Far away in the northeastern Inner Mongolia of north China, Hulunbuir is a vast purest grassland at the foot of the Greater Xing’anling Mountains and stretching silently and endlessly into the sky. With an area of 260,000 square kilometers, the scarcely populated Hulunbuir Grassland is the largest and best-preserved one in China, and known as one of the world’s three three prairies.
The spacious natural grasslands of Hulunbuir is crisscrossed by more than 3,000 meandering rivers and 500 crystal clear lakes, where groups of cattle and horses drink and graze leisurely, creating an idyllic, romantic setting for all travelers, from couples, families and photographers.
On this post, with our Hulunbuir Grassland travel guide, you will know what to do & see, best time to visit it, how to get there, the slide price, practical photography tips, as well as Hulunbuir Grassland tours to explore the birthplace of Genghis Khan.
Hulunbuir Grassland Facts
Location, Size and Geography
The Hulunbuir Grassland is located to the west of the Greater Khingan Mountains. It is collectively referred to as the grasslands of Xinbaertu Right Banner, Xinbaertu Left Banner, Chenbaertu Banner, Ewenki Banner, Hailar District, Manzhouli City and Erigenan City in the south, and Taiketsi City in the west. It is approximately 350 kilometers wide from east to west and 300 kilometers long from north to south, with a total area of about 113,000 square kilometers.
The terrain is higher in the east and lower in the west, with an altitude ranging from 650 to 700 meters. It is distributed in a regular pattern from east to west and spans three zones: forest steppe, meadow steppe and arid steppe.
Natural Resources: Plants and Animals
Except for the eastern region, which accounts for approximately 10.5% of the area and is a forest-grassland transition zone, the rest of the Hulunbuir Grasslands consists mainly of natural prairies, with over 120 species of nutrient-rich forage grasses such as alkali grass, needle grass, alfalfa, and ice grass. Perennial herbaceous plants are the fundamental ecological characteristic of the plant communities on the Hulunbuir Grassland. The grassland plant resources include approximately 1,000 species, belonging to 100 families and 450 genera.
>> 5 Days Photography Tour in Hulunbuir
Hulunbuir Grassland Scenery in Different Seasons
In Spring (March to May)
Weather & temperature: The temperature is gradually rising, with an average temperature ranging from -5℃ to 12℃. There big temperature difference of 8 to 12℃ in the day and night. You can expect strong winds in early spring.
The ice and snow have melted, and the tender green shoots of the grass are swaying. The colorful wild grass and flowers of the grassland have begun to bloom, emitting an endless fragrance, just like a beautiful carpet, covering the grasslands of Hulunbuir.
In Summer (June to August)
Weather & temperature: Average temperature ranges from 10℃ to 23℃. The sun is shining warmly and the ultraviolet rays are strong.
In summer, the air on the Hulunbuir Grassland is fresh and the temperature is cool, making it one of China's best summer destinations. The beautiful and peaceful grassland stretches as far as the eye can see, with blue skies, white clouds, green grass, rippling lakes, herds of cattle and sheep, scattered Inner Mongolian yurts, and wispy smoke rising from cooking fires.
In Autumn (September to October)
Weather & temperature: The temperature is gradually dropping. After mid-October, it enters the early winter period. And in some high-altitude areas, it might snow. The average temperature ranges from -1℃ to 13℃.
In autumn, wild fruits ripen. When a gentle breeze blows, the grassland rolls up in waves, and the fragrance of the grass fills the air. The herders are busy herding their livestock, shearing the wool, with joyous smiles. The Hulunbuir Grassland resembles a beautiful golden oil painting.
In Winter (November to the Next February)
Weather & temperature: In winter, Hulunbuir is one of the coldest regions in China, with an average temperature ranging from -25℃ to -10℃, and the extreme lowest temperature can drop below -40℃. The snow lasts for a long time and the wind is quite strong.
Hulunbuir has transformed into a magical winter wonderland. Thick layers of snow blanket the grasslands, mountains, and lakes like a pristine white carpet. Have fun with the snowmobile rides, horse-drawn sleigh rides, visits to reindeer herding communities, and winter photography. If you happen to visit during traditional festivals like the Ice and Snow Naadam, you’ll get to experience the unique culture and charm of China’s northern ethnic minorities. Feeling cold? The unfrozen river and natural hot springs in Arxan offer a warm respite.
>> Related reading: Top Winter Travel Destinations in China
Best Time to Travel to Hulunbuir Grassland
Hulunbuir Prairie offers awe-inspiring sceneries throughout the year. May to September is considered the best time to visit Hulunbuir Grassland for photography and sightseeing .
May in spring is a riot of color. Make your way to the forests for the azalea blossoms blaze scarlet before the snow finally melts. June till August in summer will see the endless grass mat dotted with little colorful flowers. A comfortable temperature between 16℃-21℃ (61℉- 70℉) makes it a one of the best summer retreats in China. September in autumn claims to be the best time for photography, when the mountains and prairie are dyed with intense fall color, forming a strong contrast with the blue sky. Hulunbuir Prairie in winter is blanket with snow and ice, making it a majestic snow world.
Top Things to Do & See
Morigele River
The Morigele River on the Chenbar Grassland in Hulunbuir is locally known as the First Curved Water. The Golden Tent Mongolian Tribe along the Morigele River was built in accordance with the style of Genghis Khan's mobile encampment. Every summer, Mongolian and Evenki herders from the Chenbar Banner's Zou'er region naturally form a nomadic tribal community in this picturesque, lush, and fertile landscape.
Hulun Lake
Hulun Lake is one of the most beautiful scenes in the Hulun Buir Grassland. Standing by the lake, you can look out and see that the horizon seems to go on forever. Often, on the lakeside, the sky that was clear just a moment ago suddenly changes and starts to rain.
Hulunbuir Grassland Slide and Horse Riding
For families with children, Ulan Mountain Scenic Area, 186 Ribbon River Scenic Area and Grassland Here Scenic Area, among others, offer sliding on slopes ranging from 1000 to 1200 meters. The price is around $20 to $25.
If you want to ride horses on the grassland, in Haishantou Town, Bayan Huoshuo Grassland and Horonoor Grassland, you can experience short-distance horseback riding, grassland crossing, sunset riding, and professional equestrian training.
>> Recommended 6-day China Grassland & Desert Discovery
Hulunbuir Grasslands Photography Tips
Best locations to shoot:
Seasonal scenery:
Hulunbuir Prairie is also appeal to those obsessed with ethnic culture photography. It is home to Mongolian nomads and herders and people from over 10 ethnic groups, such as Russian, Ewenki, Daur and etc. Various fun minority festivals are held here, among which, Mongolian Nadam Fair in July is the most typical and famous of its kind.
>> Related reading: Top Destinations in China for Photographers
How to Get to Hulunbuir Grassland
By air: There are five civil airports within the jurisdiction of Hulunbuir City: Hulunbuir Dongshan International Airport, Manzhouli Xijiao International Airport, Zhalantun Airport, Moqi Nierji General Aviation Airport, and Genhe Airport. Among these, Hulunbuir Dongshan International Airport and Manzhouli Xijiao International Airport are the closest to the Hulunbuir Grassland.
By train: Direct trains connect Beijing, Harbin, Shenyang, Qiqihar, Baotou, Dandong, Dalian, Chifeng, and Hohhot to Hailar District in Hulunbuir City.
By long-distant bus: Long-distance passenger services are available from all major counties and districts in Hulunbuir City to the Hulunbuir Grassland.
Travel Tips: Must knows for your Hulunbuir Grassland Tour
- When entering a Mongolian yurt, do not bring the horse whip or the horse halter into the yurt. Instead, hang them on the saddle or place them upright outside the door.
- If there are elderly people in the host's home, do not walk in front of them. Do not sit beside the elderly without permission. When sitting down, do not block the Buddha statues arranged in the northern han (altar).
- After entering the yurt, you can sit on the floor. There is no need to take off your shoes. Do not sit on the threshold.
- When the host offers tea, keep your sleeves neatly folded and use both hands or your right hand to receive it. Do not use your left hand.
- In winter, do not trample on the north or west sides of the Hulunbuir Grasslands because the snow there can be drinkable as water it melts.
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