Xing'an League: A Four-Season Fairy Tale Hidden in the Folds of the Greater Khingan Mountains

Xing'an League, Inner Mongolia When the spring breeze unveils the sea of azaleas in Arxan, when summer rains brighten the green of Ulan Maodu Grassland, when autumn frost paints the leaves of the five-pointed maples red, and when winter snow blankets the misty Unfrozen River—Xing'an League's four seasons are not just simple cycles but nature's four love letters written with colors and temperatures, each hiding surprises that make your heart race. Spring: A Romantic Encounter of Volcanoes and Flower Seas May in Arxan is like an overturned palette. Wild azaleas bloom by the Heavenly Lake, their pink and white petals adorned with ice crystals, bursting like clouds of color against the gray-black backdrop of volcanic rocks. Walking along the wooden plank paths of the Santan Gorge, you can see melted snow rushing through volcanic lava, creating the rare spectacle of a "summer glacier." On the banks, azaleas bloom fervently, while ice chunks in the water collide with crisp sounds. Summer: A Cool Symphony of Grasslands and Forests July in Ulan Maodu Grassland is a playground for the wind. The grass grows waist-high, and as the wind sweeps through, it creates waves of green. Sheep scatter across the meadows like pearls blown by the breeze. Here, horseback riding is best done on Mongolian ponies, whose steady gait will take you through valleys filled with golden lotus flowers to the tributaries of the Tao'er River. The water is so clear you can see moss on the pebbles, and a handful of it tastes sweet with the essence of wildflowers. Autumn: A Golden Carnival of Five-Pointed Maples and Wheat Waves September in the Daiqin Tala Grassland is a paradise for photographers. The vast five-pointed maple forest looks like a blazing fire, with leaves transitioning from orange to crimson, blending with the golden waves of wheat in the distance to form the most vibrant color blocks on earth. Driving along the forest paths, the crunch of fallen leaves under the wheels harmonizes with the distant pastoral songs. Occasionally, herders drive their horses under the maple trees, their silver ornaments glinting in the sunlight. Winter: A Magical Dance of Ice, Snow, and Hot Springs December in Arxan is a kingdom of ice and snow. The Haraha River steams with warmth, its surface adorned with frost-covered branches, while water plants sway gently beneath. Tracks of roe deer dot the snowy banks. Ewenki women in traditional attire may invite you to experience ice fishing. After cutting a hole in the ice and casting a net, it doesn't take long to pull out fresh zander, which can be grilled directly over a bonfire. The aroma of fish oil dripping onto the flames is enough to attract squirrels from the forest. From volcanic hot springs to pastoral songs, from forested secrets to icy wonders, Xing'an League's four seasons never disappoint those who venture here. Its beauty lies in the details: the ice crystals on azalea petals, the moss at a reindeer's mouth, the snowflakes on hot spring waters, and the long tunes in herders' songs. When you truly step into this land, you'll understand: some landscapes are destined to be etched into your life.