Hulunbuir travel guide
呼伦贝尔
Hulunbuir travel guide with a day by day itinerary, 14 places with tickets and opening hours, where to eat and stay, and how to get there.
14 places · In the guidebook: pages 1895–1910
Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region · AI illustration for China Trip
Quick itinerary
Hulunbuir in 9 days
- Day 1
- Hailar Forest Park→
- World Anti-Fascist War Hailar Memorial Park
- Day 2
- Day 3
- Day 1
- Hailar→
- Moerdaoga
- Day 2
- Day 3
- Day 1
- Day 2
- Day 1
The feel of the place
In winter, Hulunbuir is covered in snow and ice and is extremely cold, with January temperatures between -29 and -22°C. Perhaps it is this harsh climate that shaped the fierce character of the grassland peoples of this land. The Jurchen, Xianbei and Mongols all set out from here, advancing south and west and expanding their territories across vast areas.
Hailar, Manzhouli, Yakeshi and Zalantun are four small urban districts on the Hulunbuir Grassland. The main grassland attractions are spread across Chen Barag Banner, Oroqen Autonomous Banner, New Barag Banner and Manzhouli City. Hailar, the seat of the Hulunbuir municipal government, is the political and economic centre and the transport hub for the Hulun Grassland. Zalantun, prized for its exceptionally beautiful scenery, is known as “the Suzhou and Hangzhou of the Frontier.”
Transport Tips
1. By air: From the airport to the city, take a taxi and be sure to ask the driver to use the meter. The fare to downtown is usually around ¥20.
2. From Beijing Railway Station, take train K1303 to Hailar Station. The journey takes about 27 hours, and a hard-seat ticket costs ¥224.
Local Festivals
The Nadam Fair features only three events: horse racing, wrestling and archery. It is a festive celebration of the grassland harvest, and it is mostly held in July and August, when the pastures are lush and the livestock are plump.
Travel Notes
1. Winters in Hulunbuir are very cold, so keep warm. Sunglasses and frostbite cream are essentials, and a pair of warm snow boots with good grip is a must.
2. When taking photos outdoors in winter, keep your camera in a leather case to protect it from the cold and prevent malfunction. After moving indoors, wait two hours before taking the camera out of its case, so that it won't fog up with water droplets.
3. Don't stray too far from landmarks such as roads or gers while on the grassland, to avoid losing your way. A compass is therefore highly recommended.
4. Mosquitoes are plentiful on the grassland after July. Bring some insect repellent (available locally), and it is best not to wear sandals, to avoid mosquito bites.
5. Bring a folding umbrella. One that works for both sun and rain is best.
6. When travelling in Hulunbuir, make sure to learn about local customs and traditions beforehand. Follow local practices to avoid causing trouble.
Preparation and Information
Climate and Travel Seasons
Hulunbuir lies on China's northeastern frontier. The eastern part of Lingdong falls within a monsoon climate zone, while Lingxi lies in a continental climate zone. The annual average temperature ranges from -5 to 2°C, and temperatures stay below 0°C for seven months of the year. The seasons here differ from those in inland China: April–May is spring, June–August is summer, September–October is autumn, and November to March of the following year is winter. Rainfall is concentrated in July and August.
Things to see
1. Respect for livestock: When touring the grassland by car or visiting a herder's home, avoid herds of animals, as startled livestock may run and lose condition. When you come across a herd on the grassland, drive or walk around it rather than through it, as passing through the herd is considered disrespectful to the herder.
Hulunbuir Grassland
1–2 days · ¥18
The Hulunbuir Grassland is one of the finest surviving pasturelands in China and is almost entirely unpolluted, earning it the nickname “the purest grassland.” It is also counted among the four most famous grasslands in the world. Here you can ride horses and camels, watch wrestling and horse racing, and savour the grassland specialty of a whole roasted sheep feast. Evening bonfire parties let you fully immerse yourself in the unique customs of the nomadic peoples.
Huhenuoer Grassland
3–4 hours · ¥30
Located in Chen Barag Banner of Hulunbuir, about 45 km from Hailar, Huhenuoer is part of the Hulunbuir Grassland and one of the region’s most representative grassland folk-culture destinations. Huhenuoer Lake offers lovely scenery, with lush green grass around its shores and clear, pristine water. On the grassland, you can stay in a traditional yurt (Mongolian ger) and truly experience the distinctive culture of the Mongolian people.
Hulun Lake National Nature Reserve
Located in the Hulunbuir Grassland, Hulun Lake is one of the largest lakes in Inner Mongolia and one of China’s five major freshwater lakes. It is a paradise for birds and fish, home to more than 200 rare bird species and abundant with many kinds of fish.
4–5 hours · ¥20
Genhe
“Genhe” comes from the Mongolian “Gegen Gol,” meaning “clear, transparent river.” The main reason to visit Genhe is Aoluguya, home to the most remote and most mysterious branch of the Ewenki people. Every local resident has a Russian name, and this small township boasts its own museum, school, cultural station and small shops, giving it a lively, down-to-earth atmosphere.
2–3 hours · Genhe Wetland ¥65; Aoluguya free of charge
Mangui
The northernmost town in Genhe City, Mangui is known as “China’s Second North Pole Village.” For about ten days after the summer solstice each year, it presents the stunning spectacle of “endless daylight” and a “sliver of sky.” Around the winter solstice, the aurora occasionally appears. This is also China’s cold pole, where temperatures are said to reach as low as -50°C.
Photography · Nature
Zalantun
Zhalantun is located in eastern Hulunbuir and is the only national-level scenic area in Inner Mongolia, as well as a China Excellent Tourism City. "Zhalan" means "canling" (参领) in Manchu, a military official title of the Qing dynasty. The area has clear waters and green mountains, distinct four seasons, and scenes reminiscent of Jiangnan (the Yangtze River region) can be found everywhere. The Binzhou Railway runs north to south, and National Highway 111 and inter-provincial trunk routes pass through the city. Zhalantun Genghis Khan Airport provides air service.
Ethnic Culture · Nature
Moon Town·Chaihe
The highlight is the rare sight of a cluster of high-mountain crater lakes. The scenic area is dotted with volcanic remains and primeval forest, and its seven high-altitude lakes above 1,000 metres correspond to the stars of the Big Dipper in the sky. The round Moon Lake and the heart-shaped concentric lakes mirror each other, truly a place where heaven and earth reflect one another and heart and moon keep company.
0.5–1 day · ¥100
Manzhouli
Manzhouli borders Mongolia to the west and Russia to the north. It is China's largest land port city and an important border city. The fusion of three countries' cultures gives it a strong exotic flavour.
1–2 days; 0.5–1 hour · ¥128; ¥148; ¥50; ¥60; ¥60 (admission + sightseeing bus); Free
Golden Khan Tourist Tribe
Between the late 12th and early 13th centuries, the great conqueror Genghis Khan trained his troops here, competed with rival tribes and ultimately took control of the Hulunbuir Grassland. The layout of the Golden Khan Tourist Tribe reflects and recreates the imperial camp of Genghis Khan’s era. Today the site offers bonfire parties, horse-lassoing and taming shows, Mongolian wrestling, arena contests and Aobao worship rites, among other attractions. It is the only nomadic-tribe attraction in Hulunbuir.
0.5–1 day · ¥20
Ergun
Ergun is a Mongolian word meaning “to offer or present with both hands.” The Hailar River rises in the Greater Khingan Range and flows toward the western part of the Hulunbuir Grassland. Near the northern Abagaitu area of Zhalainuoer, it suddenly turns northeast, forming a 165° bend that resembles a person offering something with both hands. From this point the river is renamed the Ergun River, and Ergun City takes its name from it. The Ergun River within the region forms part of the China–Russia border. The area is also home to the Ergun Wetland, China’s largest and best-preserved wetland in its natural state.
Nature
Shiwei Russian Ethnic Township
Shiwei is located in Ergun City in Hulunbuir and is China’s only Russian ethnic township. Named one of the country’s top ten charming towns in 2006, it boasts beautiful scenery, with the Ergun River, which forms the China–Russia border, flowing right beside it. Shiwei residents still preserve intact Russian culture and customs. Their homemade local snacks include “lieba” (bread), wild berry jam, “gegelieda” and “gexieli.” Their houses are the typical Russian-style “mukelleng,” log cabins built from round logs fitted together.
Old Towns & Villages · Nature
Moerdaga National Forest Park
If Xishuangbanna is famed in the south, Moerdaga is the north’s great treasure. Here you can see primeval coniferous forest landscapes that are the most characteristic of the cold-temperate zone. Throughout the park, the primeval forest is secluded, wild, graceful and fresh. Brown bears and wild boars often roam the bear valleys, so unless you have a driver or an experienced guide, it is best not to venture deep into the mountains.
5 hours · ¥160
Hailar National Forest Park
Located on the western hill of Hailar District, it was already listed among the Eight Scenic Wonders of Hulunbuir in the Qing dynasty and is famed for its ancient pines at Shabu (沙埠). The park features the Hailar Exhibition Hall, a botanical garden, a zoo and other attractions. Within its southern section lies a microlithic-era cultural site of the northern grasslands, which is of great value for studying the social structure of early humans in China.
3–4 hours · ¥30
Diaoqiao Park (Suspension Bridge Park)
Diaoqiao Park covers 0.68 square kilometres and is a national AAAA-level scenic area. Built in 1905, shortly after the Chinese Eastern Railway opened, it is a landmark of Zhalantun and one of only two suspension bridges in the world that are more than a century old.
1–2 hours · Free
Getting there & around
Air
From July to September, during the peak tourist season, there are 7–8 round-trip flights daily between Hailar and Beijing, taking about 3 hours. The Shanghai–Hailar route takes about 4 hours, and the Hailar–Hohhot route about 4.5 hours. Flights to other cities are added irregularly during peak season. Flights are fewer in winter.
Rail
The Binzhou Railway passes through Hailar. Trains run to Hailar from Beijing, Harbin, Hohhot and Baotou, and the train from Beijing to Manzhouli also stops in Hailar.
Road
Road transport in Hulunbuir is centred on Hailar and Naji Town. The backbone of the network consists of trunk roads including National Highway 111 (Beijing–Jiagedaqi), National Highway 301 (Suifenhe–Manzhouli) and provincial highways (Heihe–Heishantou, Labudalin–Amugulang, and Manzhouli–Alatan Emole), extended by county, township, border-defence and dedicated roads.
Buses in Hailar
Buses in Hailar stop running early, at around 19:00. A bus ride costs ¥1. Taxis start at ¥6 for the first 2 km, then ¥2 per km. Agree on the fare before getting in.
Avoid Long-Distance Coaches
Long-distance coaches are economical and convenient, but you can only see the scenery through the window and cannot get out to experience the vastness of the grassland or meet herders up close. It is therefore better to hire a car with a driver or drive yourself across the grassland.
Flight Inquiries
Air- Phone:
- 0471-96777
Eat & drink
Hailar's dishes are not only delicious but also reasonably priced.
Lamb raised on the Hulunbuir Grassland, free from pollution, is tender, flavourful and famous both at home and abroad, so no visit is complete without trying a lamb dish. For a large group, try the “Whole Lamb Banquet”: whatever its taste, the spectacle alone is rare. For a small group, a roast lamb leg is a good choice.
Whole Lamb Banquet
The Whole Lamb Banquet is a signature dish served to honoured guests and at grand festive feasts in the Hulunbuir region, prized for its colour, aroma, taste and presentation. It is usually made from a whole sheep about two years old. The banquet is served with great ceremony: the whole lamb is laid on a large wooden platter with a red silk ribbon tied around its neck as a mark of honour. It is carried to the table so guests can admire it, then taken back to the kitchen to be carved, with the pieces arranged in anatomical order. The host first cuts the skin of the head into small pieces and offers them to the most honoured guest or the eldest, after which the head is removed. The back is then cut off whole and scored, and slices are taken from either side and passed to each guest. Finally, guests are invited to carve for themselves, dipping the meat in seasoned sauce. Cold and hot dishes may also be served alongside.
Local Specialities
Caoyuan Fandian (Grassland Restaurant)
Recommended RestaurantsAlthough the decor is fairly plain, this restaurant is well known locally. Anyone who loves grassland-style hot-pot lamb should come here: the lamb is fresh, tender and authentic, and dipping sauces and side dishes are free. After the hot pot, a cup of milk tea helps cut the richness, and the whole experience is well worth remembering.
- Address:
- Wudao Street, Manzhouli
- Phone:
- 0470-6229266
Hulun Lake Hotel
Recommended RestaurantsIf you are sightseeing at Hulun Lake, this restaurant is a great place to feast. It serves a range of fish dishes, including white fish, all caught in Hulun Lake. Eating these local delicacies, you will understand more deeply the phrase “beauty you can eat” (xiu se ke can).
- Address:
- Inside Qingquan Park, Zhongyang Street
- Phone:
- 0470-6525777
Where to stay
Central Avenue in the city centre of Hulunbuir has many mid-range and upscale hotels. Smaller inns offer cheaper rates, and with convenient transport, this area is an ideal place to stay. For more distant scenic spots, you can stay in local hotels or guesthouses nearby.
Shopping
Recommended Shopping
Russian Goods
The Russian Market in Hailar sells a wide range of Russian goods, mainly clothing, footwear, hats, kitchenware and handicrafts. It is a good place to experience a foreign atmosphere.
Mongolian Bowl
Recommended ShoppingHollowed out of birch root, with its surface inlaid with silver plates. It has both ethnic character and practical value.
Jiemeng Cup
Recommended ShoppingA drinking vessel made from ox horn, serving both decorative and practical functions.
Mongolian Knife
Recommended ShoppingMade from high-quality steel, these knives are very sharp. The handles and sheaths are decorated with ethnic ornaments, and those made from camel bone are especially distinctive.
Birch Bark Products
Recommended ShoppingNot only are the patterns exquisite and strongly ethnic in character, but they are also highly practical. The main items are birch bark boxes, cases, buckets, and everyday items such as bowls and basins.
Source: China Self-Guided Travel 2025 (《中国自助游》, Tianjin Science & Technology Press, Aug 2024), pp. 1895–1910. Translated from the Chinese edition; names and prices follow the guidebook. · Plain text version