Arxan's Stunning Autumn Route

Arxan 2-Day Free Fairy Route｜An Autumnal Oil Painting World Led by the Unfrozen River

📍 Key Highlight: Unfrozen River — The Autumn Soul of Arxan

• Free Viewing Platform: Navigate to "Unfrozen River Viewing Platform," open 24 hours, overlooking the magical scene of the S-shaped river bend intertwined with golden meadows.

• Secret Experiences:

• Hiking with Cattle and Sheep: Hike along the river and encounter leisurely grazing cattle, capturing the healing scene of "the wind blowing the grass low to reveal cattle and sheep."

• Wild Rafting Experience: For 120 RMB, take a raft downstream, weaving through volcanic rock walls and white birch forests; with luck, you may see cattle crossing the river.

• Locals’ Hidden River Bend: Avoid the mainstream viewing platforms and explore a secret river bend known only to locals, enjoying the tranquility of gem-like deep pools reflecting blue skies and white clouds.

🗺️ 2-Day Free Route Plan｜Self-Driving Version

𝐃𝑎𝑦 1: Morning Mist Wonderland → Unfrozen River Wilderness → Mo’a Highway Autumn Corridor → Top Ten Bends Sunset

• 6:00-7:30 Wusulangzi Lake Morning Mist

• Must-Photograph Spot: The lake surface shrouded in morning mist like a fairyland; squat in front of the blue cabin to catch the sunrise; after 8 AM the mist dissipates and it becomes ordinary.

• Hidden Activity: Descend to the riverbank to explore the turtle-back patterns of volcanic lava formations.

• 8:30-10:30 In-Depth Tour of Unfrozen River

• Viewing Platform Overlook: Park in the free area to photograph the S-shaped river bend and golden meadows.

• Hiking Exploration: Hike 1 km along the river, encounter cattle, and capture moments of light filtering through the white birch forest.

• 11:00-13:00 Close View of Rhododendron Lake

• Free Section: Drive past the dip in the road adjacent to Rhododendron Lake, walk a few steps to the lakeside to admire the autumn reflections in the water.

• 14:00-17:00 Mo’a Highway Self-Drive

• Legendary Autumn Scenery: From Arxan Forest Park Grand Canyon Station to Chaihe direction, take in valleys, wetlands, golden haystacks, and colorful forests along the way.

• Best Shooting Time: Soft light from 3 to 5 PM, occasionally spotting horses in the woods.

• 18:00-19:30 Sunset at Chaihe Top Ten Bends

• Golden Spot: The winding river bends are edged with golden sunlight; drone views are even more stunning.

• Accommodation Suggestion: Book in advance at Moon Town’s "Awake Garden Homestay" to avoid the embarrassment of sleeping in your car.

𝐃𝑎𝑦 2: Tongxin Tianchi Sea of Clouds → Mo’a Highway Return → Hulunbuir

• 5:30-7:00 Wangniu Mountain Shangxin Peak to View Tongxin Tianchi Sea of Clouds

• Free Viewing Platform: Navigate to "Wangniu Mountain Shangxin Peak," where the heart-shaped volcanic crater lake is shrouded in morning mist daily, a popular photo spot.

• 8:00-11:00 In-Depth Photography on Mo’a Highway

• Second Crossing: On the return trip, drive Mo’a Highway again to capture autumn layers under different lighting.

• 12:00-14:00 Head Straight to Hulunbuir

• Trip Connection: Depart from Chaihe Moon Town, drive along Mo’a Highway toward Hulunbuir, concluding the limited-time autumn journey.

💡 Insider Tips｜Avoid Crowds, Master Free Arxan

1. Self-Drive Essential: Attractions are over 50 km apart; without a car, it’s hard to get around. An SUV is recommended for gravel roads.

2. Temperature Management: Day-night temperature difference reaches 20°C in September-October; bring a thin down jacket and windbreaker for survival, sunscreen and sunglasses for UV protection.

3. Food Warning: Scenic area restaurants only fill you up; bring high-energy snacks like chocolate and Snickers.

4. Weak Signal Areas: Some sections have no signal; download offline maps in advance and travel with companions, avoid going alone.

5. Drone Alternative: Mo’a Highway, Unfrozen River, and other sections are suitable for low-altitude flying to capture a god’s-eye view.

📸 Photo Guide｜Capture Arxan’s Autumn in Your Camera

• Unfrozen River Spot: Shoot at a low angle to capture meadows and river, using cattle as foreground to add storytelling.

• Wusulangzi Lake Close-Up: Photograph the blue cabin’s reflection in the morning mist, use telephoto to compress space.

• Mo’a Highway Timelapse: Shoot golden haystacks and moving cloud shadows with slow shutter (tripod needed).

• Tongxin Tianchi Creative Shot: Person standing at the edge of the viewing platform wearing red, with sea of clouds and heart-shaped lake in the background.

⚠️ Hard-Learned Lessons｜Avoid These Pitfalls!

1. Don’t Trust “Free Access”: Arxan National Forest Park tickets include sightseeing bus; free routes only cover roadside views, deeper attractions require tickets.

2. Don’t Park on Curves: Some parts of Mo’a Highway are narrow; park only in wide dips for viewing.

3. Don’t Drink Wild River Water: Wuli Spring provides natural mineral water, but do not drink raw water from the upper reaches of Haraha River.

4. Don’t Wear Trendy Colors: Many bugs in autumn; avoid light-colored clothes and bring insect repellent.

🌄 This autumn, go to Arxan — let the blue of the Unfrozen River, the red of the white birch forest, and the gold of the meadows tell you that northern autumn never needs filters.