Complete Guide to Horse Riding in Hulunbuir
In-Depth Travel Guide to Hulunbuir Grassland: Exploring the Enchanted Northern Frontier
Hulunbuir Grassland—this vast land, hailed as "China's Most Beautiful Grassland," attracts countless travelers with its endless green meadows, winding rivers, and unique nomadic culture. As one of the best-preserved grasslands in China, Hulunbuir not only boasts breathtaking natural scenery but also blends the cultures of Mongolian, Russian, and other ethnic groups. This article provides a detailed travel guide to Hulunbuir, covering the best travel times, must-visit attractions, special experiences, and practical tips to help you plan an unforgettable grassland journey.
Best Time to Visit
Hulunbuir has distinct seasons, each with its own charm, but **June to September** is widely recognized as the best travel season. During this period, the grassland displays its richest green hues, the climate is pleasant, with average temperatures between 16-21°C, making it an ideal summer retreat to escape the southern heat.
- **Mid to late June**: Wildflowers bloom across the grassland, with peony fields especially spectacular. Visitor numbers are relatively low, offering great value.
- **July to August**: The grassland reaches its deep green peak, with abundant pasture. This is the traditional peak tourist season, but be prepared for larger crowds and higher prices.
- **September**: The grassland turns golden, and the forests become colorful, making it a golden season for photography enthusiasts.
In winter (December to February), Hulunbuir transforms into a snowy wonderland. Although temperatures can drop below -30°C, the unique snow landscapes and winter activities attract adventurous travelers.
Classic Itinerary Recommendations
6 Days 5 Nights In-Depth Tour
**Day 1: First Impressions of Hailar**
Arrive in Hailar, the capital of Hulunbuir. Visit Genghis Khan Square and Hulunbuir Ethnic Culture Park. In the evening, savor local specialties such as roasted lamb leg and hand-held meat.
**Day 2: Morigele River and Erguna Wetland**
Drive to the "World’s First Meandering River," Morigele River, and admire its ribbon-like magnificent scenery. In the afternoon, explore Asia’s largest wetland—the Erguna Wetland. Walk along the boardwalk and enjoy panoramic views of Horseshoe Island.
**Day 3: Birch Forest and Enhe Russian Ethnic Village**
Stroll through the Birch Forest Scenic Area in the morning, where sunlight filters through the leaves creating dappled shadows. Dress in Evenki costumes for ethnic-style photos. In the afternoon, visit Enhe Russian Ethnic Village to experience Russian log houses and learn how to make Russian rye bread.
**Day 4: Border Checkpoints and Horse Riding at Heishantou**
Travel along the China-Russia border road (Checkpoints 7, 8, and 9), enjoying the scenery of both countries. In the afternoon, arrive at Heishantou and experience grassland horse riding under the guidance of professional horse trainers. Join a bonfire party in the evening.
**Day 5: Exotic Flavors of Manzhouli**
Visit Matryoshka Doll Square and the National Gate Scenic Area to experience the cultural fusion of China, Russia, and Mongolia. At night, enjoy the dazzling night view of Manzhouli, with the sound wave fountain at Beihu Park not to be missed.
**Day 6: Balhu Tribe and Return**
Watch the spectacular "Dance of the Horse" performance and try traditional Mongolian activities such as archery and wrestling. Return to Hailar in the afternoon to conclude the trip.
Must-Visit Attractions and Unique Experiences
1. **Morigele River**: Known as the "World’s First Meandering River" in Lao She’s writings, it looks like a necklace on the grassland. The best viewpoint is from the top of Muyun Mountain.
2. **Erguna Wetland**: Asia’s largest wetland, called the "Kidney of the Grassland," especially magnificent at sunset.
3. **Birch Forest Scenic Area**: Straight birch trees form a natural gallery, with mysterious "eye" patterns on the bark.
4. **Horse Riding at Heishantou**: Gallop under the guidance of professional coaches and feel the bold spirit of the grassland people.
5. **Matryoshka Doll Square in Manzhouli**: Giant nesting dolls and Russian-style architecture, with a nighttime light show turning the area into a fairy tale world.
6. **Aoluguya Reindeer Tribe**: Get close to gentle reindeer and learn about the unique hunting culture of the Evenki people.
7. **186 Ribbon River Grass Skiing**: Experience the thrill of skiing down a thousand-meter grass slope and enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the natural Taiji pattern formed by the Erguna River.
Practical Travel Tips
Transportation
- **Long-distance travel**: It is recommended to fly into Hailar Dongshan Airport, which has many flights and good cost performance; alternatively, take the train, with a convenient route from Harbin to Hailar.
- **Local travel**: Carpooling or chartering a vehicle for 4-6 people is recommended for flexibility and deeper exploration of the grassland interior; self-driving requires caution due to complex road conditions and some areas without signal.
Accommodation Recommendations
- **Mongolian Yurts**: Choose improved yurts with private bathrooms; Heishantou and ranch scenic areas are good options.
- **Log Houses**: Pure wooden Russian-style houses in Enhe and Shiwei offer an exotic experience.
- **Matryoshka Doll Hotels**: Unique accommodations in Manzhouli, suitable for families with children.
Food List
- **Grassland Flavors**: Hand-held meat, roasted whole lamb, salty milk tea, milk skin, and milk tofu.
- **Russian Cuisine**: Borscht, Russian sausages, and rye bread with blueberry jam at Manzhouli’s Rubly Restaurant.
- **Special Snacks**: Grassland ice cream from Tieshan Cold Drinks, known as the "Häagen-Dazs of the Grassland."
Important Notes
1. **Sun protection and warmth**: The grassland has strong UV rays; prepare SPF50+ sunscreen, sun hats, and sunglasses; large temperature differences between day and night require a light down jacket.
2. **Mosquito protection**: Summer has many mosquitoes; bring insect repellent and wear long pants and sleeves.
3. **Respect customs**: Enter yurts from the left side without stepping on the threshold; walk clockwise around sacred cairns (aobao).
4. **Eco-friendly travel**: Avoid trampling grasslands, stay away from barbed wire, and carry out all trash.
5. **Health precautions**: Bring stomach medicine and motion sickness pills; avoid overeating beef and mutton when first arriving on the grassland.
The beauty of Hulunbuir lies not only in its magnificent scenery reminiscent of a Windows desktop but also in the tranquility and freedom far from city noise. Whether galloping across the boundless grassland, lying outside a yurt counting stars, or getting close to reindeer, these unique experiences will become unforgettable travel memories. Follow this guide to deeply experience the charm of Hulunbuir and embark on a spontaneous grassland adventure.