Hulunbuir Travel Guide

Chinese Name: 呼伦贝尔 (hū lún bèi ěr)
Population: 2,530,100
Area: 252,777 square kilometers (97,598 square miles)
Location: in the north of Inner Mongolia, north China
Administrative Division: 2 districts (Hailaer, Jalainur); 7 banners (Arun Banner, Xin Barag Banner, Xin Barag Right Banner, Xin Barag Left Banner, Oroqen Autonomous Banner, Ewenki Autonomous Banner, Daur Autonomous Banner); 5 county-level Cities (Manzhouli, Zhalantun, Yakeshi, Genhe, Eerguna)
Area Code: 0470
Zip Code: 021000
GDP (2018): CNY 125.29 billion (USD 18.93 billion)
Nationalities: Mongol, Han, Ewenki, Daur, Oroqen, Russ
 

Vast Prairie in Hulunbuir

Situated in the northeastern part of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Hulunbuir City borders Heilongjiang Province to the east and shares boundaries with Mongolia and Russia to the southwest and northwest. Hulunbuir highlights beautiful natural scenery as well as the exotic customs of Mongolia and Russia. Most of the grassland areas in the south Hulunbuir have developed perfect tourism. Tourists can ride horses, shoot arrows, stay overnight in yurts and taste delicious beef and mutton. The Hulunbuir Prairie with clear blue sky and lush pasture is one of the “World’s Four Largest Prairies”, offering a fabulous grassland photography experience. Besides the wonderful grassland experience, Greater Khingan Mountains is worth special visits as the mountains flame with azaleas in May and are dyed with different colors in September.

Also, the grand Nadam Convention held from July to August should not be missed. The convention includes traditional sports events, such as wrestling, horse racing, and tug of war. Wonderful performances like martial arts also will be showed. The best time to visit Hulunbuir is mid to late May and mid to late September when the temperature is suitable and visitors do not need to endure mosquito bite.

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White Yurts on Hulunbuir Prairie

It is probably the finest pasture in China. In the summer, visitors can go horseback riding, view horse racing and attend wrestling matches. Campfire parties featuring whole-sheep feasts are popular. Huhenuoer Grassland and Hulun Lake are the most famous sights in that area. The lake is teeming with fish and shrimp. Hulun is the largest lake in Inner Mongolia and one of the five largest freshwater lakes in China.
 It is an excellent winter resort located in the Daxing'anling Mountains. European-style villas with red roofs stand out among the pines and white snow. Additionally, Hailaer National Forest Park and Darbin Lake National Forest Park cater to visitors who feel enthusiasm for the natural greenery and tranquil forests.Dongshan Airport is 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) from downtown Hulunbuir. Every week, there are flights to Beijing, Hohhot and Shenzhen. Manzhouli Xijiao International Airport is 9 kilometers (5.6 miles) southwest of Manzhouli City and operates flights to/from Beijing, Tianjin, Hohhot, Harbin, Wudalianchi, Arxan and Ulanhot. There also is airport shuttle bus travel between airport and downtown.

Situated in the continental climatic zone, Hulunbuir is characterized by cool short summer and long chilly winter. The average temperature range during a year is -5 - 2 C (23 - 35.6 F). Precipitation becomes common in June and August.
 
 When to Go: Mid-May to mid-September and November to February are the best periods to visit the region. The former period is best for viewing the flourishing grassland and latter period is better for viewing the grand snowscape.  Weather in late May and mid-September is generally the most comfortable. From June to August, the grasslands are frequently overrun with swarms of mosquitoes.   History: During the Western Han Dynasty (206BC-24AD) and the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), many nomadic tribes in North China settled in the vast grassland of Hulunbuir. Today, it is still the homeland of more than thirty ethnic minorities. In 2001, Hulunbuir's status was changed from a league to a city.
 
 Physical Features: The Daxing'anling Mountains stretch through the central region of Hulunbuir City from the northeast to the southwest. The city is divided into three regions: the grassland in the west; the forest zone in the mountain area and the hill and river valley area in the east.
 
 Special Local Products: The minority Daur, Oroqen and Ewenki people make products from birch bark. Russian handicrafts are available, too. Locally raised mushrooms, beef and mutton and dairy products are of good quality.
 
 Local Highlights: Hulunbuir hosts an azalea festival in the spring; a grassland culture and beer festival in the summer; a forest culture festival celebrating Daxing'anling Mountains in the autumn and an ice and snow festival with a strong ethnic flavor in the winter.