Arxan National Forest Park: A Romantic Encounter with the Northern Secret Land.

Flying from Beijing to Arxan, then taking a one-hour drive to this forgotten "Eastern Switzerland," I finally unveiled the mystery of Arxan National Forest Park. When the first ray of morning sunlight shone on Tuofengling Heavenly Lake, that intoxicating blue-green color seemed like a tear left by God, instantly making me understand what "a glance that lasts a thousand years" means. This volcanic geological park located on the southwestern slope of the Greater Khingan Mountains not only boasts breathtaking natural wonders but is also a pure land where the soul can completely settle.

【First Impression: The Northern Secret Gifted by Volcanoes】

The moment I stepped into the park, the scent of the primeval forest hit me. Towering Dahurian larches, birch forests, and volcanic landforms intertwine to create a unique landscape, with the air filled with the fresh aroma of pine resin and earth. The most astonishing are the volcanic lakes scattered throughout the forest—Heavenly Lake, Earth Lake, and Tuofengling Heavenly Lake. Each pool of clear water is like the earth’s eye, so transparent you can see the clouds rolling in the sky reflected on its surface.

Tips:

- Best visiting seasons: June to October (summer cool retreat) and November to March (winter fairy tale)
- Essentials: Sunscreen, insect repellent, warm jacket (day-night temperature difference up to 15°C)
- Recommended: Binoculars for wildlife watching, wide-angle lens for panoramic photos

【Must-Do Route: Symphony of Volcano and Forest】

1. Tuofengling Heavenly Lake (Recommended rating: ★★★★★)

- Hiking distance: About 4 hours round trip (28 km loop)
- Best viewing spot: Northwest viewing platform
- Hidden experience: Enjoy the mirror-like lake reflection alone at 6 a.m.

Breathtaking experience:

Climbing along the wooden boardwalk to Tuofengling at an altitude of 1911 meters, when that splash of blue-green water suddenly appeared, all fatigue was worth it! The lake is crystal clear, revealing volcanic rock deposits at the bottom, surrounded by volcanic rock walls like an emerald embedded in a volcanic crater. I got up early and arrived at 6 a.m. when the whole lake was shrouded in morning mist. As the sun rose, the lake surface appeared faintly through the swirling clouds, looking like a fairyland.

2. Shitang Forest (Recommended rating: ★★★★☆)

- Geological wonder: Quaternary volcanic eruption formed basalt landforms
- Best time: Lush green in summer, colorful in autumn
- Hidden experience: Search for volcanic bombs, lava caves, and other geological relics

Exploration discovery:

This volcanic lava landform covering about 200 square kilometers is known as a "natural volcanic museum." Walking through it, you encounter unique sights like tortoise-back rocks, lava mounds, and jet discs. Particularly interesting are the volcanic bombs—huge stones formed when lava ejected by volcanic eruptions cooled and solidified in the air. Some weigh several tons but have smooth, rounded shapes. In autumn, the birch trees sprouting from cracks in the volcanic rock turn golden, creating a strong visual contrast with the black volcanic rock.

3. Rhododendron Lake (Recommended rating: ★★★★☆)

- Best viewing period: May to June when rhododendrons bloom, autumn for colorful forest reflections
- Hidden experience: Capture sunset and flying birds together over the lake at dusk

Romantic moments:

This lake, named for the rhododendrons blooming along its shore, offers different beauty in every season. Although I missed the flowering season, the lake reflected the surrounding volcanic rocks and coniferous forest, shimmering gently in the breeze. The biggest surprise was seeing a group of wild ducks playing in the middle of the lake, their ripples bringing the whole water surface to life. I recommend visiting at dusk when the sunset paints the sky orange-red, reflecting on the lake like an oil painting.

【Accommodation Recommendations: Stay Within the Scenery】

1. Hotels inside the forest park
- Recommended: Arxan Heavenly Lake Resort Hotel (near the Heavenly Lake entrance)
- Advantages: Walking distance to attractions, well-equipped facilities
- Disadvantages: Higher price (about 600-800 RMB/night in peak season)
2. Homestays outside the park
- Recommended: "Bailangfeng Inn" in Arxan city
- Advantages: Cost-effective, local cuisine available
- Disadvantages: Requires driving to and from the park

【Practical Guide】

📍 Transportation:

- Plane: Beijing/Hohhot → Arxan Yiershi Airport (then 1-hour drive)
- Train: Baicheng/Ulanhot → Arxan Station (night trains recommended)
- Self-drive: About 1 hour from Arxan city center

⏰ Best visiting time:

- June to October: Summer cool retreat (average temperature 15-25°C), autumn foliage viewing
- November to March: Winter rime and snow village wonders (professional guide required)

🎫 Ticket information:

- Ticket price: 275 RMB (includes sightseeing bus ticket, valid for 3 days)
- Recommended package: Includes Heavenly Lake, Santan Gorge, and other main attractions
- Off-season discount: Half price from November to April

💡 Notes:

1. Many areas have no signal; download offline maps in advance
2. Hiking routes are physically demanding; bring enough water and energy snacks
3. Respect nature; do not step on volcanic rocks or vegetation

【Travel Journal】

During my three days in Arxan, I experienced the purest moments of my life. The morning Heavenly Lake was like a giant mirror reflecting the clouds in the sky; the afternoon Shitang Forest emitted the unique sulfur scent of volcanoes, surprisingly relaxing; by the Rhododendron Lake at dusk, watching the sunset slowly sink below the horizon brought unprecedented peace to my heart. The most unforgettable moment was encountering little squirrels in the forest—they ran past my feet without fear, as if this was their kingdom.

Special thanks to our Mongolian guide Batel, who not only explained the geological knowledge of each attraction fluently in Chinese but also led us to secret viewing spots known only to locals. Sitting around the stove in the homestay at night, sipping hot milk tea and listening to his ancient legends of the Greater Khingan Mountains, this warm experience made the trip even more memorable.

"Arxan, a volcanic secret land where time slows down."

【Travel Tips】

- Experience hot spring therapy (natural hot springs outside the park)
- Try local specialties: hand-held mutton, wild vegetable buns, birch sap
- Buy souvenirs: volcanic rock crafts, wild blueberry products

This Arxan trip is not only a visual feast but also a spiritual pilgrimage. If you long to escape the city noise and find a pristine natural paradise, this place is definitely worth a special visit!