Xinganmeng

Inner Mongolia’s Hinggan League is a seriously underrated travel gem, perfectly blending forests, grasslands, volcanoes, wetlands, and border scenery. June to August is the golden season for escaping the summer heat here, with an average temperature of 22°C, making it ideal for a self-drive trip. Here is a detailed travel guide for you:

Must-Visit Attractions

Attractions in Hinggan League are fairly spread out, with the main highlights concentrated around Arxan City and Ulanhot City. Self-driving is recommended.

• ​​Arxan National Forest Park​​: A national 5A-level scenic area where volcanic landforms and primeval forest blend beautifully. Must-see spots include Tuofengling Tianchi, Santan Gorge, Shitanglin, and Wusulangzi Lake. Tickets are 285 yuan, including the sightseeing shuttle and valid for 48 hours. Plan to spend a full day here.

• ​​Ulan Mod Grassland​​: Known as “China’s most beautiful mountain grassland,” with 600 square kilometers of non-desertified pasture. You can ride horses across the grassland, join the Nadam Fair, and stay in a grassland lodge to watch the Milky Way. Tickets are 40 yuan.

• ​​Bailang Peak Scenic Area​​: From the summit, you can overlook the vast forest sea of the Greater Khingan Range. At the foot of the mountain, Bailang Deer Park is the same style as the one featured in Dear Inn, where you can feed sika deer. Tickets are 60 yuan.

• ​​Genghis Khan Temple​​: Located in downtown Ulanhot, this temple blends Han, Mongolian, and Tibetan architectural styles. It is the only Genghis Khan Temple in China. Tickets are 39 yuan.

Classic 5-Day, 4-Night Self-Drive Itinerary

This route covers forests, grasslands, and border scenery at a moderate pace, making it suitable for first-time visitors to Hinggan League.

• ​​Day 1​​: Arrive in Ulanhot, visit Genghis Khan Temple, then head to Wangyemiao Snack Street in the evening for huitou and tofu pudding, soaking up the everyday atmosphere of the city.
• ​​Day 2​​: Depart from Ulanhot and take Provincial Highway 203 through the grassland road. Stop at the “Not in the Stable” café on Heiyang Mountain, then arrive at Ulan Mod Grassland at dusk to watch the sunset and join a bonfire party.
• ​​Day 3​​: Spend the morning horseback riding across the grassland, then drive to Arxan City in the afternoon, passing Bailang Peak Scenic Area on the way. In the evening, soak in a natural hot spring to unwind.
• ​​Day 4​​: Spend the whole day exploring Arxan National Forest Park. Follow the “West Gate - Wusulangzi Lake - Blue House - Unfrozen River” route, and watch the sunset by the Unfrozen River in the evening.
• ​​Day 5​​: Head to the Arxan Port National Gate Scenic Area to visit the China-Mongolia border, then buy local specialties according to your return schedule and conclude the trip.

Local Food and Specialty Restaurants

When visiting Hinggan League, be sure to try authentic Mongolian cuisine and hearty Northeastern home-style dishes. The following places are popular with locals and worth recommending:

• ​​Haoriqin Dairy Mongolian Restaurant​​: A long-standing Mongolian restaurant beloved by locals. The savory milk tea is rich, the hand-grabbed meat is tender and free of gaminess, and Mongolian singers add to the lively atmosphere.

• ​​Lao Han Shazhucai​​: A nostalgic old restaurant. The shazhucai is sour, spicy, and appetizing, the blood sausage is tender and smooth, and it is especially satisfying with rice. It is all about that home-style, everyday warmth.

• ​​Bao Shi Meng Can​​: Recommended for its large-pot milk tea and Inner Mongolian stuffed pancakes. Urum fried rice dipped in white sugar is a distinctive way to eat it, and the lamb is very fresh.

• ​​Lianying Ice Cream​​: A childhood memory for people in Ulanhot, with a rich milky flavor and just the right sweetness. Stop by for a refreshing treat when you are tired from walking around.

Practical Tips and Pitfalls to Avoid

• ​​Transportation and Supplies​​: Attractions in Hinggan League are far apart, and mobile signal is poor on some grassland roads, so download offline maps in advance. If driving, be sure to fill up the tank, as supply points along the way are very limited.
• ​​Clothing Preparation​​: The temperature difference between morning and evening is large, so even in summer, bring a shell jacket or a light down jacket. The UV rays on the grassland are strong, so sunscreen and sunglasses are essential.
• ​​Accommodation Booking​​: During peak season from July to August, hotel availability is limited, and prices in Arxan City and grassland homestays are relatively high, with some starting from 2,000 yuan. It is best to book more than half a month in advance.
• ​​Border Regulations​​: Bring your ID card when visiting the Arxan Port National Gate Scenic Area. Stay with the shuttle bus throughout the visit, and drone use is strictly prohibited.