Autumn in Hulunbuir dyes the mountains and rivers into a gentle scene~
Who understands!! Autumn in Hulunbuir is not “golden,” it’s God’s spilled palette of softness! 🍁 Light golden grass waves, crimson forests, dark green pine woods, deep blue lakes… it’s like stepping into a Monet painting, even the wind carries warmth~
📍Why choose autumn in Hulunbuir?
🔸One of China’s earliest autumns: Mid-September the grasslands turn golden, late September to early October the forest areas (Arxan, Moerdaoga) reach peak color, meeting autumn earlier than northern regions!
🔸Ultimate gentleness: No summer noise, only endless grass waves, tranquil river bays, and the rustling of reindeer crossing the tundra, maximum healing power!
🔸Richest terrain variety: Grasslands, forests, wetlands, lakes, border towns… all the essence of northern autumn in one trip!
📸Hidden photo spots & gentle experiences (avoid crowds!):
1️⃣ Morigele River Grassland (classic but a must-visit!)
🔸“Cliff” viewing platform (unofficial): Overlook the world’s first winding river snaking through golden grasslands, at sunrise/sunset the water glows amber, breathtaking! (📍Navigate to “Xibuer Aobao,” turn right at the dirt road)
🔸Grass bale formations deep in the grassland: Avoid the viewing platform crowds, drive toward 【Muyun Mountain Top Hotel】, encounter rows of golden grass bales, lie down and shoot lazy, cinematic shots! 🌾
2️⃣ Erguna Wetland (Asia’s largest wetland!)
🔸Skip the scenic area, go to the “free hillside”! Navigate to “Labudalin Farm Fourth Production Team,” climb to the top for a panoramic wetland view—rivers like ribbons winding through colorful forests, saves the ticket fee instantly!
📌Gentle moment: Evening light gilds the forest with fuzzy gold edges, backlit portraits are stunning!
3️⃣ Birch Forest Scenic Area vs Wild Forest
🔸Scenic area: Boardwalks are convenient, reindeer park allows interaction (buy moss for 20 yuan), suitable for elders and children.
🔸Wild forest king: On the way 【Enhe→Shiwei】 or by the 【Border Road】, deserted birch forests carpeted with fallen leaves, sunlight piercing trunks casting light beams, full cinematic vibe!
4️⃣ Border Road (X904 County Road):
🔸Autumn corridor along the China-Russia border river! From Shiwei to Heishantou, drive along the Erguna River, the sections from Wuka to Qika to Jiuka are the most stunning! Wheat fields, haystacks, border posts, hills dyed in autumn colors… truly “driving through a painting”! 🛣️
⚠️Note: Signal is weak throughout, download offline maps in advance; drones are prohibited!
5️⃣ Arxan Forest Park (must add if passing by!)
🔸If time allows (+2 days), rush to Tuofengling Tianchi (volcanic lake surrounded by golden pines), and Buzong River morning mist (autumn blue hour)! Autumn colors here arrive about a week earlier than Hulunbuir’s forest areas.
6️⃣ Reindeer Tribe warm moments:
🔸Aoluguya Reindeer Tribe: Spend 20 yuan to buy moss, watch reindeer gently nuzzle your palm, eyelashes frosted—a gentle heart-melting moment! 🦌
📌Photo tip: Wear white/cream sweaters, squat lightly to meet the reindeer’s eye level for intimate shots.
7️⃣ Small town slow life:
🔸Enhe Russian Village: Stay in log cabins, ride horses through misty grasslands at dawn, learn to make rye bread in the evening.
🔸Manzhouli: The Matryoshka Doll Square at night looks like a fairy tale, Mammoth Park offers vintage castle photo ops.
🍂Best time to enjoy autumn (accurate to the week!):
🔸Early autumn (9.10-9.20): Grasslands start to yellow, forests slightly tinted, fewer people and better prices.
🔸Peak autumn (9.20-10.5): The pinnacle! Golden grasslands, forests interwoven with red, yellow, and green, stable weather. (⚠️Most crowded during National Day)
🔸Late autumn (10.5-10.10): Falling leaves, possible first snow, a desolate beauty.
🚗7-day in-depth self-driving route (tested, no rush!):
Day1: Hailar →【Morigele River】(cliff + deep grassland) → stay in Erguna
Day2: Erguna →【Free wetland hillside】→【Wild birch forest shoot】→ stay in Enhe
Day3: Enhe →【Shiwei】→【Border Road】(Wuka-Jiuka) → stay in Linjiang/Shiwei
Day4: Linjiang →【Eagle’s Beak】→【Moerdaoga Forest Park small train】→ stay in Genhe
Day5: Genhe →【Aoluguya Reindeer Park】→【Erguna River Wetland】→ stay in Heishantou (horseback sunset viewing)
Day6: Heishantou →【Border Highway】→【Manzhouli Matryoshka Doll Square】→ stay in Manzhouli
Day7: Manzhouli →【Hulun Lake】→ return to Hailar
📌Key: Drive the border road in the order “Shiwei → Jiuka → Wuka → Heishantou,” passenger side closer to the border river!
⚠️Pitfall tips (hard-earned lessons):
🚥Transport:
🚗 Rent a car or self-drive with an SUV! Some roads are rough (border road prone to waterlogging in rainy season), local car hire about 600-800 RMB/day (including fuel), sign a contract!
🚩Don’t trust low-price tours! Be cautious of those including “herder visits,” may be heavily commercialized.
🏠Accommodation:
🔸Heating starts late September! Choose hotels with heating/electric blankets, in Enhe and Shiwei stay in newly built log cabins (better soundproofing).
🔸Book 1 month in advance! Peak season is busy, Mongolian yurts in Heishantou and Matryoshka Doll hotels in Manzhouli are in high demand.
👗Clothing:
🧣Big temperature differences! Sweater + jacket during the day, thin down jacket/windbreaker needed for mornings and evenings! Bright scarves/hats add a nice touch.
👢Waterproof boots are essential (heavy dew on grasslands in the morning)!
🍽️Food:
🥩Must-eats: Hand-pulled meat, Buryat buns, Russian rye bread, iron pot stew, grilled lamb chops!
❗Avoid: Expensive “wild fish” near scenic spots.
🔖Others:
💰Bring cash! Signal is weak in border areas.
♻️Protect the environment, don’t trample the grasslands!
🐎 Ride horses at official stables (Heishantou is the most regulated), buy insurance!
✨Conclusion:
Autumn in Hulunbuir is a gentle painting of endless grasslands and rivers, the soft sound of reindeer crossing the tundra, and the undisturbed freedom along the border roads. Before the autumn breeze cools, rush to this limited-time romance~ 🍁