Encounter the Golden Fairytale: Hulunbuir and Arxan Autumn Travel Guide

As the autumn breeze gently sweeps through, Hulunbuir and Arxan welcome the most romantic season of the year. The grasslands and forests are painted golden, creating breathtaking scenes at every turn! If you’re yearning for this exclusive autumn beauty, here’s a comprehensive guide for you👇

🎈Best Time to Visit: Mid-September to early October, when the grasslands turn golden, the forests are vibrant with colors, and the autumn scenery is at its peak.

🚥Transportation Guide:
✈️By Air: Fly directly to Hailar Dongshan Airport, which has frequent flights. For Arxan, you can fly to Arxan Yiershi Airport, which is closer to the scenic spots.
🚊By Train: Take a train to Harbin and transfer to an overnight sleeper to Hailar, which allows you to enjoy the scenery and save on accommodation. There are also direct trains to Arxan, but they are less frequent and mostly depart from nearby cities.
🚘Local Transportation: Since attractions are scattered, it’s recommended to hire a car with a local driver who knows the routes and can take you to hidden gems, stopping anytime for photos. Self-driving is not advised for beginners due to complex road conditions in some areas.

🗺️6-Day, 5-Night Itinerary:
👉Day 1: Hailar - Morigele River - Grassland Exploration - Erguna Wetland - Birch Forest - Enhe
Follow the "First Meandering River Under Heaven," the Morigele River, and immerse yourself in the vast grasslands. The Erguna Wetland features colorful shrubs and winding rivers, while the birch forest glows golden. End the day at Enhe, a Russian ethnic village, to experience exotic charm.
👉Day 2: Enhe - Scenic Town of Shiwei - Ka Line - Ulan Mountain Scenic Area - Wuka - Heishantou
Enjoy the border town scenery in Shiwei, then follow the Ka Line to admire stunning views. Visit Ulan Mountain Scenic Area to overlook a natural wonder resembling a Tai Chi diagram. Arrive at Heishantou by evening to witness a spectacular sunset.
👉Day 3: Heishantou - Border Highway - 186 Ribbon River - Visit a Herdsman’s Home - National Gate/Matryoshka Square - Manzhouli
Travel along the border highway to the 186 Ribbon River and marvel at the grandeur of autumn. Visit a herdsman’s home to experience grassland life, such as feeding lambs and wearing traditional Mongolian robes. In the evening, arrive in Manzhouli to explore the National Gate and Matryoshka Square, soaking in the rich Russian atmosphere.
👉Day 4: Manzhouli - Hulun Lake - Rose Peak - Dongyang Railway Station - Bailang Peak - Arxan
Admire the shimmering waters of Hulun Lake, the unique red-brown rock formations of Rose Peak, and the historical charm of Dongyang Railway Station. Finally, ascend Bailang Peak for a panoramic view of Arxan’s autumn landscape.
👉Day 5: Arxan - Arxan National Forest Park (Heavenly Lake/Stone Forest/Dujuan Lake/Santan Gorge, etc.)
Arxan National Forest Park is the highlight of autumn. Heavenly Lake is serene and deep, the Stone Forest showcases unique volcanic landforms, Dujuan Lake features golden aquatic plants and clear waters, and Santan Gorge offers the soothing sound of flowing streams.
👉Day 6: Arxan National Forest Park - Scotch Pine Scenic Avenue - Qixian Lake Grassland - Hailar
Drive along the Scotch Pine Scenic Avenue, admiring the towering pine trees. Conclude your journey at Qixian Lake Grassland, where you can soak in the vastness of the grasslands before heading back to Hailar.

🍱Food Recommendations:
🍖Mongolian Cuisine: Try authentic hand-pulled lamb, milk tea, stuffed lamb stomach, and lamb offal soup.
🥩Hot Pot: Enjoy classic copper pot hot pot with tender lamb and sesame dipping sauce for a satisfying meal.
🥘Barbecue & Iron Pot Stew: Savor Northeast-style dishes like sticky rice dumplings and iron pot stews with goose or ribs, cooked to perfection.
🍞Russian Flavors: In Manzhouli, taste Russian sausages, rye bread, kvass, and ice cream for a unique culinary experience.

🏡Accommodation Recommendations:
✨Hailar: Plenty of options in the city center with convenient transportation.
✨Heishantou: Stay in a Mongolian yurt for a chance to stargaze at night.
✨Manzhouli: The Matryoshka Hotel offers a fairytale-like atmosphere.
✨Arxan City: Various accommodations near the train station for easy access; Yiershi Town offers budget-friendly options but is farther from scenic spots. Inside Arxan Forest Park, wooden cabins and homestays are ideal for in-depth exploration—book early during peak season.

📢Tips:
✅Temperature differences are significant between day and night. Bring down jackets, scarves, and gloves for warmth in September-October. Wear hats and sunglasses during the day to protect against strong sunlight.
✅Some roads are gravel; choose an SUV for self-driving. If hiring a car, ensure the driver is reputable and reliable.
✅Signal reception may be poor in parts of Arxan Forest Park. Download offline maps in advance.
✅Respect local customs: Walk clockwise when entering a yurt, avoid stepping on thresholds, and ask for permission before taking photos.
✅Autumn is fire prevention season. Smoking and open flames are strictly prohibited in the wild. Do not litter.