Arxan National Forest Park

Inner Mongolia Arxan National Forest Park is located within the management area of Inner Mongolia Arxan Forestry Company. Administratively, it falls under the jurisdiction of Ewenki Autonomous Banner, Zhalantun City (both in Hulunbuir City) and Arxan City (in Hinggan League) of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, with most of its area in Arxan City, Hinggan League. Its total area is 103,149 hectares. The park features volcanic lava landforms, combining primitiveness, uniqueness and diversity. It has tourism resources such as primeval forests, volcanic relics, hot springs, alpine wetlands, rivers and lakes, canyons and peaks, ice and snow sports, and folk culture. As of July 2023, there are over 50 volcanic cones, 19 high-altitude volcanic craters, 8 major Tianchi (lakes formed in volcanic craters) and 9 major lava-dammed lakes in the park.

Highlights of Arxan National Forest Park

Tuofengling Tianchi

Tuofengling Tianchi

It is a highlight of Arxan National Forest Park. Formed after a volcanic eruption, the lake sits at an altitude of 1,284 meters, shaped like a human left foot. It is about 450 meters wide from east to west, 800 meters long from north to south, and covers an area of 26 hectares. Overlooking from a high place, the Tianchi is like a huge emerald embedded among the mountains. The surrounding volcanic rock landforms are unique with jagged rocks. The clear blue lake water contrasts sharply with the black volcanic rocks and lush forests, making it a perfect spot for taking photos. On the way up to the viewing platform, you can see the changes in vegetation at different altitudes, with the rich ecology dazzling your eyes. The whole tour takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.

Dujuan Lake

Dujuan Lake

Dujuan Lake is a lava-dammed lake, at an altitude of 1,224 meters. It has an average depth of 2.5 meters (max 5 meters), is L-shaped and covers 128 hectares. Azaleas bloom along the lake shore every spring. The pink flowers and green lake water go well together, making a picturesque scene. If you miss the flowering period, the lake and mountain views here are still charming — the clear lake reflects the shore trees, blue sky and white clouds. The lake’s northeast part is the water inlet, so it’s a living lake. In midsummer, the lake’s aquatic plants blend with sky clouds, forming a magical scene where water and sky become one. You usually need about 1 hour to fully enjoy its beauty.

Shitang Forest

Shitang Forest

Shitang Forest is Asia’s largest recently extinct volcano basalt landform area, stretching 20 km long and 10 km wide. Here, rocks have special shapes—like flower-like rocks, lava mounds and fumarolic cones. They look like sculptures nature carved carefully. Walk here, and you can see larches and other plants growing well on black basalt; this shows how life and nature live together wonderfully. Some ponds are also scattered in Shitang Forest. With strange rocks and trees, they make a special scene. It lets people wonder at nature’s magic. You usually spend 1 to 1.5 hours on the tour.

Santan Gorge

Santan Gorge

Santan Gorge is located in the upper reaches of the Halaha River in Arxan National Forest Park. The gorge is about 3 kilometers long and consists of Woniu Pond, Hushi Pond and Yuexin Pond. The riverbed has a steep slope. The Halaha River rushes through the gorge made of volcanic lava, with water droplets splashing and the sound of surging water echoing. The south wall of the gorge is steep and precipitous, while huge volcanic rocks pile up on the north side. In spring, azaleas bloom on both banks, forming a pleasant contrast with the rushing river. Walking along the plank road, you can feel the power of the flowing water up close and listen to the gurgling sound of the river, which is very comforting. A 40-minute to 1-hour tour is enough for you to immerse yourself in it.

Educational Value

Arxan National Forest Park has unique volcanic landforms, primitive forest ecosystems and rich plants and animals. It serves as a vivid natural classroom for tourists and researchers, helping the public better understand geological changes, ecological protection, biodiversity and sustainable development. At the same time, it shows the traditional culture of Mongolian people living with the forest. This promotes the passing down of ethnic ecological wisdom and environmental education.

Activities to do at Arxan National Forest Park

Boat Tour： Dujuan Lake (also called Cuckoo Lake) has an L-shape, clear water and nice views. You can take a sightseeing speedboat or small boat to go around the lake. A speedboat tour takes about 20 minutes and costs 50 yuan. If you take a small boat, you can drift slowly on the lake, enjoy the lake and mountain views as much as you like, feel the soft wind on your face, and enjoy nature’s peace and beauty.