Autumn in Northern Xinjiang: Hulunbuir + Arxan Travel Guide

In autumn, Hulunbuir and Arxan transform into a divine palette of colors! Golden grasslands, caramel-colored forests, and volcanic crater lakes nestled among the woods—this guide will have you ready to go! ✨

🍂 Best Time to Visit
The golden period is from early September to early October, with peak autumn colors in mid to late September. After the National Day holiday, leaves fall, and snow may arrive, so plan early!

🎒 Essentials for the Trip
🧥 Clothing: Quick-dry base layers + fleece mid-layers + windproof jackets/thin down jackets. Temperature differences exceed 15°C between day and night, and a windproof hat is a must for mountain tops.
👓 Gear: Sunglasses, thermos, waterproof hiking shoes (many boardwalks in scenic areas), hand warmers (lifesaver for morning photography), and a wide-angle lens for stunning lake shots.
🛒 Others: Digestive medicine (for adapting to mutton and beef), high-SPF sunscreen, moisturizing skincare (extremely dry), power bank, and don’t forget your student ID.

🚗 Transportation
✈ Major Transport: Fly to Hailar (more flights available) or Arxan Yiershi Airport (book early).
🚘 Local Transport: For groups of 3 or more, renting a car is a must. This allows access to less-traveled border routes and the freedom to stop for photos. In Arxan Scenic Area, the sightseeing bus is mandatory (105 RMB, valid for two days).

📅 Itinerary
👉 Day 1: Hailar → Morigele River → Grassland Exploration → Erguna Wetland → Birch Forest → Enhe
👉 Day 2: Enhe → Charming Town of Shiwei → Border Route → 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 Lake/Stone Forest/Dujuan Lake/Santan Gorge, etc.)
👉 Day 6: Arxan National Forest Park → Scotch Pine Scenic Avenue → Qixian Lake Grassland → Hailar

🍱 Must-Try Foods
🍖 Mongolian Cuisine: Try the hand-pulled lamb with chive flower at Asihan Mongolian Restaurant, or the ice-boiled lamb (boiled with ice and milk, tender in just 3 minutes) at Baolige Hotpot.
🍛 Wild Delicacies: Artemisia shoots stewed with tofu for a refreshing taste, wild mushroom hotpot bursting with flavor, and blueberry jam with bread for a perfect breakfast.
🥘 Specialty Dishes: Northeastern-style iron pot stew (with corn cakes for extra flavor) and Russian-style Western cuisine in Manzhouli for a diverse culinary experience.

🏡 Accommodation Recommendations
✅ Heishantou: Opt for high-end yurts, where you can step out to a starry sky and enjoy bonfire parties at night.
✅ Manzhouli: Stay in a four-star hotel for easy access to the dazzling night views and Matryoshka Square.
✅ Arxan: Spend one night in the city to explore the old streets and another night in the scenic area for convenient early-morning photography of the misty Heavenly Lake.

⚠️ Tips and Precautions
1. The steps to Heavenly Lake are steep; assess the ability of elderly or young travelers. Morning mist requires an early start to capture.
2. Choose certified venues for horse riding and reindeer interactions—safety first.
3. Some areas have poor signal; carry some cash and avoid venturing into forests alone.
4. Follow guides when entering yurts, ask for permission before taking photos, and respect local customs.
5. Book accommodations and transport early during peak season, as rooms fill up quickly during the National Day holiday.

The beauty of Northern Xinjiang in autumn is beyond what a camera can capture! Plan your trip now while the scenery is stunning and the crowds are few!