10 Days in Hulunbuir

Land in Hailar, the grassland hub; the central square and regional museum set the scene.

1. hulunbeier genghis khan square
2. hulunbeier hulunbuir museum

An hour north to the Jinzhanghan camps on the winding Mergel; horse riding and herd-family dinners.

1. hulunbeier jinzhanghan grassland

Drive to Ergun for the vast river-wetland overlook; sunset turns the oxbows gold.

1. hulunbeier ergun wetland

Log cottages and Russian-descendant bakeries along the Argun border river; overnight in Shiwei.

1. hulunbeier shiwei russian township

North into the larch forest park; mid-September turns the valleys amber.

1. hulunbeier moerdaoga forest

Genhe's Evenki reindeer camp near the forest edge; feed the herds with moss.

1. hulunbeier aoluguya reindeer

Cross back over the steppe to the great lake; shore breezes and fishing-town lunches.

1. hulunbeier hulun lake

Border formalities area — carry your passport; the Russia-facing gate towers over trade rails.

1. hulunbeier manzhouli national gate

The matryoshka-doll architecture and Russian goods markets of Manzhouli, China's border bazaar.

1. hulunbeier manzhouli matryoshka square

Return to Hailar for the fortress-ruins memorial park, then your flight or train.

1. hulunbeier hailar antifascist memorial