Ergun Wetland: The Largest and Most Beautiful Wetland in Asia

Written by Veronica | Updated June 19,2025

When summer arrives, it’s the perfect time to visit the vast grasslands, and if you’re traveling in Hulunbuir in Inner Mongolia, Ergun Wetland Park (额尔古纳湿地公园) is an absolute must-see. The original name of Ergun Wetland was Genhe Wetland, and it was renamed Ergun Wetland after 2009. The wetland is located in the northwest of the Great Khingan Mountains, on the east bank of the Ergun River, and belongs to the mud flat of Ergun River and its tributaries.

Encompassing a remarkable 1,563,100 hectares of high-latitude, low-altitude, native woody wetland, Ergun boasts the largest, best-preserved, and most species-diverse wetland system in Asia. The beautiful Argun River, enchanting scenery, vast expanse and the virgin forests of the Greater Khingan Mountains have together earned it the title of “Asia’s No. 1 Wetland”, and  the “most beautiful wetland in Asia.”

In this article, we will cover top highlights to see and recommended activities and experiences during your visit to Erguna Wetland Scenic Area. Tips about best time, how to get to are also included.

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• Fast Facts about Ergun Wetland
• Must-See Features and Attractions of Ergun Wetland
• Top Things to Do
• When to Visit Ergun Wetland
• How to Reach Ergun Wetland
• Travel Tips for Ergun Wetland
• Attractions Nearby Ergun Wetland

Fast Facts about Ergun Wetland

• Location: Located within Shangkuli Sub-district, Ergun City, Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, on the western foot of the northern section of the Greater Khingan Mountains, near Russia and the Hulunbuir Grassland.
• Area: 1,563,100 hectares
• Tickets: RMB 65/person from May to September; RMB 20/person in off-peak season; RMB 15 for sightseeing bus.
• Opening Hours: 8:00-17:30
• Time Needed: 3-4 hours
• Best Time to Go: June to October

Must-See Features and Attractions of Ergun Wetland

Rich Wetland Types and Natural Wonders

Ergun Wetland features diverse wetland ecosystems. From permanent river wetlands, herbaceous marsh wetlands, shrub marsh wetlands, forest wetlands, to marshy meadows, visitors can expect to find every type of wetland during their visit to Ergun Wetland.

More than that, this largest wetland in Asia covers almost all types of natural ecosystems. Ergun Wetland is crisscrossed by rivers, with lakes and swamps scattered everywhere, as well as floodplains and endless shrub meadows on both sides of the river. There are also large forests of white birch and larch on the high slopes on both sides of the river valley. It is precisely this abundant landscape that has nurtured numerous wild animals in the Ergun Wetland.

Rich species of Birds, Vascular Plants and Rare Animals

Ergun Wetland has rich and diverse species. Due to stable water conditions and abundant wetlands, this place has become a very important shelter for many birds.

Ergun Wetland is one of the most important breeding grounds for red-crowned cranes in the world, and also an important habitat for endangered species such as swan geese. Every year, about 20 million birds migrate, stay, breed, and inhabit here. You can choose to bring a telescope and observe various rare birds in Ergun Wetland during your Inner Mongolia tours.

It is home to about 338-404 species of vascular plants, including the rare Salix udensis, Paeonia lactiflora, and Cypripedium macranthos. Over 268 species of vertebrates also inhabit here, including 8 national first-class protected animals.

Evenki Ethnic Culture

The unique and mysterious ethnic group – the Evenki, live on the right bank of the Ergun River. They are the only reindeer-herding ethnic group in China. Make a visit to the village to look into their traditional hunting and nomadic lifestyle.

Russian Ethnic Culture

Ergun City is also home to Shiwei and Enhe Russian Ethnic Townships. They are waiting to welcome you with their vibrant festivals, ethnic costumes, and rich Russian culinary culture.

Horseshoe Island

As the core attraction of Ergun Wetland, the Horseshoe Island is a naturally formed oxbow lake, named after its resemblance to a horseshoe. For thousands of years, the water has been abundant without overflowing and scarce without drying up, which is also the magic of Horseshoe Island.

Recommended Inner Mongolia Tours to Hulunbuir

• 5 Days Inner Mongolia Hulunbuir Grassland Tour
• 6 Days Inner Mongolia Desert, Grassland & Culture Discovery

Top Things to Do

Visit the Wetland Museum

At the Ergun Wetland Scenic Area, you can first visit the Wetland Museum. Spanning 14,000 square meters, the museum harmoniously blends with its surrounding natural environment. Its three main exhibition units showcase over 2,000 species of animals and plants within the local ecological food chain, offering visitors a chance to delve into the wetland’s unique ecology and rich history.

Ascend for Panoramic Views of Ergun Wetland

Hike along the wooden boardwalk (3.2 kilometers long) for sightseeing. After climbing to the top, you can overlook the panoramic view of Ergun Wetland from viewing platforms, enjoy the Ergun city mark – “Horseshoe Island”, the “S-Bend” resembling a Tai Chi diagram, the “Tongxin Island” surrounded by three winding rivers, and the overall view of Ergun City.

You can also ride a bicycle or hike along the river to experience the charm of wetland up close.

When to Visit Ergun Wetland

The scenery of Ergun Wetland varies with the seasons. The optimal traveling time is from June to September when the weather is pleasant. Both green summer and golden autumn exude an air of tranquility.

In summer, the clear Genhe river flows quietly with blue sky and white clouds reflecting in the river water. The melody of life plays in this wetland, with herons flying in pairs and cattle grazing leisurely. The meandering water surrounds the meadow, and the shore is covered with low trees and shrubs, full of greenery.

Autumn (from mid September to early October) is one of the most beautiful seasons in the Ergun Wetland, with colorful scenery like a magnificent painting drawn by nature. In autumn, this wetland is like a painter’s palette, cleverly combining bright yellow, red, and brown, which can be described as breathtaking.

How to Reach Ergun Wetland

From Hailar, Hulunbuir City, you can first drive a private or rented car to Labudalin Town in Ergun City, and the journey takes about 2 hours to cover a distance of 130 km. Then get to the Ergun Wetland Scenic Area, which is about 3 kilometers away.

Travel Tips for Ergun Wetland

• Consider taking a different path back after reaching the observation deck for panoramic views. Instead of returning the way you came, you can follow the wooden boardwalk along an alternate route to enjoy diverse perspectives of the river and wetlands.
• Visiting at dusk is recommended to witness the stunning wetland sunset.

Attractions Nearby Ergun Wetland

• White Birch Forest Scenic Area: features stunning white birch trees where visitors can enjoy a serene and peaceful environment.
• Hulun Lake: the fifth-largest freshwater lake in China and an ideal location for boating and fishing.
• Montenegro Head (Heishantou): This border town boasts a large black stone monument marking the boundary between China and Russia.
• Shiwei Russian Town: This border town features Russian-style architecture and customs.