Geological Reserve

In the morning, visit the noted summer resort, Sun Island. You can take bus No.29, 80, 85 or 88 to the island. Alternatively, take a ferry from the station on Fangxun Road to the island. A third way is to take the cross-river the cable car at Tongjiang Street. The island is not only a natural garden with wet-land, lakes, forests, grassland, and rare animals; Benxiong Amusement Park is an ideal place for young people to have a great time. If you visit in winter, you should not miss snow world, with everything made of snow and ice. The entrance fee of the island is CNY30 and CNY150 in winter for the Snow and Ice Festival.

Continue your visit to the largest natural Siberian Tier reserve, Tiger Park. Take a bus No.85 or Tourist Sightseeing Bus Line 2 from Sun Island direct to the Tiger Park. The park is home to endangered Siberian tigers. You can also see rare white lions, white tigers, and African lions. The admission fee is CNY90 per person.

You will be impressed by the locals' generosity with the food they make. Don't order too much when you dine in a restaurant, because they serve ample food for each dish.

In the evening, take a taxi to Harbin Railway Station to catch the overnight soft sleeper train K7091 or 2623/2625 to Manzhouli for around CNY330. K7091 leaves at 21:15 and reaches Manzhouli at 09:46 the next morning. Train 2623/2325 leaves at 20:33 and reaches Manzhouli at 10:32 the next morning.

Upon arrival, check in at a local hotel. You can take a taxi to Wudao Street, where there are many hotels. We recommend the Ibis Hotel.

After a short rest, take bus No.6 or taxi to your first site, Chinese National Gate. Manzhouli stands at the border of China, Russia and Mongolia. The site you are going to visit is located at the border between China and Russia. The admission fee is CNY80. An international railway traverses through the gate. Climbing up to the gate, you will have a fine view of the National Gate of Russia and the townships in Russia. Then you can find some interesting souvenirs and bargains in the nearby Frontier Trade Zone between China and Russia.

Afterwards, hire a car (about CNY200 for a round trip) to visit Hulun Lake, which is 38 kilometers away from Manzhouli. Hulun Lake, also named Dalai Lake, is the fifth largest internal lake in China. For lunch, you can taste a fish banquet. It is quite a romantic experience to stroll along the lakeside. Return to Manzhouli. Take a leisurely stroll at Matreshka Square to enjoy the charming night view of Manzhouli.

Get up early in the morning to catch a coach at 07:00 from Manzhouli Coach Station to Ulanhot, and alight at Arshaan City on the way. This takes 5 - 6 hours and costs approximately CNY100. Upon arrival, check in at one of the hotels on the road containing Arshaan Coach Station, Wenquan Road.

Then visit Arshaan National Geological Park. The admission fee is CNY180, an extra CNY80 is charged for an electric sightseeing cart. The park boasts verdant vegetation of a cold temperate zone, unique volcanic landforms, clear rivers and lakes. It is an ideal summer resort.

Take a morning bus at 07:30 from Arshaan Coach Station to Hailar. The bus trip takes about 5 hours and costs CNY92.5 per person. 370 kilometers from Arshaan City, Hailar is regarded as a blue gem on the grassland.

Visit Huhenor Grassland, which is famous for a Chinese film "Gada Meiren". Enjoy the gorgeous scenery of the grassland and then visit a local family. The hospitable hosts will welcome you with their best food and wine, and it is a good opportunity to learn about folk customs and their life style. Return to Hailar and then board the overnight soft sleeper train K7092 which leaves at 20: 15 and reaches Harbin at 06:43, or train 2626/2624 which departs at 21:44 and arrives in Harbin at 09:34. The fare is about CNY280.