, allowing you to experience the freedom of riding across the open prairie like a Mongolian nomad.

Later, hike to the renowned Sunset Slope (日落山坡) for one of the finest sunset views in Hulunbuir. Watch as the golden light illuminates the grasslands, wetlands, and distant hills before fading into a spectacular evening sky.

Tonight, stay in a traditional Mongolian Yurt (蒙古包) with modern facilities. If weather permits, enjoy a lively bonfire party featuring Mongolian music, dancing, and local hospitality beneath the star-filled grassland sky.

Accommodation: Heishantou Mongolian Yurt
Driving Time: Approx. 4–5 hours
Highlights: Haur River Scenic Area, White Birch Forest, Horseback Riding, Grassland Sunset, Mongolian Yurt Experience

Wake up surrounded by the peaceful grasslands and enjoy a relaxing morning in the fresh prairie air. After breakfast, begin the return journey to Hailar (海拉尔), passing through more of Hulunbuir’s beautiful autumn countryside.

Upon arrival in Hailar, visit the Hulunbuir National Museum (呼伦贝尔博物馆), one of the most important cultural institutions in Inner Mongolia. The museum provides a comprehensive introduction to the region’s rich history, diverse ethnic groups, and nomadic heritage.

Explore extensive exhibits featuring ancient artifacts, traditional costumes, hunting tools, religious objects, archaeological discoveries, and historical documents. Learn about the Mongolian, Ewenki, Oroqen, Daur, Russian, and other ethnic communities that have shaped Hulunbuir’s unique cultural landscape over centuries.

The museum visit serves as a perfect conclusion to the journey, helping you better understand the places, people, and traditions encountered throughout the past six days.

After the tour, your guide and driver will transfer you to Hulunbuir Dongshan International Airport (呼伦贝尔东山国际机场) or Hailar Railway Station for your onward journey.

As your flight departs, take with you unforgettable memories of Hulunbuir’s golden grasslands, colorful forests, vast wetlands, winding rivers, reindeer villages, Russian settlements, and some of the most spectacular autumn scenery in all of China.

Driving Time: Approx. 2.5–3 hours
Highlights: Hulunbuir National Museum, Nomadic Culture, Autumn Grassland Scenery, Departure from Hailar

Tour Ends.