Autumn Travel Guide: Hulunbuir & Arxan

The autumn scenery in Hulunbuir and Arxan is breathtaking! Golden grasslands, birch trees adorned in yellow, and colorful reflections in the heavenly pools—this comprehensive travel guide has everything you need to plan your trip. Save it now!

📅 Best Time to Visit
⏰ Mid-September to early October is the golden period. The forests and grasslands are layered with vibrant colors, but autumn is fleeting, so be sure to check the weather and foliage conditions before you go.

🧳 Essentials for Your Trip
👗 Clothing: The temperature difference between day and night can exceed 15°C! Pack a down jacket or fleece-lined windbreaker, thermal underwear, thick pants, waterproof high-top shoes, scarf, and gloves to stay warm and windproof.
🛒 Other Items: Sunscreen (strong UV rays at high altitudes), moisturizing products (a lifesaver for dry climates), a thermos, power bank (for all those photos), and a raincoat (more practical than an umbrella). Don’t forget your ID and some cash.

🚗 Transportation
✈ Major Transport: Fly to Hailar or Arxan Airport; the two cities are about 300 kilometers apart.
🚘 Local Transport: Distances between attractions are long, so it’s recommended to hire a car or join a guided tour for convenience and flexibility. If driving yourself, be cautious of black ice at night—new drivers should be extra careful.

📅 Suggested Itinerary
👉 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 → Bailang Peak → Arxan
👉 Day 5: Arxan → Arxan National Forest Park (Heavenly Pool, Stone Forest, Dujuan Lake, Santan Gorge, etc.)
👉 Day 6: Arxan National Forest Park → Zhangzi Pine Scenic Avenue → Qixian Lake Grassland → Hailar

😋 Must-Try Local Foods
🍖 Hand-Pulled Lamb: Freshly cooked at a herdsman’s home in Bailang Town, served with chive flower sauce—tender and free of any gamey taste.
🍛 Ice-Boiled Lamb: A signature dish at Baolige Hotpot Restaurant, where lamb is cooked in an ice pot with milk. Ready in just 3 minutes, it’s incredibly tender.
🥪 Blueberry Jam Bread: A breakfast staple at Shanshe Guesthouse, made with fresh blueberries for a sweet and tangy flavor.
🥟 Mongolian Meat Pies: At Asihan Mongolian Restaurant, these pies have thin crusts and juicy fillings that burst with flavor.

🏡 Accommodation Recommendations
✅ Arxan: For a higher budget, choose the Oulenburg Villa for stargazing. For value, opt for the Nordic-style Shanshe Guesthouse, where the owner can recommend lesser-known routes.
✅ Unique Experience: Stay at a wooden cabin in Bailang Town’s Lin Su Village for cozy chats around the fireplace.

⚠️ Tips and Reminders
1. Some scenic areas have poor cell signal, so carry enough cash for emergencies.
2. Only ride horses at licensed stables; avoid street vendors.
3. Tickets for Arxan National Forest Park cost 285 RMB and include access to core attractions like Heavenly Pool and Dujuan Lake. Plan for a full day to explore.
4. The dry climate can cause dehydration—drink plenty of hot water and bring lip balm and face masks.

Autumn waits for no one! Grab your friends and embark on this golden adventure now!