5 Days 4 Nights Self-Drive in Arxan, Entering a Stunning Autumn Wonderland

The autumn in this northern town is truly breathtaking! Every photo looks like wallpaper quality.
A 5-day 4-night in-depth trip, here’s a detailed self-drive guide for you to perfectly encounter the northern autumn fairy tale!✨
🚗 Core Transportation: Car Rental and Self-Drive
Recommended Vehicle: SUV is a must! Some road conditions can be challenging for regular sedans.
🗓️ Itinerary:
D1: Departure! Gather in Ulanhot
🚗 Pick up the car upon arrival and start the journey!
🏨 Stay: Starway Hotel Ulanhot (clean and comfortable, best for transition)
D2: Drive to Arxan! Scenic Avenue + Stunning Sunset
🚙 Depart from Ulanhot, drive along the 【203 Scenic Avenue】, endless beautiful views all the way!
🦌 Check in at 【Deer Park】, feed the adorable deer up close, super healing!
🌃 Arrive in Arxan City by evening, don’t miss the fairy-tale-like small town night view.
🏨 Stay: Arxan Marriott Hotel (duplex tatami family room, spacious, suitable for families/friends)
D3: Core of Arxan Forest Park! Lakes and Mountains
🌅 Early rise! Watch the morning mist swirling over the 【Unfrozen River】, dreamy and magical.
🏞️ Explore deep into 【Arxan National Forest Park】 (2-day valid ticket):
【Tuofengling Tianchi】: The most spectacular! Climb to the top to overlook the sapphire blue lake, worth the ticket price!
【Grand Canyon】: Volcanic lava landform, unique and shocking.
【Azalea Lake】: Clear water, beautiful reflections, autumn colors mirrored in the lake like a painting.
🏨 Stay: Arxan Old Mama Mountain Delicacy Hotel (inside the scenic area, convenient for next day’s visit, decent conditions, location is key)
D4: Continue the Wonderland! Forest Secrets + Moa Highway
🍃 Continue exploring the forest park:
【Shitang Forest】: Resilient life in the volcanic stone sea, unique landform.
【Arxan Tianchi】: Easy to reach, small but exquisite.
【Dichi】: Petite and charming, worth a visit on the way.
🛣️ In the afternoon, drive on the 【Moa Highway】! The highlight of the trip! Passing through golden forests, meadows dotted with cattle and sheep, every frame is wallpaper-worthy!📸
🌄 Arrive at the peaceful 【Chaihe Town】 by evening.
🏨 Stay: Chaihe Jinsha Holiday Hotel (one of the better options in the town)
D5: Morning Charm of Chaihe + Return
🌅 Early morning watch the mist over 【Tongxin Tianchi】 (optional if weather permits).
🖼️ Visit 【Top Ten Bends】! The winding river flows through golden grasslands, the aerial view is amazing! (Must go if time allows)
💰 Cost Reference (per person):
Airfare: 1000+
Car rental + fuel + tolls: 800+
Accommodation: 600+
Tickets: Arxan Forest Park 285 (including sightseeing bus) + Deer Park 50 ≈ 335
Meals: 400+
Total ≈ 2800+ (adjustable based on budget)