Fall in Love with Northern Xinjiang: Hailar, Hulunbuir, and Arxan Ultimate Travel Guide

September in Northern Xinjiang is like God's palette! Hulunbuir's golden haystacks stretch endlessly, Arxan's forests turn caramel-colored, and volcanic lakes nestled among the woods resemble blue sapphires. This guide ensures a flawless trip without any missteps! ✨ 🍁 Best Travel Time ⏰ Mid-September to early October is the golden period, especially between September 20 and October 5 when autumn colors are at their peak. Early autumn offers fewer crowds and stunning scenery, while late autumn showcases vibrant forests. However, leaves fall quickly after frost, so plan early! After National Day, snow may fall, and some roads could be closed. 🧳 Essentials for Your Trip 👗 Clothing: With a day-night temperature difference of over 15°C, follow this formula! Base layer: quick-dry shirts/wool sweaters; middle layer: fleece; outer layer: windbreaker or light down jacket. Pair with warm pants and waterproof hiking boots. Earth-tone outfits complement the autumn scenery, while bright shawls make photos pop. 👒 Gear: Sunglasses, windproof hats, and gloves are must-haves. Hand warmers are lifesavers for morning photography. A wide-angle lens is perfect for capturing lakes and forests. 🛒 Other Items: Thermos, moisturizing skincare (dry climate), digestive medicine (for adapting to beef and lamb), chocolate (to prevent hypoglycemia in cold weather), and spare socks (morning dew can soak shoes). 📅 Itinerary 👉 Day 1: Hailar → Morigele River → Grassland Exploration → Ergun Wetland → Birch Forest → Enhe 👉 Day 2: Enhe → Charming Town of Shiwei → Scenic Route → Ulan Mountain Scenic Area → Wuka → Heishantou 👉 Day 3: Heishantou → Border Road → 186 Ribbon River → Visit Local Herdsmen → 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 🚗 Transportation 🚘 Recommended: Car rental or self-driving (local drivers are more familiar with road conditions). Public transportation is highly inconvenient. Some sections of the Mo-Ar Highway are gravel roads and slippery during rain; opt for an SUV and prepare snow chains in case of snow. Stick to designated roads in the grasslands to avoid fines or getting stuck. 🏨 Accommodation Recommendations ✅ Hulunbuir: Enhe and Shiwei feature unique Russian-style wooden cabins. In Heishantou, stay in authentic Mongolian yurts; recommended resorts include Balhu Mongolian Tribe. Avoid low-cost, poorly maintained yurts. ✅ Arxan: Stay in Yiershi Town for cost-effective options and convenient dining. Book early to secure rooms. ❌ Avoid: Beware of fake "starry sky rooms." Confirm location and facilities before booking. Reserve accommodations 1-2 months in advance during peak season. 🍱 Must-Try Foods 🍖 Hulunbuir: Hand-grabbed lamb, roasted whole lamb, milk tea with fried rice—experience authentic grassland flavors. 🥘 Arxan: "Youjian Chuiyan" restaurant hidden in residential buildings is a must-visit. Their sweet and sour pork is affordable and generously portioned, loved by locals. Make reservations in advance. 📢 Tip: Pair milk tea with beef and lamb for first-timers to avoid digestive discomfort. ⚠️ Important Notes 1. Some grassland areas are privately owned; avoid "free trails" and enter through official scenic entrances. 2. When feeding reindeer, do not pull their antlers. Seek permission from herders before taking photos and respect local customs. 3. Mosquitoes are still active in autumn; bring insect repellent and avoid dark clothing to prevent attracting them. 4. For photography, aim for early morning (before 9 AM) or late afternoon (after 4 PM) for softer lighting. 5. Some guesthouses only accept cash; carry small change for emergencies.