The Horse Hitching Post by Hulun Lake

The Hulun Lake Horse Hitching Post, also known as Genghis Khan's Horse Hitching Post, is a natural attraction located in the Hulun Lake Tourist Area in Zhalainuoer District, Hulunbuir City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Here is a detailed introduction to this scenic spot: 1. Geographic Location * Genghis Khan's Horse Hitching Post is situated on the western shore of Hulun Lake, approximately 38 kilometers from the Alatan Emole Town in New Barag Right Banner and about 88 kilometers from Manzhouli City. * The site is surrounded by water on three sides, with Hulun Lake to the south and steep slopes descending to the lake bay on the north and east sides. Only the western side has a gentle slope connecting to the lakeshore. 2. Scenic Features * **Cliffs and Pillars**: The cliffs where Genghis Khan's Horse Hitching Post is located are rugged and steep, with smooth surfaces like knife cuts. About 10 meters east of the cliff, in the lake water, stands an irregularly shaped pillar stone about 10 meters high and over 20 meters in circumference. The stone is narrow at the top and wide at the bottom, with crisscrossing stone patterns and bird nests built in the crevices. Occasionally, water birds fly out and circle above the lake. * **Natural Scenery**: The total area of the scenic spot (including water area) is 17.5 square kilometers, featuring grasslands, rocks, and lake views, as well as vast grasslands and natural beaches. * **Historical and Cultural Significance**: Genghis Khan's Horse Hitching Post is named after the legend that Genghis Khan once tied his horses here, making it a beautiful tourist attraction on the grasslands. According to the legend, Genghis Khan trained his troops here and tied his beloved eight horses to this pillar stone. The story of the hitching post and the eight horses is widely known on the grasslands. 3. Tourist Information * **Best Time to Visit**: Summer and autumn are the best seasons to visit Genghis Khan's Horse Hitching Post, with pleasant weather and beautiful scenery. * **Local Products**: The area around the scenic spot is rich in local products such as bracken, sea buckthorn, ephedra, and astragalus, as well as agate souvenirs for tourists to purchase. * **Cultural Experience**: Visitors can also experience the rich ethnic atmosphere and unique Barag folk customs during their visit. 4. Related Legends According to legend, Genghis Khan personally trained and tamed eight fine horses during his long years of warfare. These warhorses were as important as bows, arrows, swords, and spears to the warriors on the grasslands. When Genghis Khan camped near Hulun Lake, he tied these horses to the pillar stone in the lake and trained his troops, resting and recuperating. Later, to commemorate this history, people named the pillar stone "Genghis Khan's Horse Hitching Post." In summary, the Hulun Lake Horse Hitching Post is not only a scenic spot with beautiful natural landscapes but also rich in historical and cultural significance and ethnic customs. For tourists who love natural scenery and history, this is undoubtedly a place worth visiting.