Beat the May crowds with a trip to this off-the-beaten-path city

Here is a travel guide for Arxan: Preparation • Clothing: Arxan has low temperatures. Even in summer, pack long-sleeved jackets and long pants. For spring and fall, bring thick jackets and sweaters. Winter requires down jackets, thick cotton-padded coats, hats, scarves, gloves, snow boots, and other warm clothing. • Identification: Bring your ID card and any other required documents, such as a student ID or senior citizen card, to receive applicable discounts. • Items: Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, moisturizer, personal medications, etc. Transportation Guide • Transportation: Arxan has an airport, but flights are limited, so consider flying to Ulanhot Airport first and then transferring to a train to Arxan. Alternatively, you can take a train directly from Ulanhot, which allows you to enjoy the scenic views along the way. • Getting around the city: Arxan's urban area is quite small, making it easy to get around on foot or by taxi. To visit attractions in the outskirts, renting a car or chartering one is advisable as public transport options are limited. Recommended Attractions • Arxan Railway Station: Built in 1937, this is a Japanese-style building known as "the most beautiful small railway station in China." You can view it from the outside to admire its unique architectural style. Watching the sunset here in the evening is beautiful. Address: Near Xinglin Road, Arxan City. Recommended visit time: 15 minutes. • Arxan National Forest Park: Located at the southwestern foot of the Greater Khingan Range, this is a must-visit destination. Attractions within the park include Hump Ridge Heavenly Lake, Arxan Heavenly Lake, Santan Gorge, Shitanglin (Stone Pond Forest), and Dujuan Lake (Azalea Lake). You can choose the highlights route, visiting sites like Arxan Heavenly Lake, Santan Gorge, Shitanglin, and Guibeiyan (Turtle Back Rock); if time permits, you can explore further to Dujuan Lake and Hump Ridge Heavenly Lake. Tickets cost CNY 180 per person during peak season and CNY 140 per person during the off-season. The park sightseeing bus ticket is CNY 105 per person. All tickets are valid for two days. • Bailang Peak Scenic Area: Located southeast of Arxan City, it features vast forests of white birch, pine, and black birch. Ascending to the summit reveals different landscapes: mountains covered with azaleas in spring, misty clouds over green fields in summer, a golden expanse in fall, and a vast snowy forest in winter. Admission: CNY 80 per person. Opening hours: 4:00 - 20:00. • China Hot Spring Museum: Home to 37 springs famous for their rich mineral content. Admission: CNY 30 per person. Hot spring experience: CNY 298 per person. Opening hours: 8:30 AM - early morning the next day. Food Recommendations • Mongolian-style breakfast: Shao Mai, Urum fried rice, etc. • Inner Mongolian hot pot: Such as Shengyuanxiang Hot Pot Restaurant and Baolige Ice-Boiled Lamb Hot Pot, featuring premium grassland lamb and unique soup bases. • Specialty snacks: Dongpo pork buns, sticky bean buns, fried milk curd sticks, grilled lamb chops, etc. Accommodation Options • Arxan City Center: Offers guesthouses, star-rated hotels, and large hotels with well-equipped accommodations. In the evening, you can enjoy the night view and soak in hot springs. • Yiershi Town: It's populous and offers good, affordable shopping, accommodation, and dining, suitable for family travel. • Arxan National Forest Park: Choose guesthouses in the Tianchi Service Area or Xing'an Service Area to optimize travel time, making it ideal for photography enthusiasts. Itinerary Planning • Two-day tour: On Day 1, arrive in Arxan in the morning, visit the Arxan Railway Station, and then head to the China Hot Spring Museum in the afternoon. On Day 2, explore Arxan National Forest Park, focusing on its key scenic spots. • 3-Day Tour: Day 1: Tour Arxan city, visit the train station, and stroll around the downtown area. Day 2: Spend the entire day exploring Arxan National Forest Park. Day 3: Head to Bailang Peak Scenic Area to enjoy the vast forest views.