Xinganmeng

In autumn, Xing'an League has a marked temperature difference between day and night, so bring a warm jacket.

Xing'an League brings together grasslands, forests, lakes, volcanic landscapes and border scenery. Compared with the more touristy Hulunbuir, its natural environment is more open and unspoiled, making it well suited to self-drive trips. Here is a travel guide to Xing'an League:

• Arxan National Forest Park: The park features volcanic landforms, Tianchi Lake, forests and hot springs. In autumn, the colorful woods create picture-perfect scenery.

• Ulan Maodu Grassland: This is a typical meadow grassland, crossed by the winding Gui Liu River. Cattle and sheep graze along the way, and several free viewing platforms are available along the self-drive route.

• Gegen Temple: One of the larger Tibetan Buddhist temples in Northeast and eastern Inner Mongolia, it has white walls and golden roofs set against blue skies. The atmosphere is solemn and peaceful, making it suitable for worship and sightseeing.

• Wujiafeng Ecotourism Area: The area contains Asia's largest natural sparse woodland grassland of five-angled maples. The leaves are at their best from mid-October to the end of October, turning the hills and fields red.

• Chaersen Reservoir: With its broad expanse of water, the reservoir is ideal for watching the orange-red sunset reflected on the lake in the evening, taking landscape photos or simply relaxing.

Suggested Itinerary (5 Days, 4 Nights, Self-Drive)

• Day 1: Arrive in Ulanhot

After arriving, head into the city and visit the Genghis Khan Temple, the only shrine in China dedicated to commemorating Genghis Khan. For dinner, try Mongolian cuisine and barbecue in the city, then stay overnight at a hotel in central Ulanhot.

• Day 2: Ulanhot → Heiyang Mountain → Ulan Maodu → Arxan City

Drive along Provincial Highway S203, visiting the Heiyang Mountain Tourist Resort along the way and passing Buzaima Coffee, while enjoying the mountain grassland scenery. Continue to Arxan City, with grasslands and birch forests along the route, and check in after arriving in the evening.

• Day 3: In-Depth Tour of Arxan National Forest Park

Enter the park by car or sightseeing shuttle, visiting the Budahe Viewing Platform (for morning mist), Arxan Blue House, Wusu Langzi Lake, Tuofengling Tianchi Lake and Rhododendron Lake in sequence. In the evening, relax in Arxan's hot springs to ease fatigue after the long drive.

• Day 4: Arxan → Wujiafeng → Ulanhot

If visiting in mid-to-late October, spend the morning viewing the autumn colors at Wujiafeng Ecotourism Area. Drive back to Ulanhot in the afternoon, then head to Chaersen Reservoir before dusk to watch the sunset.

• Day 5: Ulanhot → Gegen Temple → Departure

Visit Gegen Temple in the morning to experience the solemnity of Tibetan Buddhist architecture and the peaceful surroundings. You can take photos in the temple grounds or on the rear hill. Return to the city for lamb soup and shaomai at lunch, then begin your journey home.

Local Specialties to Try

Xing'an League cuisine centers on grassland red foods (beef and mutton) and white foods (dairy products). The beef and mutton are tender and fresh, while the dairy products have a pronounced milky flavor.

Self-Drive and Travel Tips

• Road conditions and driving: Xing'an League is well suited to self-driving. The Xing'an No. 1 Highway and Provincial Highway S203 are generally in good condition, but some sections have many bends, and cattle and sheep may appear along the way. Do not stop to take photos on bends or main roads; pull into a safe area first.
• Temperature changes and clothing: From late September to October, the day-night temperature difference is substantial. Daytime temperatures may be 10–16°C, falling to around 0°C in the evening. Bring a light down jacket, windbreaker, scarf and hat. Even in summer, pack a windproof jacket.
• Sun protection and moisturizing: Ultraviolet rays are strong in the grassland and forest areas, and the air is relatively dry. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and moisturizing skincare products.
• Signal and navigation: Some grassland and forest roads may have no mobile signal. Download offline maps before setting out, and fill up with fuel or fully charge your vehicle in advance.
• Reservations: During peak season or holidays, Arxan National Forest Park may restrict self-drive vehicles. It is advisable to reserve a self-drive ticket through the mini program or purchase a sightseeing shuttle ticket in advance to avoid disrupting your itinerary.