Autumn in Northern Xinjiang: Hulunbuir + Arxan Travel Guide

Praised by National Geographic as a must-see autumn destination, the beauty of this season can no longer be hidden in September! Golden waves ripple across the grasslands, birch forests glow in caramel hues, and volcanic crater lakes are nestled amidst vast forests. This guide ensures you capture all the highlights.

📅 Best Time to Visit
Mid-September to early October is the golden period. During peak autumn (September 18 - October 1), the vibrant foliage is perfect for photography. Late autumn offers a "buy autumn, get winter" surprise with the first snowfall.

🧳 Travel Essentials
🧥 Clothing: With a temperature difference of over 15°C between day and night, dress in layers: quick-dry shirts + sweaters + light down jackets, paired with scarves, gloves, and waterproof high-top shoes. Bring hand warmers for early morning shoots.
🛒 Other Items: The UV rays are strong, so sunglasses and sunscreen are a must. The dry climate calls for lip balm and face masks. Carry an umbrella for unpredictable weather.

🚥 Transportation
✈ Major Transport: Fly to Hailar or Ulanhot, or take a train to Hailar.
🚘 Local Transport: Renting a car or self-driving is recommended. Scenic routes like the Border Highway and Moa Highway allow for flexible stops. Within Arxan Scenic Area, shuttle buses are available.
📢 Tips: Night temperatures can cause icy roads, so travelers from southern regions should avoid night driving.

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

🍱 Must-Try Local Cuisine
🍛 Arxan: Ice-boiled lamb is a must! Lamb is cooked over ice, paired with yogurt and red wine for a rich, creamy flavor. Adding local wild mushrooms makes it even more authentic.
🍖 Hulunbuir: Roasted whole lamb and hand-held mutton offer original flavors. In Erguna, try rye bread with blueberry jam for a sweet and tangy balance. In Manzhouli, enjoy Russian-style Western cuisine.

🏨 Accommodation Recommendations
🎪 Heishantou: Choose a grassland guesthouse with sunset views. Experience staying in a yurt and stargazing at night.
🏡 Arxan: Stay in Tianchi Town or the city center. Some stargazing hotels offer underfloor heating. Book at least a week in advance during peak season.
🛕 Manzhouli: Opt for a Matryoshka-themed hotel and enjoy the Sino-Russian nightscape.

⚠️ Important Notes
1. Scenic areas are vast, so bring snacks and hot water. Some areas have weak signals, so download offline maps in advance.
2. For activities like horseback riding or visiting herdsmen’s homes, confirm prices beforehand to avoid disputes.
3. Respect local customs. Remove shoes before entering yurts and do not chase livestock.
4. Tickets for Arxan National Forest Park cost 285 RMB, covering core attractions like Heavenly Lake and Dujuan Lake. Plan for 1-2 days to explore.

Autumn in Northern Xinjiang is poetic, with birch forests, reindeer herds, and volcanic lakes. Every scene is like a moving oil painting. Missing it means waiting another year!