Arxan, not Kanas! This small city in Northeast China has an autumn as beautiful as a fairy tale town

Compared to the crowded popular spots, I prefer the low-key border town of Arxan. In autumn, Arxan National Forest Park is a natural palette created by volcanoes, crater lakes, forests, and lakes, truly the pinnacle of autumn colors in Northeast China! 【Itinerary Planning: Classic 3 days 2 nights tour】 Day 1: Arrive in Arxan City (the city itself feels like a fairy tale town). Take it easy in the afternoon by strolling around the beautiful train station and drive to Wuli Spring to taste some sweet spring water. Day 2: Core tour of the forest park! Route: Wusulangzi Lake (stunning morning mist) → Santan Gorge hike → Shitang Forest (volcanic relics) → Tuofengling Crater Lake (with a broader view than Arxan Crater Lake). Stay in the park service area. Day 3: Watch the sunrise at Rhododendron Lake → Arxan Crater Lake → Dichi Lake, and if time permits in the afternoon, visit Rose Peak before heading back. 【Highlights Recommendation: Emotional Tags】 【Instantly transported to Northern Europe】Arxan City: Exotic architecture surrounded by golden larch trees, with a small train running through, as if stepping into a European fairy tale town. 【Speechlessly beautiful crater lake】Tuofengling Crater Lake: It requires climbing many steps, but when you see that volcanic crater lake resembling a drop of blue tear, all the effort feels worthwhile. Autumn colors add a golden edge to it. 【Volcanic geological wonder】Shitang Forest: This is a Quaternary volcanic eruption geological relic, with golden larch trees growing on black volcanic rocks, creating a desolate yet unique beauty. 【Check-in Guide: 📸 Photo spots list】 Wusulangzi Lake: Must visit early in the morning! The lake is shrouded in morning mist, the autumn colors on the shore are rich, and fishermen’s small boats dot the scene, like a dream. Tuofengling Crater Lake Viewing Platform: The standard spot for panoramic shots of the crater lake, with richly colored autumn forests. Buddha River (Unfrozen River): A river section that doesn’t freeze even in severe winter; in autumn, the golden grass and trees on both banks, along with herds of cattle and sheep, create a beautiful and peaceful scene. Photo Outfit Tips: The environment is forest and lake, suitable for wearing forest-style or pastoral clothes; plaid shirts, knit hats, and long skirts are great choices. 【In-depth Experience Story】 On the second day early morning, we arrived at Wusulangzi Lake before sunrise. Thick white mist rose from the lake surface, and the forest on the opposite shore appeared faintly through the fog, with only some treetops visible. The sun slowly rose, and sunlight struggled to penetrate the dense fog, forming rays of light like Jesus beams. The whole scene was so quiet that only the shutter sound could be heard. That serene and sacred beauty made one hold their breath. As the sun rose higher, the mist gradually dispersed, revealing the lake and mountain scenery fully, like a grand performance slowly unfolding. 【Practical Information ✍🏻】 Transportation: Suitable for charter or self-driving; the park’s attractions are scattered and require vehicle transfers. Tickets: Park entrance ticket is 275 RMB (including sightseeing bus), valid for 48 hours. Accommodation: Strongly recommend staying in the park’s Crater Lake or Xing’an service areas for convenient early morning and evening visits and stargazing. Weather: Northeast autumn is very cold, especially in the early morning and evening; a down jacket is essential. This autumn, if you want to find a beautiful hidden gem with fewer people, Arxan is definitely the best choice!