Xinbarag Left Banner

What are the most recommended things to do in Xinbarag Left Banner?

  • Visit the Nuomenhan (Nomonhan) Battle Relic Site Exhibition Hall to learn about the 1939 Nomonhan incident (Japan-Soviet border conflict).
  • Experience Grassland culture: stay in a Mongolian yurt, ride horses, try traditional archery, enjoy local herding life.
  • Attend Mongol winter sports events in winter: horse racing, camel racing, archery, Mongolian wrestling.
  • Enjoy natural scenery: prairies, rivers (such as Ergun River along the northern border), forested patches, open grasslands and wildflower season.
  • Photograph sunrise/sunset over grasslands, take advantage of wide open skies for star-gazing in low light pollution.

Introducing Xinbarag Left Banner

Xinbarag Left Banner (also known as East Banner and New Left Banner) is a banner under the jurisdiction of Hulunbuir City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. It is located between longitude 117°33′ and 120°12′ east and latitude 46°10′ and 49°47′ north, at the northern foot of the Greater Khingan Range and the southwestern tip of Hulunbuir City. It covers an area of ​​22,000 square kilometers and has a population of 42,000 (2011). Its seat of government is Amugulang Town, the political, economic, cultural, and transportation center of the banner.

Most Popular FAQs for Xinbarag Left Banner

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

New Barag Left Banner is a banner (county-level division) in Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia. It borders Mongolia to the south and Russia to the north (separated by the Ergun River). It has significance as part of the Barag Mongol ethnic area, with traditional pastoral culture. The Nomonhan battlefield (1939) is a key historical site for understanding Sino-Japanese / Soviet frontier conflict.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

It is located in the southwest of Hulunbuir City, Inner Mongolia, with geographic coordinates roughly between longitude 117°33′–120°12′ E and latitude 47°10′–49°47′ N. To reach it: most likely by road from Hulunbuir or nearby towns; there is no metro. Use intercity buses or hire a taxi/van. For distant access, the nearest airports or railheads may be in Hulunbuir or Manzhouli. From the Banner seat Amgalang, local transport (minibuses, shared vans) are typical to move to local attractions.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The Nuomenhan Battle Exhibition Hall is open 8:00-17:30 daily. Best times to visit are summer months (June-August) for grassland landscapes, seasonal festivals, warm weather; winter for snow sports events if you're okay with low temperatures.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

The Nuomenhan Battle Relic Site Exhibition Hall has an admission ticket; specific price not widely published in sources I found. Usually tickets can be bought offline at the site. In some cases, platforms like Trip.com may offer advance purchase.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

For the Battle Exhibition Hall and major attractions, in high season it’s wise to book at least a day ahead, especially if travel and accommodation are also constrained. For grassland stays or yurt/tribal lodgings, booking several days ahead in summer ensures better options.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

To cover the major historical sites (e.g. Nomonhan), spend at least half a day to one day. To immerse in grassland culture, local villages, yurt stays, and natural scenery, plan 2-3 days or more.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

  • Nomonhan Battle Site Exhibition Hall
  • Grassland camps / herder family visits
  • Scenic grass prairies, rivers (Ergun River etc.)
  • Winter sports festival events (if timing matches)
  • Local ethnic sums/towns such as Amgalang Town, Qagan Town and the various “sums” (Xin Bulag, Obor Bulag etc.) to see local life.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

I did not find reliable information about foreign-language audio guides; tours tend to be in Mandarin or local Mongolian. For international travelers, bringing a guide who speaks Chinese (or Mongolian) or arranging a local interpreter is beneficial. Some attractions may offer guided tours in Chinese.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

  • Sunrise/sunset over open grassland with horse/herd silhouettes
  • Views along the Ergun River at border areas
  • Reaches near small villages / yurts in early morning / golden hour
  • Snow landscapes (if visiting in winter or cold) for stark contrasts

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

A suggested itinerary: Arrive to Banner seat (e.g. Amgalang) → visit Nuomenhan Exhibition Hall → head out to grassland camps/yurt stays in nearby sums → enjoy local pastoral life (horse riding, archery) → for winter, join festival or sport events → return via scenic route along rivers or forested patches.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

In winter, there are special sporting events. Night star-gazing is feasible because of low light pollution. There are likely local cultural performances in yurt camps in summer nights. But no major light shows documented.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

It is relatively not crowded compared to major tourist centers. Peak crowding happens in summer (July & August) and around local festivals. To avoid crowds, visit in early summer (May-June) or early autumn (September), or on weekdays.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

Facilities are basic outside towns: local guesthouses/yurt camps may provide food, water, rest areas. In more remote sums, shops or vendors may be minimal. Bring some supplies. In towns like Amgalang or Qagan there are more facilities.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

Grassland terrain is fairly gentle, though some places require walking over uneven ground. Elderly & children are okay with slower pace. Disabled access may be limited in remote areas or on rough ground.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

In town and at more established tourist facilities, mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) and bank cards are usually accepted. In remote camps, cash may be needed. So carry both.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

There are guesthouses and tribal Mongolian themed camps which include dining with local cuisine (lamb, dairy, milk tea), small restaurants in the towns of Amgalang, Qagan. More options in bigger towns outside the banner.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian options are limited; meat and dairy dominate local cuisine. Simple vegetable dishes can be found in town. Halal meat may be available due to local Hui populations, but not as widely guaranteed.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

One hotel: Hulunbuir New Barag Left Banner Barhu Mongolian Tribe Hotel, opened in 2024 near the Barhu Mongolian Tribe Tourist Center. Offers horse riding, hiking etc. Other accommodations include yurt camps, guesthouses in Amgalang or nearby sums.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

You could combine with other Barag banners, or travel to Hulunbuir’s broader grassland region, border rivers, or Manzhouli. Also visiting surrounding sums, rivers, or combining with deep grassland-forest zones. The Ergun River border area is scenic.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Yes in towns and at tourist centers: local handicrafts, felt or wool items, Mongolian costumes, dairy products, traditional jewelry, perhaps embroidered items, local artisan goods.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

From the banner, one can travel by road to larger cities (Hulunbuir city proper, Manzhouli). Shared vans or buses between banners. For more remote sums, 4WD or rugged vehicles might help. If you're going to remote grassland areas, renting a car or hiring local transport is useful.

Nearby Attractions