Autumn Adventure: 6-Day Travel Guide to Hulunbuir and Arxan

Autumn in Hulunbuir is simply breathtaking! Golden grasslands and colorful forests create a stunning palette. This guide covers all essentials for your trip, including accommodations, activities, and must-try foods—just follow along! 🍂 Best Time to Visit Mid-September to early October. The autumn scenery lasts only 3-4 weeks, with grasslands and forests blending into a perfect visual feast. Miss it, and you'll have to wait another year. 🎒 Travel Essentials 👗 Clothing: Bring a windbreaker, lightweight down jacket, and fleece-lined pants! Daytime temperatures hover around 18°C, but mornings and evenings drop to 2-3°C, with significant temperature differences. 🛒 Other Items: SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm, hand cream (it's very dry), ID card and discount certificates, as well as essential medications like stomach and cold remedies. 📸 Electronics: Pack a power bank—there’s so much beauty to capture, and your devices will drain quickly. 🚗 Transportation Opt for a local private car tour! Attractions are scattered and far apart, and private cars allow for flexible stops and photo opportunities. Drivers often double as guides, ensuring a hassle-free experience without shopping detours. Fly into Hailar Airport and follow a circular route without backtracking. A 7-day itinerary is perfect for an in-depth exploration. 📅 Itinerary 👉 Day 1: Hailar → Morigele River → Grassland Exploration → Ergun Wetland → Birch Forest → Enhe 👉 Day 2: Enhe → Charming Town of Shiwei → Kaxian → Ulan Mountain Scenic Area → Wuka → Heishantou 👉 Day 3: Heishantou → Border Road → 186 Rainbow River → Visit a Herding Family → 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 Pool/Stone Forest/Dujuan Lake/Santan Gorge, etc.) 👉 Day 6: Arxan National Forest Park → Zhangzi Pine Scenic Avenue → Qixian Lake Grassland → Hailar 🏨 Accommodation Recommendations ✅ Hulunbuir Section: Stay in a Russian-style wooden cabin in Enhe, complete with a cozy fireplace for an authentic vibe. In Heishantou, opt for a Mongolian yurt and enjoy a bonfire party. ✅ Arxan Section: In the city, book Saint Petersburg Grand Hotel, featuring trendy matryoshka doll-themed decor perfect for photos. For convenience and relaxation, choose the Weijing Resort Hotel near the scenic area, which also offers hot springs. ⚠️ Book accommodations 10-15 days in advance, as wooden cabins are highly sought after! 😋 Must-Try Foods 🍖 Mongolian Cuisine: Savor hand-grabbed lamb and roasted whole sheep, paired with salty milk tea for a rich, authentic taste. 🥘 Mountain Delicacies: Arxan wild mushroom hotpot with wild fungi and Korqin lamb—so fresh it’s unforgettable. 🍛 Local Specialties: Northeast-style iron pot stew with cornbread dipped in broth is divine; ice-boiled lamb is tender and a must-try. ❗ Important Tips 1. Respect local customs: Remove your shoes before entering a Mongolian yurt and use both hands when handing items. 2. Many accommodations don’t provide toiletries, so bring your own slippers and dental kit. 3. Must-visit spots in Arxan National Forest Park include the Heavenly Pool and Dujuan Lake—allocate a full day for exploration. 4. Don’t miss the stunning night views in Manzhouli; Matryoshka Square lights up like a fairy tale world. The vast grasslands, vibrant forests, and soothing hot springs make autumn in Inner Mongolia a truly healing experience. Pack your bags and start your adventure now!