Autumn Travel Guide to Northern Xinjiang: Hulunbuir + Arxan

Autumn in Northern Xinjiang is absolutely breathtaking! From the golden grasslands of Hulunbuir to the vibrant forests of Arxan, every scene is wallpaper-worthy. This comprehensive guide includes transportation, accommodation, and food tips—grab it and go! 🌅 Best Time to Visit Early September to early October is the prime season. The grasslands turn golden, forests shift from green to orange-red, and Arxan's volcanic landscapes reach their peak autumn beauty. Miss it, and you'll have to wait another year. 🎒 Essentials for the Trip 👗 Clothing: Day-night temperature difference exceeds 15°C. Bring a windbreaker, fleece jacket, thermal pants, and hats/scarves for wind protection. 🛒 Other items: Sunscreen (strong UV rays), a thermos (free hot water available at scenic spots), and anti-slip shoes (volcanic rock paths can be slippery). 📅 Itinerary 👉 Day 1: Hailar → Morigele River → Grassland Exploration → Ergun Wetland → Birch Forest → Enhe 👉 Day 2: Enhe → Charming Town of Shiwei → Kaxian Road → 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 🚗 Transportation Guide ✈ Major Transportation: Direct flights to Arxan are limited. It's recommended to fly to Hailar or Ulanhot first and then transfer. Driving from Hailar to Arxan takes about 4.5 hours. Alternatively, take the direct train departing at 15:21 daily, which takes 4 hours and costs only 41.5 yuan. 🚘 Local Travel: For Hulunbuir grasslands, renting a car is recommended for flexibility, especially for less-visited spots. Arxan scenic areas offer shuttle buses. 🏨 Accommodation Recommendations ✅ Hulunbuir: Stay in a grassland yurt for a stargazing experience or opt for hotels in Hailar city for easier access to transportation and dining. ✅ Arxan: Choose a hot spring hotel in the city for relaxation or stay in a guesthouse near the scenic area to catch the morning mist at Heavenly Lake. 🍱 Must-Try Foods 🍖 Hulunbuir: Hand-grabbed lamb with chive flower sauce, fresh milk tea made from freshly squeezed milk, and Hailar’s roasted lamb leg, crispy on the outside and tender inside. 🥘 Arxan: Cold-water fish hotpot near Heavenly Lake, with sweet and fresh meat; local wild mushroom stir-fry, bursting with flavor. ⚠️ Important Tips 1. Prepare offline maps for self-driving; some sections of the Mo’a Highway have no signal. Avoid construction zones. 2. Drive cautiously as cattle and sheep often cross the roads. Obtain a fire prevention permit during fire season. 3. Visit Arxan hot springs in the evening; the newly opened stargazing pools allow you to soak while admiring the Milky Way (reservation required). 4. Scenic area tickets can be purchased as combo passes (including entrance + shuttle bus). Teachers and students enjoy a 50% discount with valid ID. From the pastoral songs of Hulunbuir’s grasslands to the volcanic adventures of Arxan, this autumn trip to Northern Xinjiang will undoubtedly be one of your most unforgettable experiences!