Arshan is incredibly beautiful, but I honestly don't recommend visiting in July because...

Arshan: The Fairytale Folds of the Greater Khingan Mountains, a Northern Frontier Where Volcanoes and Hot Springs Intertwine Arshan, a border town named after "sacred springs," is a geological wonder formed by solidified volcanic lava, a snowy forest where reindeer tread, and a Nordic-style landscape featured in the show "Dear Inn." Here, you'll find China's smallest city train station, the densest cluster of volcanic crater lakes, the most healing forest hot springs, and ancient legends of the Ewenki people living in harmony with reindeer. Come to Arshan—lose yourself in the blue tears of Camel Hump Lake, wander through the frost-covered corridors of White Wolf Peak, soak in an open-air hot spring at -30°C, and let the purity and wildness of this "Switzerland of the East" rekindle your awe and love for nature. ### 1. Geological Wonders: From Volcanic Crater Lakes to the Time-Worn Folds of Stone Forest **Arshan Crater Lake**: A sapphire in the clouds at 1,332 meters above sea level, China's third-largest volcanic crater lake. Its unfathomable waters never freeze, reflecting birch forests and blue skies like a mirror of the heavens. *Recommended activities*: Climb 998 steps to the viewing platform for a panoramic view (arrive before 8 AM to avoid crowds); capture the oil-painting-like blend of lake and autumn foliage in late September; experience the surreal "blue ice" phenomenon in winter (December-February). **Camel Hump Lake**: A teardrop left by a volcano, quieter than Arshan Crater Lake and shaped like a human foot. The water changes color with the light, and a wooden trail allows a 360° lakeside walk, where you might spot squirrels and hares. **Stone Forest**: A miracle of life on lava—Asia's largest volcanic lava plateau, with turtleback rocks, lava domes, and fumaroles telling the story of an eruption 2 million years ago. Moss and larch trees stubbornly grow in the cracks. *Hidden exploration*: Hunt for "lava tunnels" (requires a guide) or take macro shots of "lava bonsai" formations. ### 2. Snowy Forests: A Four-Season Poem from White Wolf Peak to Azalea Lake **White Wolf Peak**: A frost-covered fairy tale at 1,511 meters, the highest peak in the Greater Khingan Mountains. In winter (December-February), ice crystals stretch for kilometers, and the summit offers views of snowy forests and the China-Mongolia border. *Recommended experiences*: Depart at 4 AM to chase the "sunrise frost" (bring cold-weather gear); hike the "Deer Village" forest trail and encounter Ewenki reindeer; try a snowmobile adventure (around ¥200/person). **Azalea Lake**: A springtime love song named for its May rhododendron blooms. Volcanic rocks and birch forests line the shore, while winter turns the lake into a mirror for photographing "ice crack wonders." Summer invites boat rides. **Unfrozen River**: A warm miracle at -40°C—a section of the Halaha River that never freezes. In winter, steam rises from the water as livestock drink, surrounded by frost-covered banks—a "magic hour" for photographers. ### 3. Cultural Secrets: From Arshan Train Station to the Borderland Charms of Deer Village **Arshan Train Station**: China's smallest and most beautiful station, built in 1937 by the Japanese Kwantung Army. Its East Asian-style, two-story design features yellow walls, green tiles, and just two daily slow trains. It was a filming location for *The Banquet*. *Recommended activities*: Take vintage-themed train photos; ride the K7565 (Shenyang→Arshan) through snowy forests. **Deer Village in White Wolf Town**: The setting for *Dear Inn 2*, where Ewenki reindeer roam freely. Feed them moss, snap photos with "Santa’s sleigh team," and try making birch bark art. **Wuli Spring**: A free gift of "sacred water" with a constant 6.3-6.8°C temperature, rich in minerals. Locals queue daily to fill bottles—bring your own to taste this natural mineral water. ### 4. Hot Spring Therapy: From the China Hot Spring Museum to the Ice-Fire Symphony of Snow Soaks **China Hot Spring Museum**: A healing sanctuary with 48 springs, one of the world’s largest clusters. The mineral-rich waters (containing radon, fluorine, lithium) offer indoor and outdoor pools. Try the "cold-hot alternating bath" (stimulate blood vessels in cold springs first, then relax in warm ones). **Neptune Hot Spring Hotel**: The ultimate romance of snow-soaking. Steam rises from outdoor pools as snowfields and forests stretch beyond. In winter (December-February), experience "fire and ice" under starry skies, watching snowflakes land on your shoulders. ### 5. Arshan’s Flavors: From Iron Pot Stew to Forest Delicacies *Must-try dishes*: - **Iron Pot Stew**: Cold-water fish (Amur minnow, mandarin fish) + ribs + dried beans, served with cornbread. - **Forest delicacies**: Braised chicken with hedgehog mushrooms, stir-fried fern with pork, omelets with aralia shoots. - **Mongolian flavors**: Hand-grabbed mutton, milk tea, dried milk skin. - **Snacks**: Wild chive flower sauce, dried blueberries, Russian-style "lieba" bread. *Food streets*: - **Hot Spring Street Night Market**: Roast lamb legs, grilled cold noodles, frozen pears (winter only). - **Forest Village farmhouses**: Iron pot stew + wild veggies, paired with stories of "logging days" from the owners. - **Mongolian restaurant rec**: Baolige Ice-Boiled Lamb (tender, non-gamy meat cooked with ice cubes). ### 6. Itinerary & Tips *Classic 2-day trip*: - **Day 1**: Arshan Station → Arshan National Forest Park (Camel Hump Lake + Stone Forest + Azalea Lake) → Night hot spring. - **Day 2**: White Wolf Peak frost → Deer Village → Wuli Spring → Depart. *3-day deep dive*: - **Day 1**: Arshan Station → China Hot Spring Museum → Wuli Spring → Hot Spring Street night stroll. - **Day 2**: Arshan National Forest Park (Arshan Crater Lake + Three Pools Gorge + Di Lake) → Unfrozen River sunset. - **Day 3**: White Wolf Peak → Deer Village → Olunchun Canyon (primitive tribe experience). *Lodging*: - **In-park**: Tianchi Service Area homestays (near the lake for sunrise views). - **Hot Spring Street**: Neptune Hot Spring Hotel (snow soaks) / Chengyue Hotel (budget-friendly). - **Unique stays**: Deer Village treehouses (next to reindeer) / White Wolf Town homestays (forest life immersion). *Transport*: - **Getting there**: - Flights: Arshan Yiershi Airport (direct from Beijing, Hohhot). - Trains: K7565 (Shenyang→Arshan), K2121 (Harbin→Arshan). - Drive: From Hailar/Ulanhot via the "Mushroom-Aershan Road" through forests. - **Getting around**: Park shuttle (¥105/person, 48-hour pass) or private car (~¥500/day). *Pro tips*: - **Tickets**: Arshan National Forest Park costs ¥285 (includes shuttle; valid 2 days). Stay overnight to avoid re-entry fees. - **Winter gear**: Pack -30°C down jackets, snow boots, touchscreen gloves, and hand warmers. - **Photography**: Camel Hump Lake, Unfrozen River sunrise, and White Wolf Peak frost are the "big three shots"—bring a tripod. ### 7. Closing Notes Arshan whispers through volcanic rock and forest springs, sings in the footsteps of reindeer and frost-laden trees, and hums with Ewenki ballads and the long whistles of slow trains. It blends Nordic purity with Northeast boldness, geological grandeur with border-town warmth. Let Camel Hump Lake’s blue soothe your stress, let White Wolf Peak’s frost cleanse your soul, and let a -30°C snow soak reignite your passion for life. *Tip*: Best times to visit—June-August (summer blooms), September-October (autumn colors), December-February (winter wonderland). Pack your camera and curiosity for this "northern frontier," where dreams of nature and life unfold.