The truth may be hard to hear, but this is the current situation of tourism in Hulunbuir

… 🌿 Just got back from Hulunbuir, and this trip was breathtakingly beautiful! But I also encountered quite a few pitfalls, so I’ve compiled my 7-day experience to help you avoid detours～​ - ⭐ Tip 1. No need to pay for the Morigele River viewing platform! Navigate to “Cliff” for a free panoramic view that’s even more stunning than the official scenic spot. Standing on the rolling grassy slopes, the winding river looks like the lifeblood of the earth spreading across the landscape. You can even borrow a path from herders to drive down to the riverbank, touch the clear water, and immerse yourself in the charm of the “World’s Number One Curved River.”​ ⭐ Tip 2. Don’t rent horses at the Heishantou scenic area entrance! Drive 5 more minutes into town, where herders rent horses for 50 RMB/hour. The horses are gentle and the routes are flexible, allowing you to gallop freely on the grassland. The scenic area charges over 200 RMB and restricts routes, which is not cost-effective.​ ⭐ Tip 3. Don’t go specifically to the Shiwei Port! The border town is heavily commercialized; it’s better to visit Enhe Russian Ethnic Village. The wooden log cabins here are full of exotic charm, making you feel like you’ve stepped into a fairy tale. You can also join locals to experience making rye bread and taste the bread you bake yourself, enjoying unique folk culture.​ ⭐ Tip 4. Be cautious about the popular “Mongolian yurt stargazing camping”! Many tents are unhygienic and too cold to sleep in at night. If you want to experience staying in a yurt, choose a formal hotel-style yurt with private bathroom and heating, so you can enjoy the yurt’s uniqueness while staying comfortably and safely.​ ⭐ Tip 5. Don’t buy dairy products in scenic spots! The Hailar Triangle Wholesale Market offers prices at half the cost, with cheese and milk skin available for tasting. Here, you can take your time choosing your favorite dairy products, but be aware that loose milk tablets often contain many additives, so it’s more reliable to choose properly packaged products.​ ⭐ Tip 6. Qixian Lake Grassland is not recommended! The grass quality is average and facilities are outdated. Instead, go to the lesser-known pasture near 186 Caidai River. It’s less crowded and beautiful, where you can experience milking cows and enjoy a pastoral life. Every photo you take here is fresh and healing.​ ⭐ Tip 7. Aoluguya Reindeer Tribe has hidden experiences! The 70 RMB ticket is a bit pricey, but walk 50 meters inside to find an Evenki villager who lets you feed reindeer for 30 RMB. Surrounded by fluffy reindeer and listening to ancient hunting stories from the locals, this experience is truly unique.​ ⭐ Tip 8. Be cautious about watching performances at the Barhu Mongolian Tribe! Unless you stay at the scenic area hotel and get free tickets, buying tickets alone is not cost-effective. For authentic performances, the “Wedding” song and dance show at Manzhouli Grand Hotel is more worthwhile, offering a wonderful glimpse into rich Mongolian culture.​ ⭐ Tip 9. Don’t choose a car with a small fuel tank for self-driving! Gas stations on the grassland are far apart, so fill up whenever you see one. Navigation can be unreliable, so download offline maps in advance, bring a power bank, and prepare well to travel smoothly on the grassland.​ ⭐ Tip 10. To capture stunning sunrises, stay overnight at a herder’s home in the heart of the Hulunbuir grassland! In the early morning, stand on the vast meadow and watch the red sun slowly rise from the horizon. The golden sunlight spreads over the endless grassland, and every shot you take is wallpaper-worthy.​ - ❤️ Finally, a reminder to find reliable small tour groups and avoid low-priced tours. No matter how cheap, they won’t be that cheap—you have to believe that if the tour fee isn’t making money from you, they will make it up elsewhere. There are traps one after another! Overall, Hulunbuir is definitely worth a visit. The beautiful scenery, folk customs, and unique experiences here will surely make you reluctant to leave! This guide covers many aspects including sightseeing, accommodation, and shopping. If you want recommendations for food or specific itinerary arrangements, just let me know.