Day 1: All over the country → or → Hailar (★Gathering Day)
All day
On the day of the all-day activity, tourists from all over the country will gather in Hailar, the capital of Hulunbuir City, and check in at the hotel by submitting "China-Travel Note + Name". After arranging accommodation, you will have free time at your own leisure.
Food recommendations:
Mengxiangyuan BBQ, Junxiangyuan Hotpot City, Piaoxiangju BBQ, Nuomintala Milk Tea House (Mongolian cuisine), Luburi Western Food, etc.
Transportation Tips:
Free pick-up service for 2 or more people: Hailar Airport or Hailar Railway Station
1. Arrival method 1: There are trains to Hailar from Harbin, Shenyang, and Changchun. Hailar Railway Station is located in the city, making travel convenient.
2. Arrival method 2: Hulunbuir Airport (also known as: Hailar Airport) is about 8km away from the city center, which is very convenient
Day 2 Hailar → Ergun Wetland → Sahuan Ranch → Genhe
All day
After breakfast, we'll depart to officially begin our autumn adventure. This morning, we'll visit the Ergun Wetland Scenic Area. We'll take a sightseeing bus to the top of the mountain for a bird's-eye view of the wetland: the winding Qu River echoes with the grasslands and woodlands on the opposite bank, unfurling like a natural canvas, reminiscent of an impressionist painting. Afterward, we'll head to Sahuan Ranch, a private retreat blending grassland and forest. China-TravelNote will arrange a barbecue at the campsite. Then, we'll embark on an afternoon of fun, riding a stylish tractor-turned-bounce bus through fields and meadows to the foot of the mountain. We'll hike through a pristine, untouched birch forest. Returning to the foot of the mountain, we'll climb a haystack for some stunning photos. After our enjoyment, we'll depart for Genhe City, nestled in the heart of the Greater Khingan Range. This city is my country's northernmost, known as the "Coldest Point of China." In the evening, meet up with friends to enjoy local specialties like hot pot, hand-pulled meat, and iron pot stew.
Day 3: Tiangen River → Aoluguya (Reindeer) → Mordaoga (Forest Train) → Shiwei
All day
After breakfast, depart for Aoluguya Reindeer Park. The Ewenki, a hunting tribe from the Greater Khingan Range, migrated from the shores of Lake Baikal hundreds of years ago, using reindeer as their primary means of transportation. Step into the forest and get up close and personal with the "four-legged" reindeer.
Afterwards, we'll cross the heart of the Greater Khingan Range and arrive at Mordaoga National Forest Park. Board a retro-style train (departs with a minimum of 15 passengers) and journey through this primeval cold temperate forest, quietly admiring the golden beauty outside the window. In the afternoon, we'll arrive in the border town of Shiwei, a hub for Chinese-Russian descendants. China-TravelNote will arrange for accommodation at the distinctive Mukeleng Inn. Mukeleng is a pure wooden structure, constructed without a single nail, making it sturdy and warm in winter and cool in summer. After check-in, you'll have free time at your own pace. You can rent a bike for a leisurely bike ride, enjoy a delicious meal at a rye house, or explore the bustling commercial streets to meet other descendants of Russian descent.
Kind tips:
1. Since the Russian wooden floor is made of pure wood structure, the sound insulation effect is average, please understand!
Day 4 Shiwei → Ka Line Highway → Wulan Mountain → Heishantou
·morning
After breakfast, we'll continue along the breathtakingly beautiful Sino-Russian Border Highway (Ka Line Highway). Named for the numerous border posts along the route, Ka Line captures the uninhabited landscape of the border. Enjoy the scenery as you walk and explore, gazing at the exotic scenery on the other side. In the morning, we'll arrive at Wulan Mountain, ascending to the observation deck to overlook the "natural Tai Chi diagram" in the heart of the Ergun Wetland River, and experience the thrill of grass skiing.
Road conditions: (updated on August 19)
Due to road closures and construction, the originally planned Ka Line Highway (Shuiwei-Heishantou) will be inaccessible from August 22nd to September 30th, and the Wulan Mountain Scenic Area will also be unavailable. Alternatively, you can detour to Enhe Village and visit the Enhe North Mountain Secret Area to enjoy the autumn colors. Thank you for your understanding.
·afternoon
Upon arrival at Heishantou, check in at the hotel and rest for a while. Afterward, China-TravelNote arranges a special grassland paradise: visit herders, feed lambs, ride the popular colorful oil barrel train, or dress up in Mongolian costumes and take photos on the grasslands.
In the evening, we'll head to the grassland horse farm for an exciting horseback riding experience (at your own expense). Under the guidance of our groom, we'll don professional knight's hats and mount our majestic steeds. We'll head to the grassland plateau and watch the beautiful sunset over the wetlands. The sun and the reflections from the wetlands will illuminate the grassy slopes, creating a golden silhouette. After enjoying the photo ops, we'll depart. Overnight in Heishantou Town.
Kind tips:
1. Since horseback riding is not for everyone, it is a self-funded activity. The grassland horseback riding fee is as follows: 200 yuan per adult for Heishantou horseback riding. If an additional groom is required to lead the horse, it is 150 yuan per person.
2. Tourists who don’t want to ride horses can try other activities such as go-karts and ATVs, or take beautiful photos on the grassland.
3. Due to weather reasons, the group accommodation will be adjusted to Heishantou Town/Ergun City Hotel during the period from September 25th to October 7th.
Day 5 Heishantou → Manzhouli
·morning
After breakfast, we set off south along the Sino-Russian border highway, overlooking the Ergun River wetlands and taking in the border scenery. We passed Wetland No. 33 along the way, where the view was wide open, with a clear blue sky, large white clouds, and crystal-clear lake waters, like a mirror, reflecting the beautiful scenery before us.
Road conditions: (updated on August 18)
Due to road closures and construction, the originally planned China-Russia Border Highway (Heishantou-Manzhouli) is inaccessible, and the No. 33 wetland along the way is also unavailable. You will need to take a detour via National Highway 332 to Manzhouli City (adding approximately an hour to the journey). Thank you for your understanding.
·afternoon
We arrived at Manzhouli, a city on the border between China, Mongolia and Russia, in the afternoon. The exotic buildings, the Russian vehicles shuttling back and forth, and the Russian men and women passing by all showed the prosperity of this small border town.
After checking into the hotel and resting briefly, we'll head to the National Gate Scenic Area in the afternoon to view Sino-Russian Boundary Monument No. 41, the remains of a secret Chinese Communist Party transportation line, and the Steam Locomotive Square. Climbing the National Gate, we'll be treated to a streetscape of the Russian town of Zabaikalsk. We'll then visit the Matryoshka Scenic Area, home to China's largest complex of unusual-looking buildings! The area features a Matryoshka World, a Fun Zone, a Matryoshka Theater, and a Happy Land strolling area, allowing you to fully experience this exotic charm.
At night, tourists are free to explore the city. Manzhouli's nightscape is the city's hallmark, from the Yingshan Cathedral in the east to the lakeside vistas of Beihu Street. The illuminated border town is a symbol of the nation's prosperity. Alternatively, they can explore the local cuisine.
Kind tips:
1. Tonight we will arrange to stay in a unique castle hotel, and each room will be given 2 tickets to the [Matryoshka Scenic Area] (unlimited number of entries).
Day 6 Manzhouli → Morigele River → Hailar (★Disbandment Day)
All day
After breakfast, we set off for the Morigele River, which Lao She once described as "the best winding river in the world". We stopped along the way, climbed up to a high point and looked down at the herds of cattle and sheep and the dotted tents on the river bank, which looked like a golden autumn oil painting.
After enjoying the fun, we'll depart for Hailar and be dropped off at Hailar Railway Station/Airport around 2:30 PM, marking the end of our trip! If time permits, you can explore the city on your own and explore the local delicacies.
Tips for returning:
1. Early departure from Manzhouli: Manzhouli Airport is 12km from the city center. Direct flights to Harbin and Beijing are available, and flights to major cities in China can be transferred. You can return to the airport at your own convenience on the same day.
2. There are many flights from Hailar to the mainland (some domestic cities have direct flights). If you are leaving on the same day, it is recommended to book a flight after 16:30;
3. There are many trains from Hailar to Harbin, Changchun, and Shenyang, so you can transfer or travel to these areas. If you are leaving on the same day, it is recommended to buy a ticket for a train after 15:30.
Kind tips:
1. The Morigele River Scenic Area is currently a free attraction. If you subsequently charge admission tickets and scenic fees, you will be responsible for the fees.
