The Ultimate Summer Escape! Arxan – A 20°C Cool Paradise

Nestled deep in the Greater Khingan Mountains, the fairytale town of Arxan is the ultimate summer retreat! Located in Inner Mongolia's Xing'an League, it forms a "mystical triangle" with Hulunbuir Grassland and Changbai Mountain. With an average summer temperature of just 22°C and over 80% forest coverage, its volcanic and glacial landscapes create a magical terrain, earning it the title of "Most Beautiful Town" by *Chinese National Geography*. Legend has it that Genghis Khan once drank "holy water" here to heal his wounds, leaving behind the name "Hot Sacred Spring." Today, its volcanic crater lakes, primeval forests, unfrozen rivers, and drinkable mineral springs await your discovery! ⛺ **Must-Visit Spots** 🌋 **Top 3 Volcanic Wonders** **Arxan Tianchi (Heavenly Lake)** A sapphire-blue tear in a volcanic crater! At 1,323 meters above sea level, this lake is pure magic. Hike up 988 steps at 6 AM to catch the misty sunrise—it’s like stepping into a fairy tale. Pro tip: A drone shot here creates a stunning "mirror of the sky" effect! **Santan Gorge** Follow the reverse flow of the Halaha River to discover "summer glaciers"! Linked by Wouniu Pond, Hushi Pond, and Yuexin Pond, this rocky riverbed is dotted with volcanic stones. From June to July, you might even spot glaciers alongside flowing streams. Wear waterproof shoes—and keep an eye out for white deer drinking by the water! **Shitang Forest** A "submarine world" of volcanic lava! Covered in moss and lichen, the black basalt formations look extraterrestrial. The stone pillars deep inside are a photographer’s dream—wear bright colors for a sci-fi vibe. 🌸 **Hidden Forest Gems** **Azalea Lake**: Even in late July, you can still catch azalea reflections. The southwest viewing platform is a secret photo spot. Stay in a lakeside cabin (¥600/night) and watch the Milky Way "fall" into the lake at 3 AM—breathtaking! **Oroqen Primitive Tribe**: Trek through ancient forests to find Evenki totems, learn to craft birch bark art from hunters, and feed adorable reindeer with ¥15 moss. Wear vibrant clothes for photos! **Bailang Peak Sea of Clouds**: Hike up at 4 AM for a sunrise above the clouds. Pick wild blueberries on the way—bring a jar! 🍖 **Arxan’s Must-Try Flavors** ✅ **Baolige Ice-Boiled Lamb**: Tender lamb cooked in a volcanic stone pot (¥98/jin), paired with wild chive flowers. Their homemade yogurt is the perfect palate cleanser! ✅ **Mountain Delicacy Feast**: A 168-dish forest banquet. Must-tries: cold-water fish sashimi (2x more Omega-3 than salmon) and crispy swallowtail greens (3x the fiber of celery). Book ahead for the "9 Sacred Water Rituals" experience! ✅ **Grassland Grandma’s Milk Tea**: Freshly roasted millet + milk skin (¥18/pot). Try savory Mongolian milk tea with juicy beef pies—heavenly! 🚫 **Pitfalls to Avoid**: "Wild lingzhi mushrooms" at scenic spots are often farmed. Skip the bitter *Artemisia selengensis*—it’s like black coffee! 🛬 **Travel Guide** ⏰ **Best Time**: June–August. July for golden lotus fields, August for peak coolness. Don’t miss the Ulan Mod Grassland Nadam Festival (June–Oct) for horseback riding and wrestling! 📅 **4-Day Itinerary** **D1: Arrival** ✈️ Fly from Beijing to Arxan Yiershi Airport (1.5h), then take a chartered car (¥500/day) to downtown. Highlights: Collect mineral water at Wuli Spring → Snap photos at Arxan Railway Station (Russian-style retro vibes) → Try *Artemisia* buns at Hot Spring Street Night Market. 🏨 Stay at Chengyue Hotel (¥400/night, 5-min walk to Hot Spring Museum). **D2: Volcanic Adventure** 🚗 Charter a car to Arxan National Forest Park (¥180 ticket + ¥105 shuttle). Route: Tianchi (morning mist) → Santan Gorge (upstream hike) → Shitang Forest (volcanic rocks) → Azalea Lake (sunset). 🍚 Lunch at Wuyue Courtyard: Must-order chicken stewed with hazel mushrooms and iron-pot fish. 🏨 Stay at Tianchi Forest Resort (cabins from ¥980—feed squirrels from your balcony!). **D3: Wilderness Day** 🚗 Head to Bailang Peak → Oroqen Tribe. Activities: Sunrise above clouds → Reindeer encounters + birch bark art → Riverside camping (¥200/tent; guides provide bear spray). 🍢 Dinner: Hunter’s grilled venison skewers (¥20 each) under the stars! **D4: Farewell Rituals** 🌅 Capture Azalea Lake’s mist → Buy cheap blueberry jam at Yiershi Market → Soak in sulfur-scented hot springs (¥198+). 🏨 **Stay Smart** ⭐ **Downtown**: Chengyue Hotel (¥400/night) – Book 1 month ahead! ⭐ **Forest Luxury**: Tianchi Forest Resort (cabins from ¥980) – Wake up to birdsong. ⭐ **Adventure**: Halaha River camping (¥200/tent) – Pack warm (10°C at night)! ⭐ **Budget**: Bailang Town homestays (¥200/night) – Locals know best! 🧡 **Pro Tips** ⚠️ Skip Qixian Lake Grassland in rainy season—opt for chartered cars (Tank 300: ¥600/day). 🌞 Pack quick-dry clothes, bug spray, sunscreen, and waterproof shoes. 💡 Cash needed at some park shops. Real hot springs smell like sulfur! 🛍️ Souvenirs: Wuli Spring water, blueberry jam, wild mushrooms (cheapest at Yiershi Market). Arxan’s summer is a fairytale of forests and stars. While city folks hide in AC, here we pick mushrooms under the Milky Way and brew milk tea over volcanic stones. This summer, elope to 22°C Arxan—and live the poetry! ✨