A Perfect Encounter of Fairy Tale Secrets and Volcanic Wonders

Arxan, located in Xing'an League, Inner Mongolia, is a dazzling gem on the southwestern slope of the Greater Khingan Mountains. It boasts rich landscapes including primeval forests, volcanic landforms, hot springs, mineral springs, and alpine wetlands. Beautiful in all seasons, with an average summer temperature of only 22°C, it is a summer resort paradise; in winter, it transforms into a snowy fairy tale world. Below is a detailed travel guide for Arxan, covering attractions, food, accommodation, and travel tips to help you plan your trip with ease!

Must-Visit Attractions

1. Arxan National Forest Park (AAAAA-rated scenic area)
Camel Hump Ridge Tianchi Lake: A volcanic crater lake that looks like a jade inlay in the forest, breathtakingly beautiful.
Grand Canyon: Volcanic lava landform with plank roads weaving through, as if traveling back to the ancient world.
Unfrozen River: Even at minus 40°C in winter, it never freezes, shrouded in mist, like a fairyland.
Azalea Lake: Azaleas bloom by the lake in summer, forests turn colorful in autumn, and morning mist creates a picturesque scene.
Shitang Forest: Black basalt landform with resilient pine trees, showcasing the miracle of volcano and life.

Tickets: 180 RMB per person; it is recommended to buy a package including sightseeing bus (about 380 RMB) for convenient touring.

2. Haosengou National Forest Park (known as "Little Guilin")
Less crowded and beautiful scenery with strange peaks, bizarre rocks, streams, and waterfalls. Recommended spots include Qilin Peak, Tianhe Gorge, and Fairy Cave.
Ideal for hiking and adventure lovers, with chances to encounter wild deer.

3. Wusulangzi Lake & Unfrozen River (free attractions)
Wusulangzi Lake: Clear water reflecting the forest and blue sky, perfect for photography.
Unfrozen River: In winter, rising mist and cattle wading in the water create a unique landscape.

4. Arxan Hot Springs (a must-experience in winter)
Rich geothermal resources with 48 hot springs of varying temperatures, offering the fun of "ice and fire" bathing.
Recommended to visit the Hot Spring Museum to learn about hot spring culture and relax.

5. Off-the-Beaten-Path Secrets: Deer Park & Forest Mini Train
Deer Park: Interact with reindeer, feed moss, and enjoy a fairy-tale forest atmosphere.
Forest Mini Train: Narrow-gauge steam locomotive passes through birch forests, with retired drivers sharing logging stories.

Arxan Food Recommendations

1. Forest Area Specialty Dishes
Roast Lamb Leg: Grassland lamb charcoal-grilled, crispy outside and tender inside, more fragrant with chive flower sauce.
Willow Herb Sprout Stewed Ribs: The fresh aroma of wild vegetables perfectly combines with tender ribs.
Iron Pot Stew: Local favorite, recommended restaurants in Tianchi Town or Hot Spring Street.

2. Specialty Snacks & Drinks
Blueberry Jam Rye Bread: Russian-style bread with wild blueberry jam, sweet and sour, appetizing.
Dole Pulled Noodles: Intangible cultural heritage food, chewy noodles with rich bone broth.
Wild Vegetable Buns: Spring seasonal, filled with bracken and wild chives, fresh and unique.

Budget Accommodation Recommendations

Arxan accommodations are mainly concentrated in the city, Yiershi Town (near the forest park), and inside the scenic area, with better prices in the off-season:

1. Yiershi Town (near the forest park, cost-effective)
Family Inns: Beds from 10-20 RMB per night, suitable for backpackers.
Fulin Yuan Mountain Villa: Standard rooms about 187 RMB per night, experience farmhouse kang heating.

2. Arxan City Center (convenient transportation)
Yunlu Resort Hotel: Near the train station, starting at 100 RMB, clean and comfortable.
Family Inns: Starting at 60 RMB, with cooking facilities, suitable for family trips.

3. Inside the Forest Park (convenient for sightseeing)
Tianxin Hotel: Starting at 110 RMB, located in the Tianchi service area, the core of the scenic spot.

Tips: During peak season (July-August), it is recommended to book in advance to avoid last-minute price hikes or no availability.

Travel Tips & Money-Saving Secrets

1. Best Travel Time
Summer (May-October): Lush greenery, suitable for hiking, rafting, and stargazing camping.
Autumn (September-October): Colorful forests, perfect for photography.
Winter (December-March): Rime frost, hot springs, snowmobiles, an ice and snow fairy tale experience.

2. Transportation
Plane + Car Rental: Fly to Arxan Airport and rent a car for more freedom.
Train/Special Train: Direct summer resort trains from Beijing and other places, suitable for those without cars.
Self-Driving: About 10-12 hours from Jilin, scenic but with complex road conditions.

3. Money-Saving Tips
Travel off-peak: Avoid July peak season; September has fewer people and beautiful scenery.
Use free attractions: Unfrozen River and Wusulangzi Lake have no entrance fees.
Buy tickets in advance: Forest park package tickets are more cost-effective than single tickets.

Summary
Arxan is a fairy tale city integrating forests, volcanoes, hot springs, and grasslands. Whether for summer cooling, autumn viewing, or winter snow fun, you can find unique experiences. Plan your trip reasonably, choose budget accommodations, and taste authentic local food to have an unforgettable journey!

Set off now, open the door to Arxan, and step into a real-life fairy tale world! 🏞️✨