Arxan, rated by National Geographic as the most beautiful autumn scenery in China, is totally worth it!!!|

1. Quick Overview Before the Trip
1. Location: Budong River, Wusulangzi Lake, and Laha River (Halaha River) are all located north of Arxan National Forest Park; the Moa Highway (Moguqi–Arxan) is the most scenic route connecting these spots.
2. Transportation
• Airplane: Fly to "Arxan Yiershi Airport," 20 km from the city center, about 30 minutes by taxi costing around 60 RMB.
• Train: Night trains run daily from Shenyang/Changchun/Harbin directly to "Arxan Station."
• Local travel: During peak seasons (July-August, National Day), it is recommended to book a car in advance, 500-600 RMB/day; winter snow conditions make self-driving not advisable.
3. Tickets
• Arxan National Forest Park combined ticket 285 RMB/48 hours (includes sightseeing bus), with ID card you can enter twice[^0^].
• Wusulangzi Lake, Budong River, and Moa Highway do not have separate tickets.
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2. Three Days Two Nights Itinerary
DAY 1 Budong River Morning Mist + Deer Village + Leisure City Tour
05:30 Depart city, 40 min by car to [Budong River Viewing Platform] to shoot morning mist and cattle and sheep (best light before 9 am)[^1^].
08:30 Visit [Bailang Town Deer Park] (ticket 50 RMB), take photos with reindeer, then return to city for breakfast.
10:30 Citywalk: Arxan Train Station (Japanese-style building) → Shengquan Square → Snow Village Coffee for a break.
14:00 Lunch at "Baolige Ice-Boiled Lamb."
15:30 Return to hotel for a nap.
18:00 Head back to Budong River to shoot sunset (spot next to Laomama Mountain Delicacy Hotel), the sunset reflecting on the river is stunning.
20:00 Night snack at "Small Town BBQ" with grilled lamb chops + milk skin.
DAY 2 Moa Highway + Wusulangzi Lake + Laha River Rafting
07:30 Check out, take car north along Moa Highway.
09:00 [Wusulangzi Lake] morning mist like a mirror, walk on the boardwalk to the lake center for reflections (drone can fly up to 120 m).
11:00 Continue along Moa Highway to 30 km stop at [Blue House] photo spot, featuring highway scenes with distant mountain backgrounds.
12:30 Lunch at Chaihe Moon Town: Tianchi crucian carp, willow root fish.
14:00 [Laha River Budong River section rafting] 120 RMB/person, water is clear from June to August, primitive forest on both sides with occasional egrets[^2^].
16:30 On the way back, hike [Tongxin Tianchi] wooden boardwalk to overlook the heart-shaped volcanic lake.
19:00 Overnight at Chaihe Moon Town guesthouse (book in advance, peak season 300-400 RMB/room).
DAY 3 Chaihe—Arxan—Return
07:30 Climb [Moon Tianchi] to watch sunrise, then shoot [Top Ten Bay Scenic Area] S-shaped river bend.
11:00 Return along Moa Highway, stop anytime to shoot sea of forest and wheat fields.
13:30 Lunch in Arxan city, then transfer to airport/train station for departure.
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3. Accommodation Recommendations
• City: St. Petersburg Grand Hotel (Russian style + hot springs, 5 min walk from train station).
• Inside the park: Tianchi Service Area guesthouse (scenic views from window but expensive).
• Chaihe: Moon Town log cabin guesthouse, experience forest wooden houses.
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4. Food List
✔ Ice-boiled lamb, grilled lamb chops, hand-held meat, hazel mushroom stewed chicken, Buryat buns, birch sap drink.
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5. Photo Spots & Tips
• Budong River morning mist: low angle on wooden boardwalk next to Laomama Mountain Delicacy Hotel, use wide-angle + portrait dual cameras.
• Moa Highway: Blue House facing the highway, use telephoto lens compression for extended perspective.
• Wusulangzi Lake: drone aerial shots of lake reflections, add ND64 filter during morning mist.
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6. Practical Tips
1. Large temperature difference between morning and evening; in summer bring a windbreaker + short sleeves layered; in winter -30°C, down jacket + warm packs.
2. High forest fire risk, smoking is prohibited throughout.
3. No gas stations inside the park, be sure to fill up fuel/charge fully before entering.
4. Real-name ticket purchase, carry your ID card at all times.
Following this itinerary, you can check off "Budong River wonder + Moa Highway scenic shots + Wusulangzi Lake morning mist + Laha River refreshing rafting" all in three days!