Hulunbuirās boundless grasslands and skies make it a dream travel destination, and this guide picks all the highlights from its vastness ā the Naadam Festival, reindeer-feeding with the Ewenki people, roasted lamb and borscht, and traditional Mongolian yurt accommodationā¦
Five days covers a classic loop and 7-9 days allows deeper exploration into the forests and border towns. Simply fly to Hulunbuir from major cities like Beijing between June and September, and the greenest Hulunbuir prairie and a slow-paced, unforgettable journey is within reach.
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- An Overview of Hulunbuir
- Top 8 Things to Do in Hulunbuir
- How to Plan Your Hulunbuir Itinerary
- Best Time to Visit Hulunbuir: Weather & Seasonal Guide
- How to Get to Hulunbuir: Flights, Trains & Transportation
- Where to Stay in Hulunbuir: Hotels, Yurts & Mukeleng
- What to Eat in Hulunbuir
- Plan Your Hulunbuir Tour with China Xian Tour
An Overview of Hulunbuir
Hulunbuir spans 250,000 square kilometers (larger than Britain, comparable to New Zealand). It borders Russia to the north, Mongolia to the west, and Heilongjiang province to the east.
The vast Hulunbuir prairie is often praised as āthe purest grasslandā. The dream-like scenes of cattle grazing while herders riding horses across the plains are part of everyday nomadic life. Beyond the plains lie wetlands, forests, over 3,000 rivers, and 500 lakes.
It was where Genghis Khan embarked on his journey of the Mongol tribesā unification. Today Hulunbuir has become a live example of cultural diversityā its residents consist of 48 ethnic groups, including Mongols and Ewenki people.
Top 8 Things to Do in Hulunbuir
Ride a Horse into the āWorldās Most Lush Grasslandā
Hulunbuir Grassland is renowned as one of the āWorldās Four Great Grasslandsā. When traveling here, leave the car behind. You can hop on a Mongolian horse and gallop along the winding curves of the Moāergele River toward an endless horizon. For your safety, consider an officially licensed stable like Heishantou.
Attend the āNaadam Festivalā ā Grassland Olympics
As its name indicates, the Naadam (meaning āgameā) Festival is Mongoliaās grandest spectacle takes place every July to August. It epitomizes the nomadic power and sense of ritual when competitors in colorful silk costumes perform horse racing, wrestling, and precision archery. If no competition is being held, you can still take a glance at the nomadic lifestyle by visiting herdersā houses and having a hands-on experience in cow milking and dried milk making.
Visit āReindeer Tribeāā Olguya/Aoluguya
In the heartland of Daxingāanling (Greater Khingan Range) lives the only ethnic minority in China that raises reindeer ā the Ewenki people. They are bound to reindeer by spirit. You can approach these docile forest elves raised by the tribe with moss as a gift, and take in intriguing shamanic legends shared by the elders.
Look out over the āNo.1 Wetland of Asiaāā Erguna
Erguna Wetland is the most well-preserved wetland at this latitude. Ascending the observation deck, you can see the Genhe River wind like a blue ribbon through shrubs. It becomes a photographersā paradise when golden light spills across the river at sunset.
Be a Resident of āMukelengā to Experience Russian-Chinese culture integration
You are likely to encounter ethnic Russians living in China in a border town like Shuwen or Enhe. Join them to bake Lieba (Russian-style bread) in a traditional Mukeleng (a log cabin with steeple). If you take a walk along the border river, you can even see wisps of cooking smoke drift from Russian village across the water.
Explore Manzhouli ā Russian Matryoshka Fairytale World
Manzhouli is Chinaās largest border crossing and a fairytale world on earth. The Russian architecture with onion domes scattering across the city creates a dreamy atmosphere especially at night.
Matryoshka Square is a must-visit if you wonder how hundreds of handmade nesting dolls form a theme park. Meanwhile, donāt forget to treat yourself with authentic and affordable Russian comfort food, such as aromatic borscht paired with tender braised beef.
Stay a Night at a Mongolian Yurt ā Sleep under the Starry Sky
If you want to be close to the real nomadic life, spending a night in a Mongolian yurt at the heart of the grassland would offer you some insight. Feast on hand-cut mutton by the campfire as your hostās morin khuur fills the darkness with hearty melodies and folk tales.
Camps near Heishantou are the top choice if you need a simple bathroom. Remember to book a reservation during the peak season.
Hulunbuir Grass Slideā Unique Grassland Entertainment
Beyond horseback riding, grass slide is an unmissable experience on the Hulunbuir Grassland. Zooming down from the slopes, you will be taking in extensive views of green prairie and winding rivers while embraced by the fragrant grass in the warm breezeā it is a perfect blend of thrill and joy. Here are three top recommended spots:
- 186 Ribbon River ā Longest Track with Wetland Views
Ticket Price: 100 CNY(USD 14) Ā for a ticket combo (entry+sightseeing bus)
Pros: Being the most famous and well-developed grass slide destination in Hulunbuir, its 1,200-meter track sends you from the hilltop all the way down with breathtaking views of the Erguna River winding like a silk ribbon through the wetlands.
Cons: Queues can be long during peak season ā consider a VIP fast-pass ticket if you want to skip the wait. Note that there are multiple braking points along the track, so thrill-seekers looking for top speed might find it a bit restrained.
- Wulan Mountainā Steepest & Fastest
Ticket Price: 100 CNY(USD 14) for single glass slide (entry & sightseeing bus tickets are sold separately)
Highlights: Wulan Mountain offers the steepest slope and few brakes, which delivers the most intense ride; The summit rewards you with a birdās-eye view of the Erguna Riverās famous āTai Chiā bend; It also features ziplining and a swing as a photo spot for young travelers.
- Heishantou āThe Prairie Is Hereāā Family-Friendly
Ticket Price: 100 CNY(USD 14) for glass slide; 90 CNY(USD 13) for the prairie train
Highlights: You might think a track of 1,350 meters would be the best part of it? Surprise! It offers unlimited rides! It is worth the price to satisfy you and your familyās curiosity and passion.
The train ride across the grassland is scenic and adds to the family fun experience. Make sure to arrive early to avoid long lines during peak season.
How to Plan Your Hulunbuir Itinerary
The key to a pleasant Hulunbuir travel experience is the time and route. Follow the two recommended routes which pinpoint the shiny spots on this vast land:
Route One: 5 DayāHulunbuir Grassland Forest Train
Venture into Inner Mongolia's vast Hulunbuir grasslands, encountering nomadic herders, roaming reindeer, and the unspoiled wilderness of the Greater Khingan Range.
D1: Arrive at Hailar
D2: Hailar ā Hulunbuir Grassland ā Erguna Wetland ā Genhe River
D3: Genhe River ā Aoluguya Ewenki Reindeer Tribe ā Moridaga National Forest Park ā Shiwei
D4: Shiwei ā Enhe Ethnic Russian Household Experience (Lieba making and other activities) āHeishantou Horse Riding Experience (stay at Mongolian yurt)
D5: Heishantou ā Depart from Hailar Airport
Route Two: 9 DaysāHulunbuir Grassland Ā· Aoluguya
Journey across Inner Mongolia's vast Hulunbuir Grassland, visit China's only reindeer-herding Aoluguya tribe, explore the Russian-border town of Manzhouli, and sandboard Kubuqi Desert dunes.
D1: Arrive at Hohhot
D2: Hohhot ā Kubuqi Desert ā Dalate Banner
D3: Dalate Banner ā Inner Mongolia Museum ā Fly to Hailar
D4: Hailar ā Hulunbuir Grassland ā Erguna Wetland ā Erguna
D5: Erguna ā Ethnic Russian Household Experience ā Aoluguya Ewenki Reindeer Tribe ā Moridaga
D6: Moridaga ā Moridaga National Forest Park ā Shiwei
D7: Shiwei ā Heishantou Horse Riding Experience
D8: Heishantou āHulun Lake ā Mammoth Park ā Matryoshka Square ā Manzhouli
D9: Manzhouli ā Depart from Hailar Airport
Hulunbuir is suitable for a family trip as long as you donāt overpack your travel plan.
Family Fun Activities
Let your kids be a one-day herder at Heishantou to feed sheep and milk cows, bring a basket of moss to feed the gentle reindeer, bake a toasty Lieba, and have a sweet dream at a well-equipped Mongolian yurt under the starry Milky Way. All these immersive activities are more impressive than busy check-ins along the way.
Best Time to Visit Hulunbuir: Weather & Seasonal Guide
The best time to travel Hulunbuir is late May to mid-September.
Mid-May to July and August marks the greening transformation of Hulunbuir Grassland, from light green to emerald lushness.
Hulunbuir does not feature wet weather. Its average annual precipitation is around 400mm (16 inches), with 70% of the rainfall takes place in summer.
Hulunbuir Dressing Guide
Hulunbuirās temperature shows a dramatic day-night difference:
Spring & Autumn (May, September to October): 5-15ā
Tips: windproof + fleece jackets; face masks
Summer (June to August): daily average 15-26ā
Tips: short-sleeve shirts+ pants in the daytime; down coats, sunscreen, and sunglasses throughout the day; mosquito repellent (IMPORTANT)
How to Get to Hulunbuir: Flights, Trains & Transportation
Flight
There are four airports in Hulunbuir, while Hailar Airport and Manzhouli Airport are the most convenient for international tourists. Both airports have flights to Russia and Mongolia available.
Hailar Airport
Distance from the CBD: 7km
Major Direct Domestic Flights: Beijing (2 hrs) & Shanghai
Tips: book your tickets one month ahead during the peak season
Manzhouli Airport
Distance from the CBD: 12km
Major Flights: similar to Hailar Airportās
Train
Stations: Hailar Station & Manzhouli Station
Direct Service: Beijing (32 hrs), Tianjin, Shenyang & Harbin
Important Notice: No high-speed rails available!
Where to Stay in Hulunbuir: Hotels, Yurts & Mukeleng
Choose Hailar city for convenience or opt for Mongolian yurt stays for authentic grassland life experiences. For traditional Mukeleng, head to Enhe or Shiwei in Erguna.
Stays in Hailar City: Chain hotels like Hilton
Pros: close to the airport; convenient dining and shopping
Mongolian Yurt
Pros: unobstructed views of the grassland and the starry sky
Cons: far from major facilities; limited dining options in local accommodation
Mukeleng (Enhe/Shiwei)
Pros: full timber structure; aromatic pine-scented interiors; Russian ethnic atmosphere
Make an enquiry to China Xian Tour for more information about stays in Hulunbuir
What to Eat in Hulunbuir
Roasted whole lamb is the āultimate grassland honorāā 1-to-2-year-old wether slowly roasted over fruitwood until golden and crisp on the outside, tender and juicy within. A variety of milk skins and curds as side dishes will satisfy the palate of dairy lovers.
Hulun Lake Full Fish Feast: ranging from 12 to hundreds of dishes, including carp and whitefish, with bones and roe turned into delicacies
Authentic Russian Flavors (thanks to its border with Russia): hop-leavened rye bread, sizzling roast meats & classic sweet-and-sour borscht
Plan Your Hulunbuir Tour with China Xian Tour
Hulunbuir is where grasslands, forests, and wetlands converge and the ancient legends of Mongols, Oroqen, and Russian descendants flow through. A slow journey into the heart of the prairie will become your warmest memory of Inner Mongolia.
If you are drawn to this wonderland of freedom, China Xian Tour is here to helpā we are ready to arrange your personalized itinerary, answer your inquiries, and make your grassland trip effortless from the very start.
