Hulunbuir Grassland and Forest Tour

Upon arrival at Hailar Airport, you will be picked up and transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Hailar.

Note: There are daily flights to Hailar from Beijing, Hohhot, Harbin, and other cities. Beijing is the best gateway to Hulunbuir grasslands.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will travel into the Hulunbeir Grassland and head to visit the Mergel Gol River  (45km/about 1 hour drive), the best part of Hulunbuir Grasslands, which Lao She, one of the most famous Chinese writers, praised it as “the most beautiful river in the world.” Here, you will enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Hulunbeir Grassland. Following this, you will proceed to Eerguna (110km/about 1.5-hour drive), the hometown of Genghis Khan, and visit the Eerguna Wetland, an important area for bird conservation worldwide and the largest wetland in Asia, you will follow the wooden trails to get to the platform for the panoramic view of the wetland. 

After the activities, drive to Genhe (about 2 hours drive). Overnight at Genhe.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will proceed to the deepest reaches of the Daxing’anling Primitive Forest. Firstly you will visit the Aoluguya Ewenki Ethnic Township. Here, you will explore the Aoluguya Deer Tribe, the last hunting tribe in China. This town is renowned as the home of reindeer culture, birch bark, and the birthplace of China’s Santa Claus. Upon arrival, you will have the chance to interact closely with the reindeer. Afterwards travel to visit Moerdaoga National Forest Park (130km/2.5 hours drive), the largest and most ecologically diverse national forest park in China. This park boasts breathtaking natural landscapes and has been awarded the title of “China’s Most Desired Destination.” Scenery such as the “Sea of Trees in the Clouds” and “Listening to the Waves in the Forest” are truly spectacular.

After exploring the park, you will have opportunity to take a forest train ride through the primitive forest (additional fee required). Following this, you will head to Shiwei (80km/about 1.5-hour drive), a charming Russian-themed town listed as one of the top ten most charming towns in China. Upon arrival, you will take a leisurely walk around the village and enjoy views of the Russian village across the Ergun River.

Stay overnight at Shiwei in a local Mukeleng Guest House (Russian-style wooden house).

After breakfast at the hotel, you will proceed to the Haur River Scenic Area (50 km/about a 40-minute drive) to view the Haur River, known as the “most curved river in the world” amidst the forest. Here, you will learn about the ancient and mysterious hunting life of the region. Following this, you will travel along the border and head to Heishantou via the scenic border route (200 km/about a 3-hour drive). Along the way, you will admire the Erguna River’s Tai Chi pattern and the natural white birch forest. You will also visit a Russian family to learn about their lifestyle, customs, and religious beliefs.

Upon arrival at Heishantou, you will visit a grassland Mongolian ranch where you can experience fun activities such as riding horses, riding a mini train on oil barrels, dressing up in Mongolian costumes for photos, trying Mongolian archery, tasting traditional Mongolian tea, and feeding lambs. These activities showcase the delightful Mongolian folk customs.

After the ranch activities, you will proceed to the Mongolian yurt camping ground, where you will spend the night in a traditional Mongolian yurt.

Early in the morning, you will enjoy the sunrise over the grassland before breakfast. Following breakfast, you will drive along the China-Russia border road to Hulun Lake (200 km/about a 3-hour drive), admire the natural beauty of the Hulunbuir Grassland on the left and the Ergun River and Russia on the right. The beautiful Hulun Lake, listed in the “Internationally Important Wetlands” catalog in 2002, is one of the five largest freshwater lakes in China.

After visiting Hulun Lake, you will proceed to the border city of Manzhouli (45 km/about a 1-hour drive), where China meets Russia and Mongolia. Upon arrival, you will visit Manzhouli Matryoshka Square (Doll Square), where you can see the world’s largest matryoshka doll and unique architecture. Here, you will also enjoy a performance by a special circus troupe, giving you a sense of the cultures of China, Mongolia, and Russia.

Following these activities, you will check into your hotel for the night in Manzhouli.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will drive back to Hailar (230 km/about a 2.5-3 hour drive) through the Hulunbuir Grassland. You will have the chance to visit the Baerhu Tribe to experience the authentic life of Mongolian herders, visit the “Folklore Garden,” and participate in various folk activities (fee is on your own). Afterwards, proceed to Hailar. If time allows, you will be arranged to visit the Hulunbuir National Museum in Hailar to trace the nomadic history of northern China. Then, you will head to Hailar Airport for your departure flight, ending the trip.