Attractions · Hulunbuir

One of the world's four great grasslands; in summer green waves stretch to the horizon with herds of cattle and sheep, making it the first choice for horse riding, staying in a yurt and stargazing. Main highlights include the Moriger River and the grassland night sky. Visiting tip: the temperature difference between day and night on the grassland is large, so bring a jacket; choose a licensed horse ranch for riding and do not go far from the road alone. Practical info: the site is at Chen Barag Banner, Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia; ticket free (grassland scenic-area activities extra); opening hours all day. Best season: June–September when the grassland is at its loveliest, with lush grass and water in July–August; winter is cold but offers snowfields and Nadam fairs. It can be combined with the Moriger River, Erguna Wetland and Manzhouli Matryoshka Square in Hulunbuir for a half-day or full-day itinerary. Before setting out, check the day's opening and reservation policy and allow plenty of time. In peak season or on holidays, book ahead and travel off-peak, and allow time for queues and security checks. Plan your stay around the opening hours and your energy. If you are carrying luggage or travelling with children, allow more time for security checks and walking.

Tip: The temperature difference between day and night on the grassland is large, so bring a jacket; choose a licens…

• Address: Chen Barag Banner, Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia
• Ticket: Free (grassland scenic-area activities extra)
• Opening: Open all day

Known as “the finest winding river under heaven”, its channel loops again and again across the grassland; best at sunset for aerial photography and for watching herds return to their pens. Main highlights include the river's nine bends, aerial photography over the grassland and the herds. Visiting tip: the viewing platform is windy, so arrive an hour before sunset; the grassland has no shade, so take care with sun protection. Practical info: the site is at Chen Barag Banner, Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia; ticket free (viewing platform and activities extra); opening hours all day. Best season: June–September when the grassland is at its loveliest, with lush grass and water in July–August; winter is cold but offers snowfields and Nadam fairs. It can be combined with Hulunbuir Grassland, Erguna Wetland and Manzhouli Matryoshka Square in Hulunbuir for a half-day or full-day itinerary. Before setting out, check the day's opening and reservation policy and allow plenty of time. In peak season or on holidays, book ahead and travel off-peak, and allow time for queues and security checks. Plan your stay around the opening hours and your energy. If you are carrying luggage or travelling with children, allow more time for security checks and walking.

Tip: The viewing platform is windy, so arrive an hour before sunset; the grassland has no shade, so take care with…

• Address: Chen Barag Banner, Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia
• Ticket: Free (viewing platform and activities extra)
• Opening: Open all day

One of Asia's largest woody wetlands, where the Gen River winds between grassland and birch forest; in autumn the woods are ablaze with colour, and the viewing platform gives a panorama of the wetland. Main highlights include the Gen River's winding course and the autumn colours of the forest. Visiting tip: it is most beautiful in mid-to-late September; the viewing platform has many steps, so wear comfortable shoes. Practical info: the site is at Ergun, Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia; ticket ¥65 (includes shuttle bus; subject to official notice); opening hours 07:30–18:00. Best season: June–September when the grassland is at its loveliest, with lush grass and water in July–August; winter is cold but offers snowfields and Nadam fairs. It can be combined with Hulunbuir Grassland, Moriger River and Manzhouli Matryoshka Square in Hulunbuir for a half-day or full-day itinerary. Before setting out, check the day's opening and reservation policy and allow plenty of time. In peak season or on holidays, book ahead and travel off-peak, and allow time for queues and security checks. Plan your stay around the opening hours and your energy.

Tip: It is most beautiful in mid-to-late September; the viewing platform has many steps, so wear comfortable shoes.

• Address: Ergun, Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia
• Ticket: ¥65 (includes shuttle bus; subject to official notice)
• Opening: 07:30–18:00

A Russian-style theme square on the China-Russia border, with giant matryoshka dolls, onion-dome buildings and night-time lights that are good for photos; it can be visited together with the National Gate scenic area. Main highlights include Russian-style architecture and border culture. Visiting tip: the night view is better than the daytime one, and the lights are all on after 8 pm; tickets are bought separately from the National Gate scenic area. Practical info: the site is at Manzhouli, Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia; ticket ¥148 (subject to official notice); opening hours 09:00–22:00. Best season: June–September when the grassland is at its loveliest, with lush grass and water in July–August; winter is cold but offers snowfields and Nadam fairs. It can be combined with Hulunbuir Grassland, Moriger River and Erguna Wetland in Hulunbuir for a half-day or full-day itinerary. Before setting out, check the day's opening and reservation policy and allow plenty of time. In peak season or on holidays, book ahead and travel off-peak, and allow time for queues and security checks. Plan your stay around the opening hours and your energy.

Tip: The night view is better than the daytime one, and the lights are all on after 8 pm; tickets are bought separa…

• Address: Manzhouli, Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia
• Ticket: ¥148 (subject to official notice)
• Opening: 09:00–22:00