Genhe Railway Station, Inner Mongolia
by 金亨 GimHeng 金恒
Jan 26, 2025
Deep in the Greater Khingan Mountains, there lives the Aoluguya reindeer-herding tribe, who tend reindeer like those in Grimm's fairy tales. They are the last of China's Ewenki people to maintain their hunting and reindeer-herding traditions. Mysterious and captivating, they seem forgotten by time, dedicating their lives to protecting the forest and their reindeer.
When you step into Aoluguya, you enter a dreamlike world - Aoluguya Village.
Travel tips:
Upon entering, you'll first see a collection of cuoluozi (conical tents), the traditional dwellings of the Ewenki people.
Following the wooden walkway inside, Aoluguya has added two new performances this year:
15:00 Ewenki Cultural Stage Show
16:00 Shaman Blessing Ceremony
The performances mainly feature singing and dancing. You don't need to specifically plan around these times, but you can watch if it fits your schedule. Opposite the shaman performance area, there's a roe deer enclosure where you can view the deer through the fence.
Finally, the main attraction is the reindeer park, where you can buy moss to feed the reindeer (20 yuan per basket). You can also ride a reindeer for 100 yuan per ride.
Important notes for feeding reindeer:
The reindeer park gets crowded, with about 5-6 people surrounding each reindeer. If you buy moss, the reindeer will crowd around you. Don't worry about arriving late and finding the reindeer full - like cows, they can regurgitate their food and continue eating.
If children want to feed the reindeer, adults must stay close. Children are too short, and the reindeer might knock over their baskets. Once moss falls to the ground, the reindeer won't eat it. It's recommended that parents do the feeding to attract the reindeer for children to interact with.
Hulunbuir Travel Itinerary:
D1: Free airport pickup to hotel - Free time in Hailar city - Stay in Hailar
D2: Hailar - Hulunbuir Grassland - Morger River Scenic Area - ATV wetland crossing - Erguna (overnight) (about 160km, 3 hours)
D3: Erguna - Erguna National Wetland Park - Aoluguya Reindeer Village (feed reindeer) - Genhe (overnight) (about 160km, 3 hours)
D4: Genhe - Moerdaoga Forest Park (forest train ride) - Shiwei - Border River Cruise - Shiwei (overnight) (about 280km, 5 hours)
D5: Shiwei - Border Defense Line - Heishantou Town (grass sliding, herder family visit, horseback riding) - Bonfire party - Stay in Mongolian yurt at Heishantou (about 200km, 3 hours)
D6: Heishantou - Border Road - View National Gate - Matryoshka Square (Russian Circus) - Manzhouli night tour - Stay in Manzhouli (about 260km, 4 hours)
D7: Manzhouli - Hulun Lake - Barhu Mongolian Cultural Tourism Resort (folk custom park visit) - Horse Dance Show - Traditional feast - Stay in Hailar (about 260km, 4 hours)
D8: Airport transfer from Hailar
Accommodation Tips:
Genhe Xiuwuqiya Cuoluozi Camp: Located in the northeast of Aoluguya Reindeer Village
Features 30 individual reindeer-themed cuoluozi homestays with camphor wood furniture and voice-controlled smart home systems, blending technology with tradition.
Note: Free admission tickets from July 11 to August 25
Offers afternoon tea, Greater Khingan Range plant education, workshops, and outdoor bar.
Genhe Aoluguya Hotel: Located within the Aoluguya Reindeer Village, incorporating Ewenki cultural elements throughout its architecture.
Note: Free admission tickets from July 10 to August 25
Important Tips:
1. Hulunbuir has large temperature variations (11-32°C) in summer. Bring a windbreaker to stay warm on the grasslands.
2. The grassland climate is dry. Stay hydrated and place a water basin or damp towel in your room for humidity.
3. UV rays are strong outdoors. Apply sunscreen. Bring mosquito repellent and patches for wetland areas.
4. Keep your belongings safe and be mindful of personal and property security during your journey.
Post by ediezx1fn0q2rcg | Apr 16, 2025














