Hulunbuir Grassland

Nature · 内蒙古自治区 · 呼伦贝尔草原

Hulunbuir Grassland

Hulunbuir

Hulunbuir Grassland · ChinaMazing

Discover

Core Sights

The essential sights — what they are, and when to go.

Mogriq River

Sight 1

Mogriq River

莫日格勒河

The Morigele River. The Morigele River winds through the heartland of the Hulunbuir Grassland, earning its reputation as "the First Meandering River on Earth." With its twisting, winding course, it traces graceful curves across the vast steppe. On both banks, water and pasture thrive, and herds of cattle and sheep dot the landscape. This is not only the cradle of Mongolian nomadic culture but also a paradise for photographers and nature enthusiasts. The scenery changes with the seasons, being especially resplendent in summer and autumn. Beneath the blue sky and white clouds, the river and grassland interweave into a tranquil yet magnificent tableau. Visitors can ride horses or drive along the river, taking in the vastness and serenity of the grassland while experiencing an authentic nomadic way of life.

Hulun Lake

Sight 2

Hulun Lake

呼伦湖

Hulun Lake. As the largest freshwater lake in Inner Mongolia, Hulun Lake shines like a pearl on the grassland. With its vast open waters blending seamlessly into the sky, the lake is surrounded by expansive pastures and wetlands. It serves not only as a vital stopover for migratory birds but also as an ideal destination to experience the beauty of grassland lake scenery. Visitors can stroll along the shore, feeling the gentle breeze on their faces, or take a boat ride across the lake to gaze at the horizon where grassland meets the sky. The area also preserves the traditional nomadic culture of the Mongolian people, making it a superb place to immerse oneself in the natural and cultural charm of the northern grasslands.

Golden Horde Mongol Tribe

Sight 3

Golden Horde Mongol Tribe

金帐汗蒙古部落

Golden Horde Mongol Tribe. Nestled in the heart of the Hulunbuir grassland along the Morgole River, the Golden Horde Mongol Tribe is an ideal destination for experiencing the traditional nomadic culture of the Mongols. Here, the historical scenes of the Golden Horde Khanate from the era of Genghis Khan are recreated. Visitors can step into traditional yurts, watch grassland skill performances such as horse racing, wrestling, and horse lassoing, savor authentic Mongolian cuisine, and feel the boldness and enthusiasm of the horse-riding people. Surrounded by lush pastures and grazing herds, the area offers distinct scenery in every season, serving as a window into Mongolian history, folk customs, and way of life.

Ergun Wetland

Sight 4

Ergun Wetland

额尔古纳湿地

Erguna Wetland. Known as the "No. 1 Wetland in Asia," it lies in the heart of the Hulunbuir Grassland, a riverine wetland nurtured by the Erguna River and its tributaries. With gentle terrain and winding waterways, it forms a magnificent mosaic of meandering river curves and meadows. In spring, all things revive; in summer, lush greenery spreads across the land; in autumn, the wetland glows in brilliant gold; in winter, it is dressed in silver. The scenery is a painting in every season. Visitors can stroll along wooden boardwalks, take

Shiwei Russian Ethnic Township

Sight 5

Shiwei Russian Ethnic Township

室韦俄罗斯民族乡

Shiwei Russian Ethnic Township. Located on the northern edge of the Hulunbuir grassland, Shiwei Russian Ethnic Township faces Russia across the Erguna River and is the only Russian ethnic township in China. The area retains a rich Russian atmosphere, with neatly arranged wooden log houses (muke leng) and Orthodox church spires dotting the landscape. Strolling through the township, visitors can experience the unique folk culture of the Russian ethnic group, sample traditional foods such as lieba (Russian bread) and blueberry jam, and enjoy ethnic song and dance performances. At dawn or dusk, the Russian village across the river is clearly visible, offering tranquil and far-reaching border scenery. As a historic border town, Shiwei blends nomadic grassland culture with Slavic influences, providing travelers with a distinctive experience of China's northern frontier.

Enhe Russian Ethnic Township

Sight 6

Enhe Russian Ethnic Township

恩和俄罗斯民族乡

Enhe Russian Ethnic Township. Located at the junction of the Hulunbuir Grassland and the Greater Khingan Mountains, Enhe Russian Ethnic Township is China's only Russian ethnic township. Rich in Russian charm, the village features neatly arranged wooden log cabins (mukdelen houses), and residents speak fluent Russian and Chinese. Traditional Russian bread (lieba), wild blueberry jam, and homemade yogurt leave a lasting impression on the palate. Strolling through the countryside, you'll find birch forests all around and the Ergun River flowing quietly by. Visitors can enjoy Russian ethnic song and dance performances and accordion music, experiencing the unique blend of cultures here. It is an ideal destination for those seeking an immersive experience of tranquil life at the crossroads of grassland and forest, and for learning about the history of the Sino-Russian border.

Eat

Local Eats

The local dishes worth crossing town for.

Hand-grabbed Mutton
Eat 1

Hand-grabbed Mutton

手把肉

Roast Lamb Leg
Eat 2

Roast Lamb Leg

烤羊腿

Roasted Lamb Leg. This is a signature dish of the Hulunbuir Grassland, made from locally grazed sheep and slow-roasted over a traditional fire. The exterior is crispy and golden, while the meat inside is tender and juicy, carrying the natural flavors unique to the grasslands. It is typically seasoned with cumin, chili, and other spices, giving it a rich and aromatic taste. More than just a culinary delight, this dish embodies the nomadic culture and hospitality of the Mongolian people, often served during festivals and special occasions. Tasting roasted lamb leg allows you to experience the boldness and warmth of the grasslands, making it an excellent way to immerse yourself in the local way of life.

Salty Milk Tea
Eat 3

Salty Milk Tea

咸奶茶

Salty Milk Tea. Salty milk tea is an essential daily drink for herders on the Hulunbuir grassland, made by simmering brick tea with fresh milk and salt. The aroma of tea and milk blend together, delivering a mellow flavor with a savory edge. Unlike sweet milk tea, it focuses more on cutting through richness and refreshing the palate. It tastes especially good when enjoyed with fried millet, dried milk cream, or hand-held mutton. On the grassland, a steaming bowl of salty milk tea warms the body against the chill and embodies the hospitality of the Mongolian people. First-time drinkers may find the saltiness unusual, but a closer taste reveals the rugged wisdom of grassland cuisine—it is a flavor not to be missed when experiencing nomadic culture.

Mongolian Hot Pot
Eat 4

Mongolian Hot Pot

涮羊肉

Instant-boiled lamb is a signature delicacy of the Hulunbuir Grassland, rooted in traditional Mongolian cuisine. Thinly sliced fresh lamb is swiftly cooked in a bubbling clear broth, yielding tender, succulent bites with the rich, distinctive flavor of grassland lamb and virtually no gamey aftertaste. Served with an array of condiments such as sesame paste, fermented bean curd, and chive flower sauce, it offers a layered and complex taste experience. Beyond being a feast for the palate, the copper-hotpot ritual embodies the bold, generous spirit of nomadic hospitality. For travelers, savoring instant-boiled lamb on the prairie is the most authentic way to experience the enchanting charm of northern frontier life.

Milk Skin
Eat 5

Milk Skin

奶皮子

Milk Skin. Milk skin is a traditional dairy product from the Hulunbuir grasslands, made by slowly simmering fresh milk until a rich, creamy film forms on the surface, which is then air-dried. It has a delicate texture and a rich, milky aroma, packed with protein and fat, making it a treasured delicacy that grassland herders reserve for honored guests. It can be enjoyed in various ways: eaten directly, steeped in milk tea, or mixed with fried rice to enhance the flavor. As a crystallization of nomadic culture, milk skin showcases the Mongols' exquisite craftsmanship in dairy making and is an unmissable specialty for anyone seeking the authentic grassland experience.

Dried Beef Jerky
Eat 6

Dried Beef Jerky

风干牛肉干

Air-Dried Beef Jerky. Air-dried beef jerky is a traditional portable meat staple of the herdsmen on the Hulunbuir grasslands, made from locally grazed beef and crafted with nothing but salt and natural air-drying. The meat is firm, with distinct grain, offering a satisfying chew and a rich, slightly wild aroma. With minimal moisture content, it keeps well and once served as a vital energy source during long migrations and hunts. Today, it has become a popular souvenir for visitors seeking an authentic taste of nomadic life, presenting the purity and ruggedness of the grasslands in its original form. For the best experience, tear it into thin strips and chew slowly, pairing it with milk tea or mare's milk wine to bring out its layered flavors.