Autumn Travel Guide: Hulunbuir + Arxan

The autumn grasslands and forests are like a spilled palette, with golden carpets and vibrant foliage. This guide is your ultimate cheat sheet for an unforgettable trip!

🎒 Essentials for the Trip
👗 Clothing: With temperature differences of over 15°C between morning and evening, quick-dry clothes, fleece, and a windbreaker or light down jacket are must-haves. A windproof hat and hand warmers are lifesavers for morning photography.
👓 Gear: Waterproof hiking shoes (many boardwalks in scenic areas), sunglasses, a thermos, and a wide-angle lens for capturing the stunning Tianchi Lake.
🛒 Others: Digestive medicine (to adapt to beef and lamb), SPF 50+ sunscreen, moisturizing skincare products (dry climate), and don't forget student IDs or other discount cards.

🚗 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 recommended. It allows access to less-traveled border routes and the flexibility to stop and take photos. In Arxan Scenic Area, the sightseeing bus is a must (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 (Tianchi Lake/Stone Forest/Dujuan Lake/Santan Gorge, etc.)
👉 Day 6: Arxan National Forest Park → Zhangzi Pine Scenic Avenue → Qixian Lake Grassland → Hailar

😋 Must-Try Foods
🍖 Mongolian Delicacies: Ice-boiled lamb at Baolige Hotpot (cooked with milk for 3 minutes), hand-pulled lamb with chive flowers at Asihan Mongolian Restaurant, with no gamey taste.
🧆 Wild Flavors: Artemisia shoots stewed with tofu for a refreshing taste, and stir-fried wild mushrooms in Bailang Town, bursting with freshness.
☕ Local Snacks: Savory Mongolian milk tea with milk skin, and blueberry jam on bread for a delightful breakfast.

🏡 Accommodation Recommendations
🎪 Hulunbuir: Opt for high-end yurts in Heishantou for stargazing right outside your window; stay in four-star hotels in Manzhouli for convenient night sightseeing.
🎪 Arxan: Stay one night in the city for easy access to dining, and choose homestays in Tianchi Town within the scenic area for a forest-side experience and local vibes.
📢 Reminder: Room rates double during the National Day holiday, so book at least a month in advance!

⚠️ Tips and Precautions
1. The steps at Tianchi are steep; assess the physical ability of elderly and children. Morning fog requires early risers for the best shots.
2. Choose certified venues for horse riding and reindeer interactions for safety.
3. Some areas have poor signal; avoid venturing into forests alone and stick to scenic routes.
4. Respect local customs; follow guidance when entering yurts and ask for permission before taking photos.
5. Autumn is fire prevention season; outdoor smoking is strictly prohibited.

The golden period is from early September to early October, with peak autumn colors in mid to late September. Don’t wait—let the autumn breeze carry your worries away and start your journey now!