Hulunbuir: exploring China’s grasslands

Wide open plains, expansive blue skies, meandering rivers and herds of grazing cattle and sheep: welcome to Hulunbuir, China’s most beautiful grassland.

China holds more grasslands than any other country, with vast swathes of it covering Inner Mongolia in the north-east of the country. This is where you’ll find Hulunbuir, an area of agricultural importance, cultural significance and natural wonder. 

Named after two lakes of this region – Hulun and Buir – Hulunbuir is home to untouched woods, meadows, and rivers, with more than 400 species of wildlife and 800 species of plants and trees. Alongside nature, traditional ways of life are being just as carefully preserved.

Enthralled? We’ll guide you through how to experience all this splendour on your next trip. 

How to get there and getting around

While Hulunbuir is technically a city, it is vast – one of the largest regions in China by area – and sparsely populated, peppered with smaller towns. Among these, Hailar serves as the city’s main urban hub and a gateway to the rest of the region, with an international airport and railway station. 

By far the easiest way to reach Hailar is by air. A flight to Hulunbuir Dongshan International Airport takes around 2.5 hours from Beijing, while a train from Beijing to Hailar could take up to a staggering 30 hours.  

Because of its size and remoteness, the most realistic way to get around Hulunbuir is with a private car. While buses do run to certain tourist areas from Hailar Bus Station, a car offers much more flexibility for your trip. In Hailar, you’ll find numerous tour operators with drivers who can also share local knowledge with you as you travel. 

What to see and do

Hailar is surrounded by grassland, so you’ll find it no matter which direction you travel in. However, we’ve outlined some areas of special interest worth adding to your itinerary below -  it’s a good idea to factor in some overnight stays so you can go further and see more. 

Morigele River

Just an hour’s drive north from Hailar, the Morigele River begins to wind its way through the landscape. Surrounded by greenery on either side, it provides endless opportunities for taking photos or to kick back and soak up the peaceful atmosphere and fresh air.   

Ergun Wetland Scenic Area

Drive north from Hailar for around three hours and you’ll reach the city of Ergun, home to the Ergun Wetland Scenic Area. This is one of the largest and best-preserved wetlands in China, with waterways that weave through meadows, trees and shrubs. Head to the raised viewing platform for breathtaking panoramic views of the whole area. 

Moerdaoga National Forest Park

Further north is the mystical Moerdaoga National Forest Park. Abundant in wildlife but low on people, this protected area is the perfect place to enjoy some blissful solitude. It’s especially lovely in the autumn, when the larch and birch trees of the forest form a sea of gold and copper. Hop on the sightseeing train that traverses the park, or explore the area at your own pace on foot. 

Aoluguya Reindeer Village

Get up close and personal with adorable reindeer at the Aoluguya Reindeer Village. You’ll also meet the people who have herded them for centuries and learn more about their traditional way of life at the on-site museum. With its unique culture and plenty of beautiful scenery to explore, this place is worth the day’s drive from Ergun City. 

Manzhouli 

Around three hours west of Hailar, teetering on the border between China and Russia, is the city of Manzhouli. It’s a one-of-a-kind place to experience a fusion of Chinese, Mongolian and Russian culture, with fascinating art and architecture. When you’re ready for a change of pace, visit the scenic Manzhouli Beihu Park and take a stroll around its shimmering pond. 

Shiwei and Enhe

Sitting on the banks of the Ergun River is another must-see border settlement: Shiwei. This small rustic village is bursting with character – you’ll find horses grazing in paddocks and mukeden, which are traditional Sino-Russian log houses. It takes around three hours to reach from Ergun City, and you can make a stop at Enhe, a similarly charming village, on the way. 

Where to stay 

Hailar is a great choice of headquarters. You’ll find a wide range of hotels to choose from here, but we recommend the Hampton by Hilton Hulunbuir Hailar Street for style, space and comfort, or the Holiday Inn & Suites Hulunbuir for sleek modernity. 

If you’re planning an overnight stay in one of Hulunbuir’s other districts, be sure to check out the Shangri-La Manzhouli , a fabulous property on the edge of Manzhouli Beihu Park available to book through Cathay Holidays. Alternatively, if you want more time to explore the Ergun Wetland Scenic Area, try the newly opened Yucheng Marriott Shuihui Intelligent Hotel or Eerguna Hotel in Ergun City. 

Looking for a dash of whimsy? At the enchanting  Forest Ice Hotel in Genhe, you’ll have the option to stay in a room made entirely of ice. Meanwhile, for an authentic yurt experience, the Golden Horde Mongolian Tribe is a perennially popular choice. 

When to go

Each season in Hulunbuir brings something different. The most popular time to visit is between May and October, when the scenery is at its most lush and vibrant, though T the autumn and winter months are increasingly drawing leaf hunters and snow lovers, too. Do bear in mind, however, that you’re more likely to encounter weather-related disruptions during those months.