# Hulunbuir travel guide (呼伦贝尔) Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region · North China, China · 14 places Canonical: https://cnatrip.com/en/destinations/inner-mongolia/hulunbuir ## Quick itinerary - **Day 1:** Hailar Forest Park → World Anti-Fascist War Hailar Memorial Park - **Day 2:** Hailar → Huhenuoer → Hulun Lake → Manzhouli - **Day 3:** Manzhouli → Hailar → Jinzhanghan Tribe - **Day 1:** Hailar → Moerdaoga - **Day 2:** Moerdaga National Forest Park → Shiwei Russian Ethnic Township (accommodation) - **Day 3:** Shiwei Russian Ethnic Township → Hailar - **Day 1:** Hailar → Mangui (aurora viewing) - **Day 2:** Mangui → Genhe (visit Genhe Wetland) → Hailar - **Day 1:** Hailar → Zalantun → Diaoqiao Park (Suspension Bridge Park) → Moon Town ## 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. ## 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** — ## 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)** — Although 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. (Wudao Street, Manzhouli, 0470-6229266) - **Hulun Lake Hotel** — If 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). (Inside Qingquan Park, Zhongyang Street, 0470-6525777) ## 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** — Hollowed out of birch root, with its surface inlaid with silver plates. It has both ethnic character and practical value. - **Jiemeng Cup** — A drinking vessel made from ox horn, serving both decorative and practical functions. - **Mongolian Knife** — Made 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** — Not 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. ## 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. ## Things to see - **Hulunbuir Grassland** (★★★★★): Admission ¥18; Time needed 1–2 days — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/hulunbuir-grassland - **Huhenuoer Grassland** (★★★★★): Admission ¥30; Time needed 3–4 hours — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/huhenuoer-grassland - **Golden Khan Tourist Tribe** (★★★): Admission ¥20; Time needed 0.5–1 day — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/golden-khan-tourist-tribe - **Hulun Lake National Nature Reserve** (★★★★★): Admission ¥20; Time needed 4–5 hours — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/hulun-lake-national-nature-reserve - **Ergun** (★★★): — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/ergun - **Shiwei Russian Ethnic Township** (★★★): — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/shiwei-russian-ethnic-township - **Moerdaga National Forest Park** (★★★): Admission ¥160; Time needed 5 hours — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/moerdaga-national-forest-park - **Hailar National Forest Park** (★★★): Admission ¥30; Opening hours 7：00—17：00; Time needed 3–4 hours — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/hailar-national-forest-park - **Genhe** (★★★★): Admission Genhe Wetland ¥65; Aoluguya free of charge; Time needed 2–3 hours — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/genhe - **Mangui** (★★★★): — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/mangui - **Zalantun** (★★★★): — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/zalantun - **Diaoqiao Park (Suspension Bridge Park)** (★★★): Admission Free; Time needed 1–2 hours — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/diaoqiao-park-suspension-bridge-park - **Moon Town·Chaihe** (★★★★): Admission ¥100; Time needed 0.5–1 day — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/moon-town-chaihe - **Manzhouli** (★★★★): Admission ¥128; ¥148; ¥50; ¥60; ¥60 (admission + sightseeing bus); Free; Opening hours 8:30–17:00; 9:00–17:00; 8:30–17:30; 8:30–18:30; All day; Time needed 1–2 days; 0.5–1 hour — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/manzhouli --- Source: China Self-Guided Travel 2025 (《中国自助游》, Tianjin Science & Technology Press, Aug 2024), pp. 1895–1910. Prices, hours and transport details are as printed in the August 2024 edition and may have changed. Always confirm with the venue before you travel.