Life must always save an autumn for Hulunbuir
Who understands!! The autumn in Hulunbuir is truly the pinnacle! 😭 The golden grasslands stretch to the horizon, the birch forests look like a spilled palette, wetlands and rivers meander like golden ribbons, and the fairy-tale towns seem to have stepped out of a movie… 📸 Take advantage of next month when the autumn colors are at their peak and the crowds are still light. Save this firsthand guide + pitfall avoidance tips, missing it means waiting a whole year!
📍Why choose autumn in Hulunbuir?
🔸 One of China’s most magnificent autumn scenes: From mid to late September to early October, grasslands, forests, and wetlands all don golden attire, with layers so rich they take your breath away!
🔸 Fewer people, beautiful scenery, and great experience: The summer crowds fade, prices for accommodation and transport drop sharply, allowing you to enjoy the luxury of having the grasslands all to yourself!
🔸 Diverse experiences all in one trip: Horse riding on the grasslands, reindeer in the forest, border culture, Russian and Mongolian cuisine… Every day brings new amazement!
📸 Legendary autumn photo spots & divine activities:
1️⃣ Morigele River (the “world’s first winding river” described by Lao She):
🔸 Cliff viewpoint (a must-visit!): Overlook the Morigele River winding like a golden dragon coiled on the grassland, with stunning light and shadow at sunrise/sunset! 🚗 (Navigate to “Xibori Aobao,” watch for the dirt road entrance on the roadside)
🔸 Summit of Muyun Mountain: A premium viewing spot to enjoy afternoon tea with river views, for those with a bigger budget.
2️⃣ Erguna Wetland (Asia’s largest wetland):
🔸 Climb the observation deck to see the wetland forest sea dyed in autumn colors, with rivers, meadows, and shrubs weaving a golden mosaic. Afternoon light is best for photos!
3️⃣ Birch Forest Scenic Area (a real fairy-tale world!):
🔸 Golden leaves + pure white trunks + dappled light, every snapshot is a forest masterpiece! Wear white or brown tones, run along forest paths, feed the reindeer (🦌 super cute!), and soak in the full atmosphere!
4️⃣ Border defense checkpoint line (County Road X904 - a must-drive in your life!):
🔸 From Qika to Jiuka to Shiwei is legendary! On the left, the border river; on the right, grasslands and wheat fields. Along the way, haystacks, birch trees, wetlands, and villages form a moving oil painting. Every stop is a photo op! 🛣️ (Bring your ID card, drones are prohibited)
5️⃣ Enhe/Shiwei (Russian-style border towns):
🔸 Enhe: More original and peaceful, stay in wooden log cabins, bike around, make rye bread by hand, visit Chinese-Russian descendant families and hear their stories.
🔸 Shiwei: View Russia across the river, unique perspective from border river boat tours, slightly more commercialized but great for sightseeing.
6️⃣ Heishantou (grassland sunset + horse riding holy land):
🔸 Horse ride through wetlands and grasslands to watch the sunset! 🐎 Choose a reputable stable (recommended: Junchi Stable), with protective gear and insurance. The sunset melts gold, riding slowly, cinematic vibes explode!
🔸 Visit herders (deep experience): Milk cows, feed lambs, wear Mongolian robes, shoot arrows, drink milk tea, be a grassland local for half a day!
7️⃣ Arxan Forest Park (a must-add if passing by!):
🔸 If you have extra time (+2 days), head south from Hulunbuir to Arxan for volcanic crater lakes, lava landscapes, and golden pine forests, taking autumn colors to the next level!
📆 Best time to enjoy autumn & itinerary recommendations:
🌾 Early autumn (early to mid-September): Yellow and green interwoven, rich colors, fewer people, better prices.
🍁 Peak autumn (late September to around October 7): Entire landscape golden! Most visually stunning, book early for National Day peak.
🍂 Late autumn (mid-October onward): Grass turns more withered yellow, possible first snow, uniquely desolate (but some attractions/lodgings close).
🗺️ Classic 5 days 4 nights loop (enter and exit via Hailar):
D1: Hailar → Morigele River cliff → Erguna Wetland (stay in Erguna)
D2: Erguna → Birch Forest → Enhe (make rye bread, visit Russian families) → Shiwei (stay in Shiwei wooden log cabin)
D3: Shiwei → Border checkpoint line (Jiuka-Qika) → Heishantou (horse riding, sunset, visit herders) (stay in Heishantou Mongolian yurt)
D4: Heishantou → 186 Ribbon River (grass sledding/swings) → Manzhouli (Matryoshka Square, border gate, Russian cuisine) (stay in Manzhouli)
D5: Manzhouli → Hulun Lake → Return to Hailar
🚥 Super practical transport tips (a must for free spirits):
🚗 Best to charter a car or self-drive: The essence of the grasslands is roadside! Freedom to stop anytime is key!
🚘 Self-drive: SUV recommended, download offline maps in advance (weak signal), watch for cattle and sheep crossing and speed cameras.
🚖 Charter: Choose a reliable local driver-guide (check Xiaohongshu/reviews), familiar with routes, photo spots, and pitfalls, saving effort and worry! 💰 Around 600-1000 RMB/day (varies by vehicle and season).
🚌 Carpool: Cost-effective choice, suitable for 1-2 people, communicate route in advance.
🚍 Bus: Not recommended! You’ll miss too many scenic spots.
🏠 Accommodation pitfall avoidance guide:
🉑 Book 1-2 months in advance during peak season!
✅ Prioritize unique experiences:
🔸 Heishantou: Stay in Mongolian yurts (choose brick or starry sky yurts for warmth), join bonfire parties.
🔸 Enhe/Shiwei: Stay in Russian-style wooden log cabins for exotic vibes.
🔸 Manzhouli: Stay in Matryoshka hotels (if budget allows) or Russian-style hotels.
‼️ Avoid: Too cheap yurts (poor conditions/cold), remote homestays (inconvenient for meals and transport).
🍖 Eat authentically without pitfalls:
🔸 Must-try: Hand-held mutton, roasted lamb chops/legs, Buryat dumplings, pot tea, dairy products (milk skin, yogurt), Russian cuisine (Rubli Restaurant), iron pot stews.
🔸 Ordering tips: Check prices carefully (especially for beef and lamb by market price), order moderately (large portions), small local shops are more reliable than tourist spots.
🔸 Recommendations: Hailar Nomin Tara milk tea, Manzhouli Rubli, Erguna Tieshan cold drinks (ice cream).
👗 Clothing & gear checklist:
① Huge temperature difference! Thin sweater/hoodie + jacket during the day, down jacket/fleece-lined shell jacket essential for mornings and evenings!
② Windproof and warm: Hat, scarf, gloves (must for horse riding).
③ Shoes: Waterproof, non-slip sneakers/boots (heavy dew on grasslands).
④ Sun protection: Sunglasses, high SPF sunscreen (strong UV).
⑤ Others: Moisturizing skincare, lip balm, power bank, some cash, ID card (needed for border checkpoint line).
🚫 Pitfall summary from bitter experience:
1️⃣ Don’t trust low-price tours! They always include shopping stops or cut attractions.
2️⃣ Choose reputable stables for horse riding! Confirm price includes what and duration (beware of mid-ride price hikes).
3️⃣ Agree on price and included activities in advance when visiting herders (usually 50-100 RMB/person).
4️⃣ Buy specialties at large supermarkets, be cautious buying at scenic spots.
5️⃣ Protect the environment! Take your trash! Don’t trample the grasslands!
✨Closing words:
Autumn in Hulunbuir is a palette spilled by the Creator, the freedom of wind blowing through your hair, an indispensable grand poem on life’s checklist. Save this guide and go feel the ultimate autumn romance on the grasslands! Remember to bring a heart that loves freedom and 128GB of memory! 📸