Autumn in Hulunbuir and Arxan: A Stunning Palette of Colors!

Who can truly understand the beauty of autumn in Hulunbuir and Arxan? It's like a divine artist spilled their palette 🎨, blending golden grasslands with forests painted in vibrant hues. Every scene is wallpaper-worthy! Save this guide, and let's embark on this autumn fairytale together👇 🍂 Best Time to Visit: Mid-September to early October, when the autumn colors are at their peak. The grasslands and forests showcase rich layers of color. However, autumn is fleeting, so keep an eye on the weather and foliage changes to adjust your plans accordingly. 🧳 Essentials for Your Trip: 👗 Clothing: The temperature difference between day and night is significant, so pack thermal underwear, sweaters, and thick jackets (down jackets or windbreakers are ideal). Pair with warm pants and sturdy outdoor boots. Don't forget gloves, scarves, and hats to stay warm and windproof. 🛒 Other Items: The high-altitude UV rays are strong, so sunscreen is a must. Bring moisturizing skincare products for the dry climate, a thermos for hot drinks, a power bank for your camera or phone, a raincoat (more practical than an umbrella), your ID, some cash for emergencies, and any necessary medications. 🚗 Transportation Tips: ✈ By Air: Fly directly to Hailar Dongshan Airport or Arxan Yiershi Airport. Hailar offers more flight options, while Arxan Yiershi Airport is closer to the Arxan scenic area. 🚊 By Train: Some cities have direct trains to Hailar or Arxan, allowing you to enjoy the scenery along the way. 🚗 By Car/Chartered Vehicle: Driving offers more freedom, but some roads can be challenging. Opting for a local driver with a chartered vehicle is highly recommended. They can also act as guides, sharing insights about the area. Many breathtaking views are along the roads rather than in designated scenic spots, and local drivers are familiar with the best routes and viewpoints. 📅 Suggested Itinerary: 👉 Day 1: Hailar → Morigele River → Grassland Exploration → Erguna Wetland → Birch Forest → Enhe 👉 Day 2: Enhe → Charming Town of Shiwei → Kaxian → 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 → 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 🏨 Accommodation Tips: 📢 Book in advance! Book in advance! Book in advance! This cannot be stressed enough to avoid the peak season rush. 🔶 In Heishantou, experience staying in a traditional Mongolian yurt for an authentic grassland vibe. 🔶 Near Arxan, choose a guesthouse close to the scenic area for convenience. 🔶 In Manzhouli, opt for a star-rated hotel for a comfortable stay. 🍱 Food Recommendations: 🥩 Grassland Delicacies: Must-try dishes include hand-pulled lamb and roasted lamb ribs. The meat is tender and not gamey at all. 🥘 Forest Flavors: Wild vegetable stew with free-range chicken is incredibly flavorful, especially when paired with cornbread for a carb-filled delight. 🍰 Russian Cuisine: In Manzhouli, indulge in authentic Russian dishes like borscht and Russian-style kebabs for a satisfying meal. ⚠️ Important Notes: 1. The Arxan scenic area requires a sightseeing bus ticket (105 RMB, valid for two days). The park is vast, and walking is not practical, so keep your ticket safe. 2. The steps to Heavenly Lake are steep, so assess your physical condition if traveling with elderly or young companions. For morning mist views, set your alarm early. 3. For horseback riding or reindeer interactions, choose reputable venues for safety. 4. Respect local customs. Follow guidance when entering yurts or temples, and always ask for permission before taking photos.