Arxan: A 4-Day, 3-Night Volcanic Wonderland

This seriously underrated volcanic town is so beautiful it left me speechless! Every photo looks like a scene from *Little Forest*, and the best part is it's not crowded. It's the perfect healing trip for a worker's weekend getaway! 📍Location: Arxan City, Hinggan League, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (a small town on the China-Russia border, where even the air is full of negative ions!) 🚗Getting There: ✈️Easy Route: Fly direct from Beijing to Ulanhot (2 hrs) → 3-hr scenic drive on the provincial highway (prairie highway views the whole way, stop at Aolunbukan Scenic Area along the way) 🚞Budget Route: Take the train from Shenyang/Harbin to Arxan Station (the most beautiful train station in China! Japanese Showa-era architecture, perfect for photos) 💡Tip: Highly recommend driving! Provincial Highway S203 is known as the "most beautiful prairie highway." You'll pass Rose Peak and Seven Fairies Lake grassland along the way. Remember to stop and take pictures if you see cows crossing the road! 👍Top 5 Must-See Attractions: 1️⃣Arxan National Forest Park 🔥Must-See Trio: ▫️Tianchi (a sapphire lake formed in a volcanic crater, climb 998 wooden steps for a panoramic view) ▫️Dujuan Lake (looks like a Monet painting when shrouded in morning mist, azaleas bloom in June) ▫️Santanxia (upper reaches of the Halaha River, glacial remains + forest boardwalk) 📸Hidden Gem: Sunset viewing platform at the Budo River (super magical winter mist) 2️⃣White Wolf Peak 🚡Take the cable car to the top for panoramic views of the Greater Hinggan Mountains. Visit in mid-to-late September to see the birch forests! The *Dear Inn* filming location on the mountainside is abandoned, but the deer park is worth a visit (¥20 to feed sika deer, better value than Nara) 3️⃣Halaha River Rafting 🌊Super exciting rafting on the China-Russia border river! Choose the "Budo River section" for rafting. The water is clearest from June to August. Remember to bring a waterproof phone case! The primeval forests on both sides are super healing, and spotting egrets and wild ducks is a bonus. 4️⃣Aolunbukan 🌲Filming location for *Running Man*! Hike through the primeval moss forest, walk the popular tree bridge, explore the forest adventure tower, and enjoy a bonfire party at night! 5️⃣Arxan Railway Station 🚂1937 Japanese-style wooden building, mint green exterior + yellow lights, perfect for photos in JK/retro style! There's also a steam train experience inside the station (closed in winter) 🎟️Tickets: ▫️National Forest Park combined ticket: ¥285 (includes sightseeing bus, valid for 48 hrs) ▫️White Wolf Peak: ¥80 (includes cable car) ▫️Halaha River Rafting: ¥120/person ⚠️Discounts available for students/teachers/seniors over 65! Book tickets in advance on Trip.com for ¥10-20 off! 💗Other Tips: 👗What to Wear: ▫️Forest/workwear style + hiking boots (lots of gravel roads) ▫️Bring a light down jacket/windbreaker (large temperature difference between day and night) ▫️White/bright colored dresses (perfect for photos at Dujuan Lake/Tianchi) 📸Photography Gear: ▫️Drone (bird's-eye view of the volcanic Tianchi) ▫️Polarizing filter (eliminates water reflections) ▫️Tripod (essential for capturing the starry sky) 🍜Foodie Radar: ▫️Local specialties: Wild mushroom and venison hot pot, sticky bean buns, and loach ▫️Souvenirs: Birch sap drinks, volcanic rock carvings ▫️Popular spot: Boli Ge Ice-Boiled Lamb (super tender lamb boiled with ice cubes!) 🏡Accommodation Recommendations: ▫️Inside the Forest Park: Tianchi Service Area B&B (wake up to stunning views) ▫️Downtown: St. Petersburg Hotel (Russian decor + hot springs) ▫️Unique Experience: A-frame cabin like the one in *Dear Inn* in White Wolf Town (book 2 months in advance) 🚨Things to Avoid: 1️⃣Don't trust the unlicensed taxis at the train station! Take a regular taxi 2️⃣Don't buy "volcanic rock" souvenirs at the park entrance (they're all made in Yiwu) 3️⃣Don't choose "extreme rafting" (you'll get soaked) 4️⃣Bring hand warmers if you go after September (your phone might shut down from the cold) 💡Local Insider Tips: ✅Go to Budo River at 4 am to photograph the morning mist ✅Join a forest night tour (guides will help you find fireflies) ✅Collect wild hazelnuts in the birch forest in September ✅Experience a Russian sauna in Yiershi Town You have to visit Arxan this autumn! When golden leaves cover the volcanic rocks and hot spring steam rises into the cool air, you'll understand what "life is worth living" means.