Less crowded than Harbin, cheaper than Xinjiang—a comprehensive guide to off-the-beaten-path snow viewing spots
I've finally decided not to go to the crowded popular Snow Town this winter, but to choose Hulunbuir like me! This place fulfills all my fantasies about a winter wonderland—endless snowfields, fairy-tale villages covered in thick snow, white birch forests draped with rime, and those adorable reindeer unafraid of the cold. Here’s my complete guide, hoping to help you replicate the same wonderful journey!
✨ Highlights at a glance
- Fewer people, beautiful scenery: Say goodbye to crowds and enjoy the tranquility and grandeur of vast snowfields
- Cultural experience: Personally experience unique cultures like the Ice and Snow Nadam Festival and the Reindeer Tribe
- Ultimate landscapes: From snowfields and forest seas to ice lakes, enjoy a variety of ice and snow wonders all at once
- Great value: Compared to other popular snow towns, here the costs are more affordable and the experiences richer
🗓️ Itinerary: 7-day immersive ice and snow journey
Day 1: First impressions of Hailar
- Morning: Arrive at Hailar Airport, adapt to the northern cold climate
- Afternoon: Visit Hulunbuir Ancient City to feel the blend of history and ice and snow. If it’s a weekend, you might catch the ancient city temple fair, ice sculpture displays, and other events.
- Evening: Stay at a hotel in downtown Hailar and taste the local specialty warming copper pot hotpot
Day 2: Snowfield wonders of the Moergel River
- Morning: Head to the "Little Potala Palace," then cross the snowfield to Moergel River
- Afternoon: Admire the winter scenery of Moergel River, the frozen river winding like a silver ribbon across the snowfield. Wait for sunset at Windmill Hill, where the snowfield turns pink under the setting sun.
- Evening: Stay in Ergun, remember to get up early to shoot the misty ink-painting-like scenery
Day 3: White birch forest and reindeer secret realm
- Morning: Experience the natural snow ring slide, then go to the Signal Mountain high point to overlook the forest sea and snowfield
- Afternoon: Take photos at popular spots along the Genhe water area, walk through the white birch forest with trees covered in sparkling ice crystals
- Evening: Stay in Zixing, and if possible, try the local specialty wooden cabin
Day 4: Border charm and Manzhouli night view
- Morning: Visit Enhe Russian Ethnic Village to experience exotic culture
- Afternoon: Drive along the border defense line, admire the natural Taiji Bagua diagram landscape, and try horseback riding on snow at Heishantou
- Evening: Arrive in Manzhouli, enjoy the charming night view, stay in Manzhouli city
Day 5: National Gate and blue ice wonders
- Morning: Visit the National Gate and check in at the Matryoshka Doll Hotel
- Afternoon: Head to Hulun Lake to see the ice bubble phenomenon, try ice sledding, ice skating car, and other ice activities
- Evening: Stay in Arxan and enjoy Russian-style Western cuisine
Day 6: Arxan ice and snow fairyland
- Morning: Visit Xing'an Aobao, stroll along the rime corridor, try the water splash freezing photo shoot
- Afternoon: Tour Wusulangzi Lake, encounter the popular cows, and experience skiing in Arxan
- Evening: Stay in Arxan and enjoy hot springs to relieve fatigue
Day 7: Farewell to the snow country
- Morning: Visit Arxan Snow Village and Arxan Train Station
- Afternoon: Pass through the Zhangzi Pine Forest, enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way, return to Hailar
- Evening: End the trip and return home with full memories
🌟 Must-visit attractions in-depth guide
1. Moergel River Scenic Area
As a national AAAAA-level scenic spot, it looks like a silver ribbon in winter. A must-experience is the "Daily Ice and Snow Nadam Festival," where you can watch traditional events like snow horse racing and wrestling competitions.
Photo tip: The best time to shoot the misty morning fog is from 6 to 8 a.m.
2. Oroqen Reindeer Tribe
Here you can feed reindeer and feel their gentle licking on your palm. It’s recommended to rent ethnic costumes for photos; warm-colored clothes contrast vividly with the white snow.
Note: Avoid touching the antlers when feeding and follow staff instructions
3. Genhe Cold Pole Village
Known as the "China Cold Pole," temperatures can drop to -58°C. Try the special "Cold Pole First Pot" to experience the clash of extreme cold and warm hearth fire.
4. Yakeshi Phoenix Mountain Ski Resort
A paradise for ski lovers with pure snow quality and a long snow season. Night skiing is available, combining skiing with night viewing and night tours.
🍽️ Food recommendations: Warm and comforting local specialties
Hulunbuir’s cuisine is a highlight of the trip:
- Buryat buns: Round shape, thin and chewy skin, juicy and flavorful filling
- Hulunbuir lamb blood sausage: Tender and springy, delicious with garlic vinegar dip
- Copper pot hotpot / lamb spine hotpot: Perfect for driving away the severe cold
- Milk skin: Pure yellow with white inside, crispy and delicious, not greasy
- Russian-style Western cuisine: Authentic Russian flavors can be tasted in Manzhouli
💡 Practical tips: Make your trip smoother
Before the trip
Clothing suggestions:
- Tops: Windproof and waterproof down jacket + sweater + thermal underwear ("sandwich" layering method)
- Bottoms: Outdoor pants + thermal pants (choose waterproof fabric)
- Shoes: Mid-high waterproof snow boots (thick soles preferred)
- Accessories: Ear-covering hat, scarf, waterproof gloves, sunglasses (to prevent snow blindness)
Electronics: Phones and other devices may malfunction in extreme cold, keep them warm
Transportation tips
- Long-distance: Direct flights to Hulunbuir Hailar Airport are available from many places
- Local transport: Self-driving is not recommended due to snowy roads and often no signal in winter. Chartering a car is an excellent choice.
Special reminders
- Hulunbuir’s winter temperatures are extremely low; prepare for full warmth protection
- Some specialized experiences (like the Hero Meeting competition) require advance booking
- Pay attention to safety during scenic activities, especially on ice surfaces, and follow guide instructions
- December hosts three major ice and snow events: China-Russia-Mongolia International Ice and Snow Festival (Dec 20), Ice and Snow Nadam Festival (Dec 21), etc., plan your visit accordingly
💎 Hulunbuir’s winter gave me an unprecedented ice and snow experience. There are no crowded tourists here, only the purest snow scenes and the most authentic folk customs. Every breath of the crisp cold air, every step on the crunching snow made me feel how right it was to choose this place.
Charlotte Rodriguez Charlotte126