9 Days Hulunbuir In-depth Tour with Arxan UNESCO Global Geopark

Morning: Drive to Hulunbuir Grassland

After breakfast, your journey begins with a scenic drive into the Hulunbuir Grassland, one of the most beautiful and intact grassland ecosystems in the world.

The route quickly opens into endless green plains. As you leave Hailar, the urban landscape fades completely, replaced by rolling steppe, grazing herds, and traditional Mongolian yurts (蒙古包) scattered across the horizon.

Morigele River Scenic Area

Your first stop is the famous Morigele River (莫日格勒河), often called the “first winding river under heaven.”

Here you can:

• Walk along panoramic viewpoints overlooking the winding river
• Photograph the iconic S-shaped river cutting through the grassland
• Experience optional activities such as:
  • Horse riding across open plains
  • Archery
  • Mongolian wrestling demonstration

A traditional Mongolian-style lunch is served, typically featuring roasted mutton, hand-pulled lamb, and dairy products.

Afternoon: Erguna Wetland Scenic Area

Continue driving north to Erguna Wetland (额尔古纳湿地), known as the largest and best-preserved wetland in Asia.

A short walk leads to wooden boardwalk trails and viewing platforms. From the top, you will see:

• The winding Genhe River (根河)
• Dense willow forests and golden marshland
• Layered green and yellow landscapes changing with light and season

The scenery is especially photogenic during late afternoon when sunlight softens the valley.

Evening: Stay in Erguna City

After the visit, transfer to Erguna City for overnight stay. The town is quiet, surrounded by forest-steppe transition zones, offering a peaceful rest environment.

Morning: Aoluguya Reindeer Village

After breakfast, drive to Aoluguya Reindeer Village (敖鲁古雅驯鹿村), home of the Ewenki (鄂温克族) people—one of China’s smallest ethnic minorities and traditionally forest nomads.

Here you will explore:

• Traditional Cuoluozi houses, made of birch bark and wood
• Close interaction with reindeer (驯鹿)
• Feeding and photographing reindeer in a semi-wild environment
• Visiting the Aoluguya Museum, learning about Ewenki hunting culture and forest survival traditions

This is one of the most unique cultural experiences in northern China.

Afternoon: Drive to Shiwei Russian Town

Continue driving about 4 hours north to Shiwei Russian Town (室韦镇), located directly on the China–Russia border along the Ergun River (额尔古纳河).

The scenery changes dramatically into river valleys, wooden houses, and cross-border landscapes.

Shiwei Town Experience

Shiwei is known for its strong Russian cultural influence. Here you can:

• Walk along quiet streets lined with Russian-style wooden houses
• View Russian villages directly across the river
• Experience cross-border scenery where two countries face each other
• Explore local shops and riverside viewpoints

Sunset at Fairy Slope

In the evening, hike up Fairy Slope (仙女坡) for panoramic sunset views over the Ergun River valley. The golden light creates one of the most photogenic landscapes of the entire trip.

Overnight Stay

Stay in a traditional Russian-style wooden guesthouse (Mukeden 木刻楞), offering a rustic but authentic cultural experience.

Morning: Haur River Scenic Area

After breakfast in Shiwei Russian Town, depart for the Haur River Scenic Area (哈乌尔河景区), a quiet ecological zone hidden in the forest-steppe transition belt.

The Haur River (meaning “spring river” in Mongolian) winds through wetlands and dense woodland, creating a peaceful, untouched landscape.

Highlights include:

• Elevated viewing platforms overlooking the winding river
• Wetland ecosystems with rich birdlife and forest wildlife
• Gentle walking trails through birch and mixed forests
• Opportunities to experience Ewenki forest culture in a natural setting

The area is especially atmospheric in the morning when mist rises above the river surface.

Midday: White Birch Forest Drive

Continue the journey through the iconic White Birch Forest (白桦林景观带), one of the most photogenic forest corridors in Hulunbuir.

The drive itself is a highlight:

• Endless rows of white birch trees lining both sides of the road
• Sunlight filtering through the forest canopy
• Seasonal colors ranging from deep green (summer) to golden yellow (autumn)

This is one of the most classic photography routes in Inner Mongolia.

Afternoon: Arrival at Heishantou Grassland

Arrive at Heishantou (黑山头), a famous grassland region along the Ergun River basin.

Here the landscape opens into vast rolling plains where horses roam freely. It is one of the best areas in Hulunbuir for horse culture experiences and sunset viewing.

Optional activities:

• Horseback riding across open grasslands
• Photography sessions with local herders
• Exploring riverside steppe landscapes

Evening: Sunset Slope & Mongolian Yurt Stay

Climb to Sunset Slope (日落山坡) for one of the most iconic views in Hulunbuir. The sun sets over endless grassland and wetlands, painting the sky in deep orange and purple tones.

After sunset:

• Join a Mongolian bonfire party (optional, weather dependent)
• Enjoy folk songs and traditional dance with local herders
• Stay overnight in a Mongolian yurt (蒙古包) equipped with private bathroom facilities

This is one of the most immersive cultural nights of the entire tour.

Morning in Heishantou (黑山头), wake up in the heart of Hulunbuir grassland with mist over the river valleys, grazing horses, and endless steppe views. Optional activities include horseback riding across open plains, sunrise photography, and light walking along the riverside grassland.

Continue along the scenic China–Russia Border Road, following the Ergun River (额尔古纳河). On one side are vast Chinese grasslands and wetlands, on the other side Russian forests and villages across the river, creating a rare cross-border landscape with strong geographical and cultural contrast.

Arrive at Hulun Lake (呼伦湖), one of China’s largest freshwater lakes, often called the “Sea of Grassland.” Enjoy wide-open lake horizons, wind-blown waves, bird habitats, and dramatic sky reflections that change with light throughout the day, making it a key ecological and photography highlight.

Continue to Manzhouli (满洲里), China’s most famous border city. In the evening, explore Russian-style architecture, illuminated city streets, and the lively border trade atmosphere at your own pace. Overnight in Manzhouli.

Manzhouli Matryoshka Square

Morning visit to Manzhouli Matryoshka Square (套娃广场), one of the most iconic landmarks in the China–Russia border region. The square features oversized and colorful Matryoshka dolls combined with fairytale-style Russian architecture, representing the cultural fusion of China, Russia, and Mongolia. It is also one of the best photography spots in Manzhouli, reflecting the city’s unique cross-border identity and vibrant atmosphere.

Departure from Manzhouli

After the visit, begin the long scenic drive toward Arxan City (阿尔山市), located in the eastern part of Inner Mongolia. The journey takes around 5–6 hours, passing through vast ecological transition zones that showcase the dramatic landscape evolution of northern China.

Grassland to Forest Transition

The route first crosses the open Hulunbuir grasslands, where endless plains, grazing livestock, and scattered Mongolian yurts define the horizon. Gradually, the landscape begins to change into rolling hills and forest-steppe zones, with more vegetation, winding rivers, and softer terrain.

Great Khingan Mountain Landscape

As the road enters the Great Khingan Mountains (大兴安岭), scenery shifts dramatically into dense pine, larch, and birch forests, with clear streams, granite hills, and volcanic terrain emerging along the way. The air becomes noticeably cooler and fresher, and the environment turns quieter and more alpine in character.

Arrival in Arxan

Arrive in Arxan (阿尔山), a peaceful mountain town often called the “Little Switzerland of Inner Mongolia.” Surrounded by forests, rivers, and volcanic landscapes, Arxan offers a completely different atmosphere from Hulunbuir’s grasslands. After check-in, enjoy a relaxing evening in this quiet alpine-style town, preparing for the upcoming exploration of the Arxan UNESCO Global Geopark.

After breakfast, depart Arxan City (阿尔山市) for Arxan UNESCO Global Geopark (阿尔山世界地质公园), a 1.5-hour scenic drive into the Great Khingan Mountains (大兴安岭). The park sits at the junction of four grasslands—Hulunbuir, Xilingol, Horqin, and Mongolian Steppe—and is famous for volcanic landscapes, crater lakes, lava formations, primeval forests, granite peaks, and rivers.

Heavenly Lake (Tianchi)

Start at Heavenly Lake (天池), a crater lake formed after volcanic eruptions about 300,000 years ago at 1,322 meters above sea level. Walk the 998-step forest trail to the lake, surrounded by pristine forest, crystal-clear water, reflections of the sky, and seasonal wildflowers. White gulls and ducks add vitality. During July–August peak season, sightseeing buses are used for entrance access.

Three Lakes Gorge

Visit Three Lakes Gorge (三湖峡谷), a 3 km-long gorge where rugged cliffs line the south and unique basaltic lava formations with turtle-shell patterns line the north. The Haraha River flows through the gorge, creating dramatic sounds as water strikes the rocks. This area showcases volcanic formations and river valley scenery.

Shitang Forest Lava Landscape

Finish the day at Shitang Forest (石塘林), the world’s largest preserved lava landscape. Tall Xing’an larches and silver birches grow in lava cracks, forming a surreal combination of rock and forest. Overnight stay is at a hotel near Heavenly Lake Scenic Area.

Azalea Lake (杜鹃湖) Exploration

After breakfast, continue your Arxan journey with a visit to Azalea Lake (杜鹃湖), one of the most poetic volcanic lakes in the Arxan UNESCO Global Geopark (阿尔山世界地质公园). The lake was formed when ancient lava flows blocked a valley, creating a natural basin surrounded by forested mountains and volcanic terrain. The water is calm and reflective, often mirroring the sky, clouds, and surrounding pine forests, making it a favorite spot for photography and quiet nature walks.

Seasonal Landscape Changes

Azalea Lake is famous for its dramatic seasonal transformations: in spring, the surrounding hills bloom with wild azaleas, creating a vibrant pink and green contrast; in summer, dense vegetation and floating duckweed give the lake a soft emerald tone; in autumn, the entire area turns golden with larch and birch forests; in winter, the lake freezes completely, forming a pure white snow-covered landscape. This constant change makes it one of Arxan’s most visually diverse natural attractions.

Lakeside Walk & Forest Atmosphere

Take a relaxed walk along the lakeside paths, where quiet forest trails lead through pine and birch woodland. The air here is especially fresh due to the high altitude and dense forest coverage, and the area is often filled with birdsong and light mountain breeze. Compared with other sites in Arxan, Azalea Lake offers a more peaceful and less crowded experience, ideal for slow travel and nature immersion.

Scenic Drive Back to Hailar

After the visit, begin your return journey to Hailar District (海拉尔区). The drive takes you once again through the changing landscapes of Arxan—volcanic hills, dense forests, river valleys, and open transitional plains. This route allows you to reflect on the diversity of the region, from grassland ecosystems to alpine volcanic scenery.

Arrival in Hailar & Overnight Stay

Arrive in Hailar in the evening and check into your hotel. The rest of the night is free for rest or a casual walk in the city. This marks the final full travel day of the itinerary, completing your journey through grasslands, wetlands, Russian border towns, and volcanic landscapes of Inner Mongolia.

Morning in Hailar

Wake up in Hailar District (海拉尔区), the administrative center of Hulunbuir, surrounded by a calm blend of urban streets and distant grassland horizons. Depending on your flight schedule, you may enjoy a relaxed morning walk around the city or simply rest at your hotel after the long journey through Hulunbuir and Arxan’s diverse landscapes.

Last Glimpse of Hulunbuir

Hailar serves as the final connection point between your journey and the wider world. The city reflects the character of the region—where Mongolian culture, Russian influence, and modern Inner Mongolian life intersect. If time allows, you can take a short drive through local streets or riverside areas for a final glimpse of the northern frontier atmosphere.

Transfer to Airport

At the scheduled time, your guide and driver will escort you to Hulunbuir Dongshan International Airport (海拉尔东山国际机场) for your departure. The transfer is smooth and convenient, typically around 20–30 minutes depending on hotel location.

Flight Connections

The airport offers regular flights to major cities including Beijing (约2.5小时), Hohhot (约2.5小时), and Harbin (约1.5小时), making onward travel easy and efficient.

End of Journey

Your 9-day Hulunbuir & Arxan in-depth tour concludes here. The journey leaves behind memories of endless grasslands, winding rivers, reindeer forests, Russian border towns, and the volcanic wonders of Arxan UNESCO Global Geopark—a complete cross-ecological experience of northern Inner Mongolia.