Autumn in Northern Xinjiang: Hulunbuir + Arxan Travel Guide

Autumn in Northern Xinjiang is breathtaking! Hulunbuir's grasslands turn golden, and Arxan's forests are painted red. This guide will help you avoid pitfalls and enjoy your trip to the fullest. 🍂

🌟 Essentials for Your Trip
👗 Clothing: Lightweight down jacket, windbreaker, thick sweater. Layer up as the temperature difference between day and night can reach 15°C.
👟 Gear: Waterproof hiking shoes, sunscreen, moisturizing kit, power bank. Bring a camera with a wide-angle lens for stunning lake shots.
🛒 Other items: ID card, discount certificates, common medications like cold and stomach medicine, and download offline maps in advance.

🚗 Transportation
✈ Major transportation: Fly to Hailar or Ulanhot Airport, or take a train to Hailar. Book flights early for better deals.
🚘 Local transportation: Renting a car is highly recommended! The drive from Hailar to Arxan is 300 km along the G331 National Highway, offering scenic grassland views. Inside the scenic areas, you'll need to take sightseeing buses (105 RMB, valid for two days).
📢 Tips: Some sections of the Mo-Ar Highway have no signal. Watch out for cattle and sheep crossing the road. During fire prevention periods, you may need a fire prevention permit.

📅 Itinerary
👉 Day 1: Hailar → Morigele River → Grassland exploration → Ergun Wetland → Birch Forest → Enhe
👉 Day 2: Enhe → Charming town of Shiwei → Kaxian → Ulan Mountain Scenic Area → Wuka → Heishantou
👉 Day 3: Heishantou → Border road → 186 Ribbon River → Visit a herder'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

🏨 Accommodation Recommendations
🏡 Arxan: Stay in the city center for convenient transportation or choose the hot spring town to relax and enjoy the warmth of autumn.
🎪 Hulunbuir: Opt for a Mongolian yurt in Heishantou Town or budget-friendly accommodations in Ergun City. Book early to avoid peak season shortages.

🍱 Must-Try Local Cuisine
🥘 Forest Delights: Wild mushroom soup and stir-fried wood ear mushrooms, bursting with fresh flavors.
🍖 Grassland Specialties: Hand-grabbed lamb and roasted lamb leg, paired with milk tea to balance the richness.
🍰 Local Snacks: Crispy and tender wild vegetable balls, and try Russian-style rye bread for a change.

⚠️ Important Notes
1. Best Time: Mid-September to early October for the most vibrant foliage. Check leaf color changes before departure.
2. Scenic Area Safety: Avoid venturing deep into forests alone. Stick to designated routes and climb Heavenly Lake trails within your capacity.
3. Photography Tips: Wear bright red or white clothing to contrast beautifully with the golden forests.
4. Environmental Protection: Do not litter. Help preserve the grassland and forest ecosystems.

The romance of Northern Xinjiang in autumn is hidden in every fallen leaf and shimmering wave. Start your journey now! ✨