A Fairy Tale Wonderland at Minus 40°C! A Four-Day, Three-Night Nanny-Level Guide to Arxan—Catching This Deal Is a Win

“If I could only recommend one must-visit place in winter, I would say without hesitation: Arxan!” When the plane landed at Ulanhot Airport, the view outside was a vast white snowfield, and my heart started racing—this trip was destined to redefine my understanding of the ‘ice and snow world.’ Day 1: First Encounter with Arxan, Sunset and the Blue Hour on the National Border Line Landing in Ulanhot at 9 AM, it’s recommended to directly charter a car to Arxan’s Yiershi Town (about a 3-hour drive, passing through vast grasslands and forests—don’t miss the “moving painting” outside the window). The first stop in the afternoon is the National Border route, where the most underrated late autumn to early winter romance hides: the red willows that haven’t completely shed their leaves look like burning flames, intertwining with the icy blue river to create oil painting-like colors. Every casual phone shot is wallpaper-worthy. Back in Yiershi Town, be sure to reach the small pavilion on the hillside opposite Dingding Supermarket before 5:30 PM! This is a “sunset VIP seat” known only to locals—the sunset dyes the sky orange-pink, then transitions to deep blue-purple. The entire town’s rooftops are covered with a thin layer of snow, smoke curls up from chimneys, and you can see your breath in the white mist. Dress warmly; the wind carries the fresh scent of pine needles, and you’ll find yourself wanting to stay here until the stars come out. Day 2: The Frozen River Adventure, from Emerald River to the Golden Ribbon Sunset You must get up early on the second day! Arrive at the Frozen River around 7 AM, and you’ll witness a magical scene: despite the minus 40°C temperature, the river water still flows gently. Sea buckthorn trees on the riverbank are covered with sparkling ice crystals, and when the sunlight hits, the whole forest glows. If you’re lucky, you might see a herdsman driving horses across the frozen river, with ice shards splashing like diamonds in the sunlight. Between 9 and 10 AM, cattle will come to the river to eat aquatic plants. The calves are quite stubborn and may butt you! If you want to observe closely, keep at least a 1-meter distance and use a telephoto lens for safer shots. Next, head to Wusu Langzi Lake, which is completely frozen over. You can take off your shoes and step on it (wear anti-slip socks!). Walk to the center of the lake, surrounded by continuous snow-capped mountains, feeling like you’re standing at the “center of the world.” In the evening, rush to the Frozen River viewing platform! When the sun sets, the afterglow dyes the winding river golden, like a sparkling ribbon. The stronger the wind, the more lively the shimmering waves. This is also a great spot for time-lapse photography—remember to set up your tripod in advance to capture the entire “golden river” process. Day 3: Ice and Snow Festival + Aobao Blessing + Deer Park Cuteness Overload, White Wolf Peak’s Hat Warning! The third day is packed! In the morning, catch the opening ceremony of the Arxan Ice and Snow Festival (held annually from December to February; check the official website for exact dates). A horseback riding team from Hohhot performs an “ice battle dance,” with horses galloping in the snow, their manes frosted—an awe-inspiring scene that leaves you speechless. In the afternoon, detour to Xing’an Aobao. According to custom, walk clockwise around it three times to pray for blessings. The khatas on the Aobao flutter in the wind, with rolling mountains in the distance, bringing a sudden sense of peace. Then visit the Deer Park, where the deer are not afraid of people at all! But be careful when feeding them carrots—a group of deer will swarm you, and your hands will get itchy from their licking. Here’s a secret: among the deer are a few young roe deer with round ears and eyes like black grapes, even cuter than the deer. Their gaze can heal your whole day. The last stop is White Wolf Peak. Be sure to wait for the sunset after climbing to the top! The mountain illuminated by the sunset shows distinct layers, from golden yellow to deep red to gray-blue, each moment different. But beware! The wind at the peak is strong enough to blow you away. My hat was “sacrificed” here, so make sure to wear your hat tightly, preferably tied with a string! Day 4: City Stroll + Snow Country Train, Returning with Vodka-Flavored Memories No need to rush on the last day. Spend the morning strolling around Arxan city. There’s a duty-free supermarket with a strong Soviet vibe, shelves stocked with nesting dolls, Borodinsky bread, and vodka. The owner speaks simple Chinese and might give you a chocolate if you chat happily. Everything you casually photograph looks great: the red locomotive, snow-covered wooden houses, and steaming milk tea shops—each frame like a movie scene. In the afternoon, take the *Snow Country Train back to Ulanhot. Remember to buy a bottle of 60-degree vodka, pour it into a thermos, and sip slowly while watching the snowy plains recede outside the window, letting your thoughts drift away. This four-day, three-night journey—from sunrise to sunset, from bustling to peaceful—Arxan gave me so many surprises that I’m still flipping through photos a week after returning. In-Depth Tips 1. Transportation: It’s recommended to charter or carpool from Ulanhot to Arxan. Self-driving requires an experienced driver as some road sections have thick snow. The Snow Country Train runs once daily; book tickets early on 12306. 2. Clothing: Down jacket + thermal underwear + waterproof boots, with hat, scarf, and gloves essential! Stick a warm pack on the back of your phone to prevent shutdown in low temperatures. 3. Best Time: December to February to see rime and enjoy the Ice and Snow Festival; March to April is also good, with less snow and suitable for hiking. 4. Hidden Experience: At night, try “Old Zhang’s Barbecue” in Yiershi Town for roasted lamb leg paired with hot milk tea, and listen to the owner’s local stories. “Arxan is wonderful, I’ll come again next time.” This is not the end but the beginning of the next encounter. If you also yearn for a pure ice and snow world, trust me, pack your bags and set off! Tell me in the comments which part you most want to experience?