Arxan Travel Guide: Encounter the Dreamlike Realm of Northern Xinjiang

Arxan, a small city located in the Hinggan League of Inner Mongolia, is named "Arxan" which means "warm and sacred spring" in Mongolian, although it is not actually a mountain. It boasts unique scenery all year round and is a poetic and distant dream for many. Whether you want to escape the summer heat, enjoy the autumn maple leaves, or play in the snow and soak in hot springs in winter, Arxan can satisfy you. 1. Preparation 1. Documents: Bring your ID card, and if you have any discount-eligible documents for scenic spots (such as student ID, senior citizen card, etc.), bring them as well. 2. Clothing: Arxan has a large temperature difference. From May to October, days are warm but mornings and evenings are cool, so long-sleeved jackets and long pants are recommended; winter (November to April) is extremely cold, so be sure to bring thick down jackets, fleece-lined thermal pants, snow boots, hats, scarves, gloves, and other warm gear. 3. Other items: Sunglasses, sunscreen, moisturizing skincare products, common medicines (cold medicine, stomach medicine, motion sickness medicine, etc.), power bank, camera, etc. If visiting in winter, also prepare heat packs. 2. Transportation Guide 1. Airplane: You can fly directly to Arxan Yiershi Airport, with direct flights from cities like Beijing and Hohhot. Alternatively, fly to Ulanhot first, then take a train or bus to Arxan, which is usually more economical. From Arxan Yiershi Airport to the city center, you can take the civil aviation shuttle bus (20 RMB per person) or a taxi (about 70 RMB). 2. Train: Arxan Railway Station is the terminus of the Bai-A Railway, the smallest passenger railway station in China, and a nationally protected cultural relic. Many tourists choose to go to Baicheng first, then transfer to a train to Arxan, enjoying beautiful scenery along the way. 3. Bus: Arxan City Long-distance Bus Station and Passenger Transport Center have buses to nearby cities such as Ulanhot and Manzhouli. If driving from nearby cities, the scenery along the way is picturesque, but pay attention to road conditions, especially in winter when some sections may be snowy or icy. 3. Attractions Introduction 1. Arxan National Forest Park: A national 5A-level scenic area and Asia’s largest volcanic relic landform cluster. There are many attractions here, such as Tuofengling Tianchi, a lake formed in a volcanic crater, where golden larch leaves reflect on the water in autumn, creating a picturesque scene; Rhododendron Lake, where the Hinggan rhododendrons bloom from May to June, turning the lakeside into a sea of flowers, and in winter you can experience ice fishing and snowmobiling; Shitanglin is a spectacular volcanic lava landform, with a new "Earth Core Exploration Trail" added in 2025 for close-up views of lava wonders; the Unfrozen River, influenced by geothermal heat, does not freeze even at minus 40°C, and a new "Rime Viewing Platform" was added in winter, where morning mist and ice crystals create breathtaking views. Ticket prices are 180 RMB per person before and including October 15, and 130 RMB per person afterward. The park shuttle bus costs 105 RMB per person. Both tickets and shuttle bus passes are valid for two days. 2. Arxan Railway Station: Built in 1937, it is one of the ten most beautiful railway stations in China, featuring a low-eave pointed two-story Japanese-style building with a touch of Swiss station charm, perfect for photos. The station rests when no trains pass, but the exterior is always open for visits. 3. Wuli Spring: Located by the S203 road leading to Yiershi, named for being 5 Chinese miles north of Arxan City. The spring water is high-quality mineral water, colorless, tasteless, clear, and refreshing, drinkable directly. Remember to bring a small bucket to collect water and experience it. 4. Bailang Peak Scenic Area: The highest peak in the Hinggan Mountains (2042 meters). In 2025, a new "Cloud Cableway" was added, offering panoramic views of the forest sea and volcanic clusters, with spectacular colorful autumn scenery. 5. Deer Village: Popularized by the variety show "Dear Inn," it is a deer-raising village where you can buy corn kernels to feed the deer. Admission is 50 RMB per person (feeding deer food costs 10 RMB per person). However, the area is quite commercialized, so if your itinerary includes the "Genhe Oroqen Reindeer Tribe," you may skip this. 6. Oronbukan Scenic Area: Experience the culture of the Ewenki ethnic group, participate in forest hunting and reindeer interaction activities. 7. Wusulangzi Lake: The largest volcanic crater lake in Arxan. In 2025, a "Fishing and Hunting Experience" was launched, allowing you to fish by boat and cook on-site, full of fun. 4. Food Recommendations 1. Iron Pot Stewed Goose: Local free-range goose stewed with potatoes and vermicelli in a big pot, rich and flavorful. Recommended is "Old Tree Root Farmhouse," whose corn pancakes dipped in soup are delicious. 2. Hand-held Meat: A traditional Mongolian lamb dish, original flavor, served with chive flower sauce and mare’s milk wine. Don’t miss the joy of eating meat heartily. 3. Artemisia Shoots Stir-fried with Cured Meat: Forest wild vegetable artemisia shoots, slightly bitter and fragrant, paired with cured meat for a unique taste. 4. Ice-boiled Lamb: A special way of eating where the pot bottom is iced with Arxan spring water, making the lamb tender and the soup fresh and tasty. 5. Arxan Mineral Spring Cuisine: Using local mineral spring water to cook rice and brew tea, giving a unique flavor. 5. Accommodation Suggestions 1. Arxan City Center: Various accommodation options including family inns, star-rated hotels, and large hotels. Recommended to stay near Hot Spring Street for convenient travel, dining, and hot spring experiences. For example, Zhefei Hotel (Arxan Railway Station City Government Branch) offers excellent room facilities, hygiene, and enthusiastic service; He Wan Sunshine Hotel (Arxan Railway Station Branch) is clean, hygienic, warm, and comfortable. 2. Yiershi Town: Larger population, better shopping, accommodation, and dining options, more affordable prices, and closer to Arxan National Forest Park. 3. Inside Arxan National Forest Park: If planning to stay more than one day in the park, it is recommended to stay at the "Tianchi Service Area" or "Hinggan Service Area." Self-driving visitors can park overnight at campsites, such as Tianchi Town homestays, which are a 5-minute walk to the sightseeing bus station. 6. Travel Route Planning Three-day itinerary • Day 1: Arrive in Arxan city center → visit Arxan Railway Station → Wuli Spring → enjoy local food and night views in the city. • Day 2: Arxan National Forest Park (Unfrozen River → Arxan Tianchi → Santan Gorge → Shitanglin) → overnight in the park. • Day 3: Arxan National Forest Park (Tuofengling Tianchi → Rhododendron Lake → Grand Canyon) → return trip. Five-day itinerary • Day 1: Arrive in Arxan city center, explore the city, adapt to the environment, and taste local food. • Day 2: Arxan Railway Station → Wuli Spring → Rose Peak → Arxan Port. • Day 3: Arxan National Forest Park (full day, visit main attractions). • Day 4: Bailang Peak → Deer Village → experience intangible cultural heritage bark painting. • Day 5: Explore Oronbukan Scenic Area → return trip. 7. Travel Tips 1. Public transportation in Arxan is underdeveloped. Taxi starting fare is 5 RMB, but overcharging sometimes occurs; bus intervals are long and confusing for outsiders. It is recommended to rent a car or charter a vehicle, and booking online in advance can save time. 2. If choosing a kang bed-stove for accommodation, ask the host to warm it in advance; some inns have poor water quality, so it’s best to bring bottled water. 3. The airport closes the waiting hall at night, so pay attention to flight times and avoid arriving too early. 4. Protect the environment during your trip, do not litter, and preserve this beautiful pure land. We believe this guide will help you have a wonderful trip in Arxan, fully enjoying the gifts of nature and the unique local charm.