5 Days Hulunbuir Grassland Tour: Inner Mongolia Summer Vacation

Hailar is the main urban district and gateway of Hulunbuir City in Inner Mongolia, China. Known as the "Pearl of the Grasslands," it blends a friendly city vibe with the vast beauty of the surrounding grasslands.

On this day, you will take a flight to Hulunbuir City and arrive at Hailar Dongshan International Airport, which is located about 7 to 10 kilometers east of Hailar’s city center. Upon arrival, our local guide and driver will meet you at the airport. You will be transferred to downtown Hailar in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle - a drive that takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Our guide will assist you with hotel check-in. The rest of the day is free for you to explore Hailar at your own pace.

Free Time Ideas (Depending on Arrival Time):

If you arrive in Hailar early, you can explore the city at your own pace. Asia Odyssey Travel recommends starting with Genghis Khan Square (成吉思汗广场), the city’s iconic landmark. Here, you’ll find impressive statues, including the grand statue of Genghis Khan on horseback - symbolizing strength, unity, and the spirit of the grasslands.

Next, visit the Hulunbuir National Museum (呼伦贝尔民族博物馆). This museum offers fascinating exhibits about the region’s diverse ethnic groups, grassland culture, and rich history.

If time permits, head to Hailar Old Town (海拉尔古城). Stroll through reconstructed historic streets with a blend of architectural styles, enjoy folk performances, and shop for local crafts.

Finally, make your way to the Hailar Night Market (海拉尔夜市) to experience the city’s vibrant evening atmosphere and sample some local specialties.

After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel in Hailar. Then, you’ll set off for the Hulunbuir Grassland, known as “the most beautiful grassland in China.” This region is famous for its endless rolling meadows, blue skies, and a stunning mosaic of rivers, forests, and wetlands.

Your first destination is the Morigele River, one of the most iconic and beautiful rivers on the Hulunbuir Grassland. The Morigele River is renowned for its winding, serpentine path - often called “the First Winding River under Heaven.” Flowing gracefully across the vast steppe, it is often described as a silver necklace adorning the grassland. Here, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to take amazing photos: both banks of the river are covered with lush grass and dotted with grazing cattle and sheep, creating a classic grassland landscape. If you wish, you can also experience horseback riding and archery (optional experience, extra fees) at the local Mongolian camps. Riding along the riverbank or across the grassland offers an unforgettable and immersive adventure.

After exploring the grassland, you will continue to the Erguna Wetland. This is the largest and best-preserved natural wetland in China, often referred to as the “No. 1 Wetland in Asia.” Covering about 12,000 hectares, the wetland features gently rolling terrain, a dense network of rivers and streams (mainly formed by the Ergun River and its tributaries), and a rich variety of plant and animal life. Upon arrival, you can walk along wooden walkways to the main viewing platform, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the winding rivers and the vast wetland. Strolling on the boardwalks allows you to explore forests, meadows, and riversides up close, getting a closer look at the wetland’s unique plants and birds. (Optional: A sightseeing bus is available from the entrance to the viewing platform for an additional fee.)

Travel Tips:

1. Best time to visit: June to September (summer and autumn), when the scenery is at its greenest and most vibrant.
2. What to bring: Sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent in summer; photographers may want to bring a telephoto lens.

After the tour, you will be transferred to Shiwei. It is about 158km, about 2.5-3 hours’ drive. Shiwei is a Russian-style town located right on the border between China and Russia. Here, you will see onion-domed wooden houses, colorful fences, and Russian-style churches lining the streets. Stay overnight in Shiwei.

After breakfast, you will set out for your next destination and say goodbye to Shiwei. This section of the journey is considered one of the most beautiful drives in Hulunbuir. Along the way, you’ll enjoy stunning river views, rolling grasslands, birch forests, wetlands, authentic Russian villages, and peaceful countryside scenery.

First, you will visit the Haur River Scenic Area. The Haur River’s winding course creates the unique “Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns” landscape. You will get to the observation deck and high points for breathtaking panoramic views. You can walk through tranquil birch woods along the riverbanks. In spring and summer, the forests are lush and green; in autumn, they turn golden, creating a fairy-tale atmosphere. Totally relaxing trip in this area.

Afterwards, you will drive for another 3 hours to reach Heishantou. Heishantou is one of the best places in Hulunbuir for horseback riding, with vast, unspoiled grassland pastures. (Optional experience, extra expenses on your own: Here, you can enjoy a variety of activities, such as riding across the grassland, climbing hills on horseback, and galloping through the open steppe, truly feeling the freedom of the grasslands.)

When evening falls, Heishantou is famous for having one of the most beautiful sunsets in Hulunbuir. You can climb up to the Heishantou viewing platform or ride to higher ground for a panoramic view of endless grasslands and the winding Ergun River. At sunset, the sky glows gold, orange, and purple, with the grasslands and river reflecting the beautiful colors - perfect for photography or simply enjoying the moment.

In the evening, experience staying in a traditional Mongolian yurt on the grassland. At night, join a bonfire party under the stars, enjoying Mongolian singing, dancing, wrestling, and archery. It will be a joyful night on the grassland.

On this day, you will have a beautiful time when wake up on the grassland. And after breakfast, let’s move to Manzhouli. Leaving Heishantou, your car glides along smooth, open roads that seem to stretch endlessly across the green carpet of the grasslands. In summer, the prairie is lush and dotted with wildflowers; in autumn, it turns golden and gently undulates under the wide sky. Herds of cattle, sheep, and horses graze freely, adding life and movement to the tranquil panorama.

After 3.5-hour drive, you will arrive at Hulun Lake, located about 40 km south of Manzhouli. As the largest lake in Inner Mongolia and the fifth largest freshwater lake in China, Hulun Lake covers an impressive 2,339 square kilometers, stretching roughly 93 km from east to west and 35 km from north to south. Around the lake, you will be greeted by breathtaking lakeside scenery and the tranquil beauty of pastoral life. Herds of cattle, sheep, and horses graze freely along the water’s edge, and you can also enjoy birdwatching.

Later, head to Manzhouli and begin your visit at the Guomen Scenic Area (China-Russia Border Gate). Admire the impressive architecture of the border gate, overlook the railway junction between China and Russia, and catch a glimpse of the Russian town of Zabaikalsk.

Next, visit Matryoshka Square (Russian Matryoshka Doll Square). This themed square, featuring giant Russian nesting dolls, is one of the most exotic and photogenic landmarks in Manzhouli. Take time to appreciate the colorful, oversized matryoshka dolls, Russian-style buildings, fountains, and sculptures.

Stay overnight in Manzhouli.

After breakfast, it’s time to head from Manzhouli to Hailar for your departure. The distance between Manzhouli and Hailar is about 228 kilometers, which takes about 2.5 to 3 hours by car. As your 5-day Hulunbuir Tour comes to an end, it’s time to say goodbye to the beautiful landscapes of Hulunbuir.

Inner Mongolia Trip Extension:

If you’d like to continue your journey to other destinations in Inner Mongolia - such as Hohhot, Baotou, or Ordos for grassland and desert exploration - just let us know. We can customize your tour to suit your interests.

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your China tour. We are committed to enhancing your travel experience and look forward to welcoming you on your next adventure in Asia. Have a safe journey home!