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Mangui Town, located in Genhe City, Hulunbuir Prefecture, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, is a 2018 Forest China Discovery Forest Culture Town. Mangui is a homophone of the Mengkui River, named for its location on the southern bank of the Mengkui River. Nestled in a cold temperate primeval forest, Mangui Town is known as "China's Second Arctic Village" and "the City That Never Sleeps." Every autumn, the vast expanses of red beans on the hillsides, interspersed with birch, pine, and poplar trees, create a magnificent landscape that draws countless visitors for photos. Mangui Town, with its pure beauty, embodies the "poetry and distant land" that people yearn for. The town is cultivating its brand as "China's Mangui Red Bean Town" by leveraging its pristine ecological resources, including its forests, ice, and snow.
Climate: Subarctic continental climate
Best travel time: June to October
Recommended place to visit: Iksama National Forest Park
Recommended play time: 1-3 hours
free
All day
Mangui Town is known for its rich Mongolian culture and history. It has been a key settlement for the local Mongolian herders and has retained much of its traditional lifestyle. The town is also a starting point for exploring the vast Hulunbuir grasslands, which are an important part of Mongolian heritage and natural beauty.
Mangui Town is located in the Hulunbuir region of Inner Mongolia, China. It can be accessed by taxi or private car from the city of Hulunbuir, which is the nearest major transportation hub. Public transport options are limited, so arranging a private vehicle is recommended for the most convenient travel.
Mangui Town is an open-air destination and is accessible year-round. The best times to visit are during the summer and autumn months when the weather is pleasant and the grasslands are in full bloom. The peak tourist season is in July and August, so visiting in the spring or fall can offer a more peaceful experience.
There is no formal entrance fee for Mangui Town itself, as it is a rural area with open public access. However, certain cultural sites or activities within the town, like horseback riding or guided tours, may have their own fees. Tickets for these can usually be purchased on-site or through local tour operators.
Booking tickets in advance is generally not required for visiting Mangui Town. However, if you plan to engage in specific activities like guided tours or horseback riding, it's recommended to book a few days in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Visitors typically spend 2-3 hours exploring Mangui Town, especially if you're interested in local culture, markets, and nearby natural sites. If you plan to engage in outdoor activities or horseback riding, you may need to allocate half a day or more.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and some guides may offer limited English-speaking services. Audio guides may not be widely available, but some tours may provide written information in multiple languages, including English.
Night visits are not a common offering in Mangui Town. There are no light shows or specific evening tours. However, the evening atmosphere on the grasslands can be quite tranquil, and it may be a great time for photography as the setting sun creates dramatic lighting.
The town is generally less crowded compared to other major tourist destinations in China. The least crowded times to visit are during the spring and fall, particularly weekdays when fewer tourists are around. Summer months tend to attract more visitors.
Basic facilities such as public toilets are available in the town. Small local shops sell snacks, drinks, and basic supplies. There are also local restaurants offering traditional Mongolian food. For more comprehensive services, you may need to travel to nearby Hulunbuir city.
While the town itself is accessible to elderly and children, the surrounding grasslands and outdoor activities like horseback riding may be challenging for people with mobility issues. The terrain can be uneven, so it's important to take that into consideration when planning activities.
Cash is widely accepted in Mangui Town, but mobile payment systems like WeChat Pay and Alipay are commonly used. It’s advisable to carry some cash in case you visit remote areas where mobile payments might not be available.
There are several small restaurants in Mangui Town that serve traditional Mongolian food, such as lamb, dairy products, and local specialties. For a wider range of dining options, you can visit Hulunbuir city, which is around 2-3 hours away by car.
Vegetarian and halal options may be limited in Mangui Town, but there are some Mongolian dishes that cater to these preferences, such as vegetable stews and dairy-based products. It's best to inquire with local vendors for more specific dietary requirements.
Accommodation in Mangui Town is basic, with guesthouses and small hotels offering simple amenities. For more luxury accommodations, you'll need to travel to Hulunbuir city, where you’ll find a wider range of hotels and resorts.
Souvenir shops in Mangui Town offer local handicrafts, including traditional Mongolian textiles, wool products, and handmade jewelry. These make for excellent gifts and mementos of your visit.
After visiting Mangui Town, you can continue your trip by private car or taxi to nearby attractions such as the Hulunbuir Grasslands. For longer-distance travel, buses and trains are available from Hulunbuir city, which is the nearest major transportation hub.
