Arxan 3-Day 2-Night In-Depth Travel Guide: A Secret Journey of Volcanoes, Forest Seas, and Hot Springs

Arxan is located on the southwestern foothills of the Greater Khingan Mountains in Xing'an League, Inner Mongolia. This small town on the China-Mongolia border hides volcanic landforms, vast forest seas, and healing hot springs. It is beautiful all year round, with autumn being the most spectacular. This guide covers core attractions, dining, accommodation, transportation, and practical tips to help you efficiently unlock the romance of "China's Little Switzerland."

Key Information Before Departure

- Best Time to Visit: Late September to mid-October is the golden period, when the forests turn into a tapestry of gold and red; from December to February, you can experience the ultimate clash of ice, snow, rime, and hot springs; June to August is a perfect summer retreat with lush green forest seas[__LINK_ICON].
- Transportation Guide: You can fly directly to Arxan Yiershi Airport, which is a 40-minute drive to the city center; take the train to Arxan Station, known as "China's Most Beautiful Train Station," featuring vintage Russian-style architecture perfect for photos; for self-driving, it is recommended to take Provincial Road S203, which offers stunning scenery along the way. Within the scenic area, it is advisable to rent a car with a driver (300-500 RMB/day including driver) or take sightseeing buses that include entrance tickets for convenience and flexibility[__LINK_ICON].
- Ticket Tips: Entrance to Arxan National Forest Park costs 285 RMB (including sightseeing bus, valid for 48 hours), tickets to the China Hot Spring Museum start at 38 RMB, with discounts available for students and seniors[__LINK_ICON].

Daily Itinerary Plan

Day 1: In-Depth Tour of Volcanic Wonders

- Morning: Upon arrival, head straight to Arxan National Forest Park. The first stop is Tuofengling Tianchi (Camel Hump Ridge Heavenly Lake)—a volcanic crater lake shaped like a left foot. Climb the trail to the top for a panoramic view of the sapphire lake embraced by the forest sea, especially dreamy when morning mist lingers[__LINK_ICON].
- Afternoon: Explore the volcanic lava plateau of Shitanglin, where moss and fallen leaves cover the black rock crevices; then visit Santan Gorge, where Yuexin Pond and Hushi Pond unfold in sequence, with the Haraha River flowing through the gorge, blending the sounds of water and birdsong in the forest[__LINK_ICON].
- Evening: Stay at a guesthouse in the Tianchi service area. We recommend trying the local iron pot stew—pork ribs with green beans and corn cakes dipped in soup, a comforting carb aroma to soothe travel fatigue. On clear nights, look up to enjoy the dazzling starry sky free from light pollution[__LINK_ICON].

Day 2: Forest Healing and Hot Spring Relaxation

- Morning: First, visit Wusulangzi Lake to capture the morning mist. The lake connects with the Haraha River and is known as the "Little South of the Greater Khingan Mountains"; then go to Budong River, where the water flows continuously even with residual snow on both banks, allowing you to feel the natural power of winter transitioning to spring[__LINK_ICON].
- Afternoon: Head to the China Hot Spring Museum, where you can choose from 48 different hot and cold mineral springs to soak and relieve fatigue. Afterwards, check out the popular Blue House, a small wooden cabin contrasting sharply with the forest sea, full of artistic vibes[__LINK_ICON].
- Evening: Return to the city for accommodation. Recommended stays include Banshan Natural Guesthouse (270° floor-to-ceiling windows with mountain views) or Hanting Hotel (rich coffee aroma and excellent service). For dinner, head straight to Baolige Ice-Boiled Lamb, where lamb from the grasslands is cooked with Arxan spring water ice, served with sand scallion dipping sauce to highlight its tenderness[__LINK_ICON].

Day 3: Cultural Experience and Souvenir Shopping

- Morning: Visit Bailang Peak Scenic Area and climb to the 1511-meter summit for a panoramic view of the Greater Khingan forest sea; then go to Bailang Deer Park to feed sika deer. For 20 RMB per bundle of carrots, you can enjoy close interaction with the deer, the same experience featured in "Dear Inn 2"[__LINK_ICON].
- Afternoon: First, collect free mineral water at Wuli Spring, with water around 6°C, cool and refreshing, rich in trace elements; then browse the Arxan gift and cultural creative store, where "Arlu" IP merchandise and forest area specialties make excellent souvenirs. Before leaving, have a meal at Shengyuanxiang Hot Pot Restaurant to enjoy authentic Inner Mongolian hot pot, with selected grassland lamb that stays tender even after long cooking[__LINK_ICON].

Accommodation and Practical Tips

- Accommodation Recommendations: In the city, choose Arxan Chengyue Grand Hotel (with a children’s exclusive floor); inside the scenic area, stay at Forest Ranch Guesthouse (where you can pet deer); for high-end needs, opt for hot spring villas (private hot pools + stargazing platforms)[__LINK_ICON].
- Food List: For Mongolian cuisine, try Baiyintala to experience hand-held meat and dairy products; for Russian flavors, buy red sausage at Shengyuan Art Shop; in July, pick blueberries (15 RMB per jin), and in September, buy hazelnuts (20 RMB per bag), both fresh forest flavors[__LINK_ICON].
- Notes: There is a large temperature difference between day and night, so bring a jacket even in summer; in winter, prepare down jackets and snow boots; the forest area has many mosquitoes and strong UV rays, so sunscreen and insect repellent are essential; some areas have weak signals, so download offline maps in advance, and open flames and carrying trash are prohibited[__LINK_ICON].

The beauty of Arxan lies in the texture of its volcanoes, the layers of its forest seas, and the warmth of its hot springs. Follow this guide to check off core attractions, discover hidden gems, and gain a travel memory woven with nature and culture.