The autumn colors in Arxan are absolutely stunning. Don’t miss the 20-day golden period; this fairyland destination is worth checking out.

Arxan is not a mountain, but a small forest town located in the Hinggan League of Inner Mongolia, on the China-Mongolia border. Because it is in the northern region, Arxan is already quite cold in September. There is a big temperature difference between morning and evening, so bring both light and warm clothes. 🚞 Transportation: Arxan has an airport, but flights are limited. You can also arrive by train. 🚗 Self-driving: There are car rental points right outside Arxan Station; book in advance. The road conditions here are relatively average, with some bumpy sections. [Wusulangzi Lake] You can get up early to catch the morning mist at sunrise. The viewing platform has a parking lot. You can play by the lake and the nearby Haraha River beach, enjoying the lake, mountain scenery, and surrounding grassland, mountain, and forest landscapes. The blue house is located between Wusulangzi Lake and the Buzong River. There are many people and passing cars, so be careful. [Buzong River] is shrouded in morning mist, dreamlike and magical. It is also the best spot to watch the sunset. The Haraha River’s 20-kilometer section in Arxan does not freeze even at -40°C due to geothermal activity, hence called the Buzong River (Unfrozen River). Haraha River—Buzong River viewing platform is perfect for waiting for a stunning sunset while leisurely strolling. The river emits steam, and the trees on both banks shine golden and dazzling. [Grand Canyon] is a volcanic lava fault zone, 10 kilometers long. Walk along the plank road through the valley bottom, surrounded by jagged rocks and rushing rivers. [Rhododendron Lake] is a lake formed by lava flow blocking the valley. The lake surface is calm and deep blue, with beautiful reflections. The surrounding golden forest reflects in the lake like a painting. Morning mist appears in the early hours, creating a fairy-like atmosphere. [Shitang Forest] - [Guibei Rock] These two attractions are connected and are among the largest volcanic basalt landforms in Asia. Various rock crevices grow colorful plants, giving an ancient vibe. You can park and take photos to appreciate the unique geological landscape. Explore deeper into [Arxan Forest Park], discover the thousand-year-old volcano, and savor the magical charm of vast forests. 🚌 Shuttle bus routes: Can be split into two days of touring Route 1: Tianchi (Heavenly Lake) - Santan Gorge - Dichi Route 2: Tuofengling Tianchi - Grand Canyon - Rhododendron Lake - Shitang Forest [Tuofengling Tianchi] is the most spectacular. Climbing up is a bit tiring, but the moment you see the view, it’s worth it. The lake surface looks like a footprint, with sunlight shining on the blue lake and orange-yellow forest, presenting a unique, colorful, and magnificent scene. [Arxan Tianchi] is small but exquisite. It has an independent, tall, and complete volcanic base, and from above, its water surface looks like a blue heart. [Santan Gorge] has different entrances and exits, namely Yuexin Pool, Hushi Pool, and Woniu Pool. The water is clear, the gorge is filled with huge rocks and mixed coniferous and broadleaf forests, and the crystal-clear water makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a fairyland. [Dichi] looks like a blue moon mirror embedded in the primeval forest. It is the only crater lake in Arxan that is a depression below ground level. The plank road is 1.1 kilometers long, and the tour takes about 1 hour. Drive on the [Mushroom Road], from Arxan Grand Canyon Station towards Chaihe, exiting Arxan National Forest Park. Near the "Grand Canyon" exit, the hills are covered with grass stacks. Along the way, you will pass the Chuoer River Farm’s Shidawan. You can park in the parking lot and walk up the hill to enjoy the autumn scenery of the Chuoer River. No need to go all the way to Zhalantun’s Mushroom Qi Town; you can stay overnight in Chaihe Moon Town. Enter the [Deer Park], where gentle and cute sika deer roam the forest. Walk along the wooden plank road up to the Deer Viewing Platform, with a super wide view and continuous forested mountains in the distance. On the way back, visit [Bailang Peak] and get up early to see the sea of clouds. Bailang Peak is 1,511 meters high and is known as the "Peak of Hinggan." The route is full of tall mountains and dense forests, with continuous pristine scenery. At the summit, there is a natural viewing platform. Standing on the peak, you can overlook the vast forest sea of the Greater Hinggan Mountains and the endless mountain ranges at your feet. Autumn in this northern small town is wallpaper-worthy with every shot. From mid to late September to early October is the 20-day golden autumn viewing period. Arxan · Hinggan League