Babysitter-Level Guide to Northern Xinjiang's Autumn Feast

The golden autumn in Northern Xinjiang is breathtaking! The grasslands turn golden, and the forests are painted in caramel hues. This route is a must-go!

🧳 Travel Essentials
👗 Clothing: Quick-dry shirts, fleece jackets, windbreakers/thin down jackets, paired with thermal pants and waterproof high-top boots.
👓 Gear: Sunglasses, windproof hats, hand warmers (lifesavers for morning photography), and wide-angle lenses for stunning lake views.
🛒 Others: Thermos, moisturizing skincare products, digestive medicine, chocolate, and extra socks.

🚥 Transportation Guide
✈ Major Transportation: Fly to Hailar (Hulunbuir) or Arxan Yiershi Airport; alternatively, take a train to Hailar to start your journey.
🚘 Local Transportation: In Hulunbuir, renting a car is recommended for flexibility; within Arxan Scenic Area, rely on sightseeing buses with two transfer routes.

📅 Itinerary Plan
👉 Day 1: Hailar → Morigele River → Deep into the Grasslands → Erguna Wetland → Birch Forest → Enhe
👉 Day 2: Enhe → Charming Town of Shiwei → K Line → Ulan Mountain Scenic Area → Wuka → Heishantou
👉 Day 3: Heishantou → Border Road → 186 Ribbon River → Visit a Herdsman’s Home → National Gate/Matryoshka Square → Manzhouli
👉 Day 4: Manzhouli → Hulun Lake → Rose Peak → Dongyang Railway Station → Bailang Peak → Arxan
👉 Day 5: Arxan → Arxan National Forest Park (Heavenly Lake/Stone Forest/Dujuan Lake/Santan Gorge, etc.)
👉 Day 6: Arxan National Forest Park → Scotch Pine Scenic Avenue → Qixian Lake Grassland → Hailar

🏨 Accommodation Suggestions
🎪 Hulunbuir: Stay in small towns like Enhe or Heishantou to experience Russian-style log cabins or grassland homestays.
🏡 Arxan: Opt for budget-friendly options in the city; near the scenic area, the Tianchi Service Area is close to attractions but has basic conditions; Yiershi Town is near the airport.
📢 Tip: To capture the morning mist at Wusulangzi Lake, consider staying near the scenic area.

🍱 Food Recommendations
🍖 Grassland Flavors: Hand-pulled lamb (boiled to retain its original flavor), herdsmen’s milk tea, dried beef.
🥘 Forest Delicacies: Wild mushroom hotpot (wild mushrooms + wild vegetables), iron pot stew (with Xing’an League sauce).
🍰 Hidden Gems: Russian-style bread in Manzhouli, bottled sweet mineral water from Wuli Spring in Arxan.

⚠️ Notes
1. After mid-September, temperatures drop sharply, with a day-night temperature difference of over 15°C. Dress accordingly.
2. Poor signal in scenic areas; download offline maps in advance, and keep your sightseeing bus tickets safe (valid for 48 hours).
3. Avoid stepping on private haystacks for photos; some scenic areas have drone restrictions, and be cautious when taking photos by the lake.
4. Respect local customs: Remove shoes when entering a yurt and use both hands to receive milk tea.

Mid-September to early October is the golden period. After National Day, leaves fall, and snow may arrive. Gather your travel buddies and set off now! ✨