Hulunbuir Grassland 5-Day Travelogue & Practical Guide

Day 1: First Encounter with the Grassland, Free Exploration in Hailar Highlights of the Day Accommodation Experience : Upon arrival in Hailar, the driver was already waiting at the airport, warmly welcoming us. We checked into a comfortable hotel (e.g., Zhouji Hotel), where the front desk thoughtfully gifted us a package of grassland specialty dairy products. Recommended Free Activities : In the afternoon, we visited Genghis Khan Square, where the sculptures showcased the heroic history of the Mongolian people. In the evening, we discovered a handmade leather shop in the old town alley and bought a leather whip (bargained down to 80 RMB, great as a souvenir). Dinner Experience : Following the itinerary recommendation, we tried "Junxiangyuan Hotpot," featuring fresh-cut lamb paired with wild mushroom broth. At 100 RMB per person, it was a feast. Highly recommend the wild onion dipping sauce! Real Impressions The sky in this grassland city is exceptionally clear, and the evening clouds resemble an oil painting. The free activity time was ample, perfect for adjusting to the pace, but it's advisable to check taxi routes in advance (local ride-hailing apps like Didi respond slowly). Day 2: A Visual Feast of Grasslands and Lakes Highlights of the Day Hulunbuir Grassland : On the way to Huhenuoer Grassland, the driver stopped for us to take photos. The green carpet-like grass stretched to the horizon, and we encountered a shepherd driving a flock of sheep—every snapshot looked like a Windows desktop wallpaper. Hulun Lake : The lake shimmered silver under the sunlight, with white saline-alkali beaches resembling a "sky mirror on the grassland." Wear bright-colored clothes for photos, and bring a hat to shield against the wind and sand. Manzhouli Nightscape : The lights at Matryoshka Square created a fairytale-like atmosphere at night. Outside the square, Russian goods shops offered matryoshka dolls (bargained down to 50 RMB for a small one). Tips and Reminders Restrooms are scarce within the Hulun Lake scenic area, so drink less water. The commercialized nature of Manzhouli's Zhong-Su Street makes it less ideal for purchasing overpriced local specialties. Day 3: Borderland Wonders and Grassland Adventures Highlights of the Day Manzhouli National Gate : Climbing the Beijiang Pearl Tower, the border marker at the intersection of China, Russia, and Mongolia was awe-inspiring. A telescope rental (10 RMB for 3 minutes) provided clear views of a Russian town. Horse Dance Performance : Mongolian riders performed stunts like standing upside down and forming human pyramids on horseback. The thunderous sound of hooves was exhilarating, and sitting in the front row allowed us to feel the flying grass debris (sunglasses recommended). 186 Rainbow River Grass Sliding : The kilometer-long slide was fast and thrilling, with a strong sense of weightlessness! Hold onto your phone tightly—one companion's hat was blown away by the wind. Horse Riding at Heishantou : The complimentary 15-minute horse riding experience was exciting enough. The horseman helped take photos (we discreetly tipped 20 RMB for an extra round). Avoiding Pitfalls Prices at the "duty-free shop" within the National Gate scenic area are inflated, with chocolates and other items costing twice as much as in the city. The grass sliding project had a 40-minute queue; visit early or late to avoid peak times. Day 4: Wetland Secrets and Aerial Photography Highlights of the Day Erguna Wetland : The tame reindeer at the Reindeer Park were friendly, and for 10 RMB, you could buy moss to interact with them. The "shouting spring" tested lung capacity—one companion's loud shout startled countless birds. Morigele River Aerial Photography : Drone shots of the "Morigele - Meandering River" were breathtaking! Wear red or white long dresses and run against the wind for stunning footage. Mongolian Yurt Stay : At the Muye Qingju Homestay, the starry sky revealed the Milky Way to the naked eye. However, the soundproofing was poor, with dogs barking and livestock noises at night (light sleepers should bring earplugs). Practical Tips The wetland is mosquito-heavy, so bring insect repellent! Drone videos can be received via WeChat the same evening. Suggested caption for social media: "The grassland wind blows away worries; at this moment, I am freer than the clouds." Day 5: Returning with Grassland Memories Return Tips Don't miss the Mongolian pastries paired with salty milk tea at the hotel breakfast! Airport security takes about 20 minutes; beef jerky can be checked in (vacuum packaging required for loose items). Preparation & Recommendations Pre-Trip Essentials Daytime temperatures in July-August exceed 25°C, but nights drop to 10°C—pack a windbreaker or lightweight down jacket. Sun protection trio: sunglasses + SPF50 sunscreen + wide-brimmed hat (UV rays are intense). Itinerary Optimization Suggestions During peak season, the circus at Matryoshka Square has a 2-hour queue. Families with children can opt for the National Gate + Beijiang Pearl for a more relaxed experience. At Heishantou Town, you can pay for a sunset horse riding session (200 RMB/hour), which is more enjoyable than the complimentary experience. Food Map Hailar: Nomintala Milk Tea House's pot tea and milk curd cakes. Manzhouli: Lubuli Western Restaurant's cheese buns and Russian sausages (reserve 1 hour in advance). Hidden Gems Grassland Nomad Visit (about 50 RMB/person): Milk cows and take photos in Mongolian robes. Morigele Riverbank Agate Stone Picking: Colorful stones washed by the river make great souvenirs. Summary This trip perfectly blended the grandeur of the grassland with the exotic charm of the borderlands. With an average daily drive of 3-4 hours, the pace was reasonable. Ideal for urbanites seeking "relaxed travel"—you can run freely on the grassland while capturing every frame of unfiltered beauty with your camera.