Babysitter-Level Guide to Northern Xinjiang's Autumn Feast

The golden autumn in Northern Xinjiang is breathtaking! The grasslands turn golden, and the forests are painted in caramel hues. This route is a must-go! 🧳 Travel Essentials 👗 Clothing: Quick-dry shirts, fleece jackets, windbreakers/thin down jackets, paired with thermal pants and waterproof high-top boots. 👓 Gear: Sunglasses, windproof hats, hand warmers (lifesavers for morning photography), and wide-angle lenses for stunning lake views. 🛒 Others: Thermos, moisturizing skincare products, digestive medicine, chocolate, and extra socks. 🚥 Transportation Guide ✈ Major Transportation: Fly to Hailar (Hulunbuir) or Arxan Yiershi Airport; alternatively, take a train to Hailar to start your journey. 🚘 Local Transportation: In Hulunbuir, renting a car is recommended for flexibility; within Arxan Scenic Area, rely on sightseeing buses with two transfer routes. 📅 Itinerary Plan 👉 Day 1: Hailar → Morigele River → Deep into the Grasslands → Erguna Wetland → Birch Forest → Enhe 👉 Day 2: Enhe → Charming Town of Shiwei → K Line → Ulan Mountain Scenic Area → Wuka → Heishantou 👉 Day 3: Heishantou → Border Road → 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 (Heavenly Lake/Stone Forest/Dujuan Lake/Santan Gorge, etc.) 👉 Day 6: Arxan National Forest Park → Scotch Pine Scenic Avenue → Qixian Lake Grassland → Hailar 🏨 Accommodation Suggestions 🎪 Hulunbuir: Stay in small towns like Enhe or Heishantou to experience Russian-style log cabins or grassland homestays. 🏡 Arxan: Opt for budget-friendly options in the city; near the scenic area, the Tianchi Service Area is close to attractions but has basic conditions; Yiershi Town is near the airport. 📢 Tip: To capture the morning mist at Wusulangzi Lake, consider staying near the scenic area. 🍱 Food Recommendations 🍖 Grassland Flavors: Hand-pulled lamb (boiled to retain its original flavor), herdsmen’s milk tea, dried beef. 🥘 Forest Delicacies: Wild mushroom hotpot (wild mushrooms + wild vegetables), iron pot stew (with Xing’an League sauce). 🍰 Hidden Gems: Russian-style bread in Manzhouli, bottled sweet mineral water from Wuli Spring in Arxan. ⚠️ Notes 1. After mid-September, temperatures drop sharply, with a day-night temperature difference of over 15°C. Dress accordingly. 2. Poor signal in scenic areas; download offline maps in advance, and keep your sightseeing bus tickets safe (valid for 48 hours). 3. Avoid stepping on private haystacks for photos; some scenic areas have drone restrictions, and be cautious when taking photos by the lake. 4. Respect local customs: Remove shoes when entering a yurt and use both hands to receive milk tea. Mid-September to early October is the golden period. After National Day, leaves fall, and snow may arrive. Gather your travel buddies and set off now! ✨