Asia's Most Beautiful Wetland Park
Erguna Wetland is located in the suburbs of Erguna City, Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia. It is currently China's best-preserved and largest wetland, renowned as the "Number One Wetland in Asia." The winding Gen River meanders like a giant dragon through the grasslands, nourishing lush vegetation and attracting rare birds such as red-crowned cranes and whooper swans to inhabit the area, together painting a magnificent ecological masterpiece.
Attraction Recommendations
6. Main Peak Viewing Platform: Climb 720 wooden steps to reach the viewing platform, where you can take in panoramic views of the Horseshoe Island and the S-curved wetland resembling a Bagua diagram. The scenery is especially breathtaking during sunset on clear days.
7. Wetland Museum: Open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, the museum showcases the ecological chain of over 2,000 species of flora and fauna, making it a great place to learn about nature.
8. Hulunbuir Ecological Experience Hall: Divided into seven zones, including an entrance hall, four-season corridor, and a universal space, it offers a comprehensive understanding of Hulunbuir's ecological environment.
9. Petting Zoo: Visitors can interact with and feed adorable animals like chipmunks, Shetland ponies, parrots, rabbits, peacocks, and alpacas, making it a fun-filled experience.
10. Folk Culture Leisure Street: Recognized as a "Cultural Tourism and Leisure Block of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region," it offers diverse services and activities, including dining, shopping, entertainment, and cultural experiences.
Culinary Experiences
6. Hand-Grasped Mutton: Made with local lamb, the meat is tender and flavorful, best enjoyed with leek flower sauce. Recommended restaurant: Bayin Kehan Restaurant, priced at 80–100 RMB per person.
7. Artemisia Selengensis Soup: A local specialty with a refreshing taste and rich nutrients, available at many local restaurants for 20–30 RMB per person.
8. Hua Zi Fish: A local cold-water fish with delicious meat, excellent whether steamed or braised, priced at 40–60 RMB per person.
9. Lieba: A dense Russian-style bread with a rich wheat aroma, available at Russian restaurants in ethnic enclaves like Enhe, priced at 10–20 RMB per person.
10. Borscht: A classic Russian dish with a sweet and sour flavor, perfect with bread. The borscht at Lilya Russian Resort Hotel is highly recommended, priced at 30–40 RMB per person.
Accommodation Recommendations
5. Wangjian Shuiyue Premium Homestay: Designed around the theme of "Four Seasons," it offers stunning wetland views and activities like sunset photography, picnics, tea brewing by the fire, and barbecues. Peak season prices exceed 6,000 RMB.
6. Mengyuan Hotel: A cozy and comfortable lodging with 39 rooms, offering great value at 300–500 RMB.
7. Erguna Grand Hotel: Recently renovated with convenient access to transportation and shopping, priced around 1,000 RMB.
8. Lilya Russian Resort Hotel: Immerse yourself in Russian-style charm in a beautiful setting, priced around 1,000 RMB.
Travel Tips
4. Best Time to Visit: May for rhododendron blooms; July–August for lush grasslands and prime birdwatching; late September for peak autumn foliage, ideal for photography; December–February for frost-covered landscapes and winter scenery.
5. Transportation Options
- Self-drive: Take National Highway 332 from Hailar District, about 120 km, with parking fees at 10 RMB/day.
- Bus: Take a bus from Hailar Bus Station to Erguna, then a taxi to the scenic area.
- Private Car: Many local yurt owners offer shuttle services, or you can hire a private car for flexible travel arrangements.
6. Important Notes
- The scenic area features wooden walkways; stepping on tussock meadows is prohibited to protect the ecosystem.
- Mosquitoes are abundant, so bring repellent and long-sleeved quick-dry clothing.
- Temperature variations are extreme; even in summer, pack lightweight down jackets or warm layers.
- Drones are prohibited near border roads; confirm usage permissions within the scenic area in advance.
A journey to Erguna Wetland is like stepping into a living natural painting, where every scene touches the soul.