Self-driving Day 5! 186 Colorful Ribbon River

In the remote borderlands of China, there is a river that attracts countless travelers with its unique colors and mysterious charm. It is the 186 Colorful Ribbon River, known as the 'Tears of the Earth,' a stunning fairyland hidden deep in the Greater Khingan Mountains. Today, let's embark on this dual exploration journey of visual and gustatory delights. Attraction Introduction: The 186 Colorful Ribbon River is located in the New Barag Left Banner of Hulunbuir City, Inner Mongolia. It is named after the nearby 186th boundary marker on the border highway. The river is called 'Colorful Ribbon' because its water appears in a dreamy blue under the sunlight, like a blue ribbon floating above the grassland, forming a striking contrast with the surrounding green grassland, mesmerizingly beautiful. Itinerary: - **Day 1**: Arrive at Hailar District, Hulunbuir. It is recommended to arrive a day earlier to acclimate and rest for the night. - **Day 2**: Depart from Hailar, drive about 3 hours to the 186 Colorful Ribbon River. Along the way, you can enjoy the vast grassland scenery. If you're lucky, you might see herds of cattle and sheep dotting the landscape, creating a picturesque pastoral scene. - **Day 3**: Further explore the natural scenery around the 186 Colorful Ribbon River, such as Heishantou Port and Erguna Wetland, and feel the wonders of nature. - **Day 4**: Return to Hailar. Before ending the journey, take a stroll around the city to experience the local customs and culture. Food Recommendations: - **Hand-grabbed Meat**: A traditional Mongolian delicacy made from fresh lamb, simply seasoned and roasted, tender and aromatic. - **Milk Tea**: Unlike the common sweet milk tea, the milk tea here is mainly salty, served with fried rice or cheese, a unique beverage of the grassland. - **Roast Whole Lamb**: If you have the chance to attend a bonfire party on the grassland, don't miss this dish. The whole lamb is slowly roasted over charcoal, crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, a rare delicacy. Travel Tips: - **Self-driving**: Depart from Hailar, drive along Provincial Highway S201 to the 186 Colorful Ribbon River, about 200 kilometers in total. The road conditions are good, and the scenery along the way is picturesque, suitable for self-driving enthusiasts. - **Charter/Rent a Car**: If self-driving is inconvenient, you can choose a charter service in Hailar, which is more worry-free and convenient for visiting more attractions. Tips: - Best travel time: June to September, when the weather is clear and the river water is clear, is the best time to visit the 186 Colorful Ribbon River. - Sun protection: The sun is strong on the grassland, so bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and other sun protection items when going out. - Respect local culture: When encountering herdsmen on the grassland, please show respect and do not trespass on private pastures. The 186 Colorful Ribbon River is not just a river; it is like a poem, a poem woven with blue sky, white clouds, green grass, and clear water. Here, every scenery is worth savoring, and every breath is a tribute to life. Pack your bags, and let's explore this gift from nature together!