Hulunbuir: a tour to China’s grasslands

Hulunbuir: a tour to China’s grasslands immerses you in vast, rolling expanses dotted with yurts, where nomadic culture thrives amidst breathtaking natural beauty. Experience horseback rides, traditional cuisine, and evenings under starlit skies, capturing the essence of rural Chinese life.

Hulunbuir: a tour to China’s grasslands

Welcome to Hulunbuir: a tour to China’s grasslands, China’s most stunning grassland, with its vast plains, azure skies, winding rivers, and herds of grazing sheep and cattle.

More grasslands than any other nation may be found in China, with large areas of them encompassing Inner Mongolia in the northeast of the nation. Hulunbuir, a region of natural wonder, cultural value, and agricultural importance, is located here.

Hulunbuir, named for the two lakes in the area, Hulun and Buir, is home to unspoiled rivers, meadows, and woods with over 800 different types of flora and trees and over 400 different species of fauna. Traditional ways of living are being protected with the same care as the natural world.

Captivated? We’ll walk you through how to take in all of this beauty on your upcoming vacation.

How to get there and getting around

Hulunbuir: a tour to China's grasslands

Though legally a city, Hulunbuir is a big territory, one of China’s largest by land, with a sparse population scattered throughout smaller towns. With an international airport and a train station, Hailar is the primary urban core of the city and a gateway to the rest of the region.

Flying is by far the most convenient way to get to Hailar. While a train from Beijing to Hailar could take as long as 30 hours, a flight from Beijing to Hulunbuir Dongshan International Airport takes only 2.5 hours.

Owing to its vastness and isolation, traveling across Hulunbuir in a private vehicle is the most practical option. A car gives you far more options for your journey, even if buses do run from Hailar Bus Station to several tourist destinations. There are several of tour providers in Hailar, and their drivers may give you insider information about the area as you go.

What to see and do

Because grassland envelops Hailar, you will locate it regardless of your direction of travel. But, we’ve included a few places below that are worth adding to your itinerary because they are of particular importance; it’s a good idea to budget for a few overnight stays to enable you to see more and go farther.

Morigele River

Hulunbuir: a tour to China's grasslands

The Morigele River starts to meander across the terrain just one hour’s drive north of Hailar. With lush vegetation encircling it on all sides, there are countless chances to snap pictures or just relax and enjoy the fresh air and tranquil ambiance.

Ergun Wetland Scenic Area

Hulunbuir: a tour to China's grasslands

After around three hours of driving northward from Hailar, you will arrive in the city of Ergun, which is home to the Ergun Wetland Scenic Area. Waterways wind through meadows, trees, and shrubs in one of China’s largest and best-preserved wetlands. To get the most amazing panoramic views of the entire area, head to the elevated viewing platform.

Moerdaoga National Forest Park

Hulunbuir: a tour to China's grasslands

The mysterious Moerdaoga National Forest Park is much further north. This protected area, which has a low population but a wealth of animals, is the ideal location for peaceful seclusion. It’s particularly beautiful in the fall, when the forest’s larch and birch trees create a sea of gold and copper. Take the park’s tour train for a stroll around the area, or go at your own speed on foot.

Aoluguya Reindeer Village

Visit the Aoluguya Reindeer Village to get up close and personal with these lovely reindeer. At the on-site museum, you can also get to know the people who have been herding them for centuries and discover more about their traditional way of life. It is well worth the day’s travel from Ergun City to discover this place’s distinctive culture and breathtaking surroundings.

Manzhouli 

Manzhouli is a city that is about three hours west of Hailar, perched on the edge of the Russian and Chinese borders. Discover a unique blend of Chinese, Mongolian, and Russian cultures here, accompanied by eye-catching artwork and architectural design. Take a stroll around the glistening pond at the picturesque Manzhouli Beihu Park when you’re ready for a change of scenery.

Shiwei and Enhe

Another must-see border village is Shiwei, which is located on the banks of the Ergun River. There are mukeden, or traditional Sino-Russian log homes, and horses grazing in paddocks in this little, rustic community, which is full of charm. From Ergun City, it takes around three hours to get there. Enhe is an equally picturesque village that you can visit on route.

Where to stay 

A fantastic option for a headquarters is Hailar. There are many different hotels in this area, but for those seeking comfort, space, and style, we suggest the Hampton by Hilton Hulunbuir Hailar Street or the Holiday Inn & Suites Hulunbuir for its sleek modern design.

If you’re thinking of spending the night in one of Hulunbuir’s other neighborhoods, Cathay Holidays has an amazing property called the Shangri-La Manzhouli that is located on the edge of Manzhouli Beihu Park. Alternatively, try the recently opened Yucheng Marriott Shuihui Intelligent Hotel or Eerguna Hotel in Ergun City if you want more time to explore the Ergun Wetland Scenic Area.

In need of a little whimsical touch? You can choose to stay in a room composed completely of ice at the enchanted Forest Ice Hotel in Genhe. In the meanwhile, the Golden Horde Mongolian Tribe is a consistently well-liked option for a genuine yurt experience.

When to go

In Hulunbuir, every season offers something new. Though the fall and winter months are also attracting more and more leaf-hunters and snow-lovers, May through October is the most popular period to visit because this is when the scenery is at its most rich and bright. But keep in mind that during those months, weather-related disruptions are more likely to occur.

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