Autumn in Northern Xinjiang! A Comprehensive Guide to Hulunbuir and Arxan

Autumn in Inner Mongolia is absolutely stunning! The grasslands turn into golden carpets, the forests are layered with caramel hues, and the heavenly pools nestled in the mountains resemble blue sapphires. Here's a foolproof guide to avoid any pitfalls👇 🍂Best Time to Visit The golden period is from early September to early October, with mid to late September showcasing the most vibrant autumn colors. This peak season only lasts 3-4 weeks, and leaves tend to fall and snow may arrive after the National Day holiday, so plan early. 🧳Travel Essentials 🧥Clothing: A white long dress paired with a bright shawl is perfect for photos! Wear quick-dry clothes as the base layer, fleece as the middle layer, and a windbreaker or light down jacket as the outer layer. The temperature difference between day and night can exceed 15°C. 👟Gear: Hiking shoes (many boardwalks in scenic areas), sunglasses, a thermos, hand warmers (lifesaver for morning photography), and a wide-angle lens for capturing grand landscapes. 💊Medications: Stomach medicine (to adapt to beef and lamb), cold medicine, and some chocolate to prevent low blood sugar. 🚗Transportation ✈By Air: Fly directly to Hailar Airport, the starting point of the trip. 🚘Car Rental: Highly recommended! Local drivers know hidden gems, and the scenery along the way is breathtaking. 🚍Scenic Area Transport: The Arxan Forest Park requires taking the sightseeing bus, which costs 105 RMB and is valid for two days. The park is too vast to explore on foot. 📅Itinerary 👉Day 1: Hailar → Morigele River → Deep into the Grasslands → Erguna Wetland → Birch Forest → Enhe 👉Day 2: Enhe → Charming Town of Shiwei → Kaxian → Ulan Mountain Scenic Area → Wuka → Heishantou 👉Day 3: Heishantou → Border Highway → 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 Pool/Stone Forest/Dujuan Lake/Santan Gorge, etc.) 👉Day 6: Arxan National Forest Park → Zhangzi Pine Scenic Avenue → Qixian Lake Grassland → Hailar 😋Must-Try Foods 🍖Hand-Pulled Lamb: Freshly cooked at a herdsman’s home in Bailang Town, served with leek flower sauce, tender and free of gaminess. 🍛Forest Frog Stew with Potatoes: A specialty at Arxan farmhouse restaurants, the potatoes soak up the broth for an incredibly savory taste. 🥪Blueberry Jam Bread: Freshly baked bread at local inns paired with fresh blueberry jam, a perfect breakfast combo. 🥘Wild Mushroom Hotpot: Cooked with Arxan mineral water and fresh mushrooms, the broth is sweet and warming. 🏡Accommodation Recommendations ✅Hailar: Choose hotels in the Hexi area, close to food streets and convenient for night market visits. ✅Arxan: Spend one night in the city and another in a scenic area inn to save 2 hours of round-trip travel. ✅Heishantou: Experience a unique starry sky Mongolian yurt, and join a bonfire party at night. ⚠️Tips 1. The steps to the Heavenly Pool are steep; assess the ability of elderly and children. Morning fog requires early rising for photography. 2. Choose regulated venues for horse riding and reindeer interactions; safety first. 3. Grasslands can get dirty, so avoid wearing light-colored pants. Thick-soled shoes can be tiring for hiking. 4. Respect local customs; ask for permission before entering yurts or taking photos.