Hulunbuir Grassland

Hulunbuir Grassland gets its name from Hulun Lake and Buir Lake. It is one of the world's four major grasslands, and also a famous natural pasture across the globe.In the western part of Hulunbuir City lies this grassland, which covers about 100,000 square kilometers. Over 3,000 rivers and more than 500 lakes can be found here.June to September each year is the tourist peak season for the grassland. The pasture grass grows lush and dense during these months, so it is perfect for horse riding and fishing. What's more, places like Manzhouli Matryoshka Square and Erguna Wetland have special charm—they attract every visitor deeply.

Highlights of Hulunbuir Grassland

The Mo'ergel River

Mo'ergel River

Known as "the most winding river under heaven", the Mo'ergel River has a twisting course. It looks like a silk ribbon dancing in the wind, stretching freely over the vast Hulunbuir Grassland. Its beauty was once praised by the famous writer Lao She, and this praise made the river well-known far and wide. When you climb to the top of Muyun Mountain, the scene before you unfolds like a painting. You can see all the twists and bends of the Mo'ergel River at a glance. The river water is clear and glistens, and it shines with golden light under the sun. By the riverbank, flocks of cattle and sheep graze slowly. They make a vivid picture of lively grassland life. The afterglow of the setting sun falls on the river at dusk, dyeing the whole watercourse orange-red. Together with the green grassland and white flocks around, it forms a stunning view. Many photographers are attracted here to capture this short-lived beauty. The Mo'ergel River always has unique charm, no matter how the seasons change. In spring, it rushes forward when ice melts; in summer, its water plants grow lush; in autumn, it shows colorful scenery; in winter, it is covered in snow. Every season here is worth exploring.

Erguna Wetland

Erguna Wetland

Erguna Wetland is called "Asia's No.1 Wetland"—it's a precious gift from nature. When you step into the scenic area and walk along the wooden boardwalk, picturesque views will be around you all the way. The clear Gen River flows quietly through the wetland. Dense white birch forests and green mossy marshes stand on both sides of the river. Go up to the viewing platform and look down at the whole wetland; the great scene will surprise you a lot. It's like a huge emerald set on the earth, and the horseshoe-shaped peninsula is especially easy to see under the sun. Summer turns it into a sea of flowers. Colorful wild flowers bloom one after another, and they look nice with the lush plants. In autumn, the leaves of white birch forests slowly turn yellow. The layers of trees become golden, as if the wetland has put on a golden coat. This place is more than a nice sight to look at—it's also a home for many rare birds. Every spring and summer, 23 rare kinds of birds like red-crowned cranes and swan geese live and have babies here. They make the wetland more lively and beautiful. Walk here, breathe fresh air and feel nature's peace and harmony. You can forget your troubles in life and lose yourself in this dreamlike wetland scenery.

Manzhouli China-Russia Border Tourist Area

The giant matryoshka-shaped building at Matryoshka Square

Manzhouli China-Russia Border Tourist Area mixes Chinese and Russian cultural features, and it's full of exotic charm. The giant matryoshka-shaped building at Matryoshka Square catches people's eyes easily. There are 108 matryoshkas in different sizes—each has a special shape and bright color, like leading people into a fairy-tale world. The light show begins when night comes. Historical and cultural scenes of China, Russia and Mongolia are projected onto the matryoshka building by 3D mapping technology, and this makes a stunning view. The 5th-generation National Gate stands on the border in the National Gate Scenic Area. It's solemn and has seen the exchanges between the two countries. When you stand under it, you can see Russia's Zabaykalsk Town right away; its red-roofed buildings are arranged neatly but not in a rigid way. Many tourists are attracted to take photos by the No. 41 boundary marker—it's majestic, and people want to record this special border trip. Also, the Russian circus shows are great. The actors have wonderful skills and their funny performances make people laugh hard, which adds much joy to the journey. You can walk along the China-Russia Business Pedestrian Street here. Pick nice Russian handicrafts, taste real Russian food, and feel the unique charm of mixed Chinese and Russian cultures in a full way.

Aoluguya Reindeer Tribe Scenic Area

Aoluguya Reindeer Tribe Scenic Area

China's last "reindeer-raising tribe" lives in Aoluguya Reindeer Tribe Scenic Area, and the place is full of mystery. When you step into it, you'll feel like you're traveling through time to the ancient world of the Ewenki people. There's a unique folk art called birch-bark painting—you can learn to make it. This art uses birch bark as material. It shows the Ewenki people's daily life and cultural beliefs by carving, painting and other crafts. You can stay in a traditional "cuoluozi" (a tent-like house of the Ewenki). This lets you experience their housing culture and enjoy a different life while seeing curling smoke from the fire. Getting close to reindeer is what people look forward to most here. Reindeer are strong, with beautiful antlers. They eat moss from tourists' hands gently, and their bright eyes seem to "talk". Walk in the forest, with these lovely animals around you—it feels like being in a fairy tale.You can also listen to the Ewenki's old legends here. Learn how they've lived closely with reindeer for a long time, feel how nice it is when humans and nature live in harmony, and fully experience this special reindeer culture.

Educational Value

Hulunbuir Grassland's educational value comes from how nature, humanity and history mix together. It's a natural pasture, and this makes it a "living textbook" for ecology. Here, people can see the ecological chain made by pastures, cattle, sheep and rivers directly. They can also learn the sustainable idea of rotational grazing to protect grasslands. This grassland is the birthplace of nomadic civilization. Ethnic groups like the Xianbei and Mongols once became strong here. Ancient city ruins, Aobao (Mongolian sacred stone heaps) and other relics let people feel the history of nomadic and Central Plains civilizations mixing. What's more, people can experience lively Mongolian culture firsthand—like watching horse racing and wrestling at the Naadam Festival, and learning about living rules in yurts. Hulunbuir Grassland has vast scenery, which wake up people's respect for nature. It also has a deep history and folk customs, which help people understand that Chinese civilization has many parts. This nurtures people's awareness of protecting ecology and their tolerance for different cultures.

Activities to do at Hulunbuir Grassland

Taking the Sightseeing Train： Riding the "Greater Khingan Range Sightseeing Train" (a forest and grassland sightseeing train) is a great experience. This train goes back and forth between Hailar District and Manguizhen Town, and it stops at Kuduer Town and Genhe City on the way. It links natural landscapes like grasslands, forests and wetlands well. Tourists can watch great performances by the Wulan Muqi (a mobile art troupe) on the train, and they can also taste special foods from the forest area.