Day 1: Arrival in Hailar – Gateway to the Grassland
Accommodation: Hailar
Meals: none
Upon your arrival at Hailar Dongshan Airport, your local guide and driver will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in the city center. Hailar, the administrative capital of Hulunbuir, serves as the perfect starting point for your grassland adventure. The rest of the day is yours to rest and acclimate, or to take a gentle stroll along the Yimin River that flows through the city, watching the sunset paint the sky in hues of orange and pink.
Day 2: Hailar – Morigele River Valley Hike – Ergun Wetland Boardwalk – White Birch Forest Walk – Shiwei
Accommodation: Shiwei
Meals: breakfast
After breakfast, depart for the Morigele River, the "mother river" of the Hulunbuir grassland. Unlike a typical drive-by tour, this day you will experience the grassland on foot with a 5km guided hike along the river valley. Follow the winding river as it carves through the steppe, passing herds of sheep and cattle grazing peacefully. Your guide will share stories of the nomadic families who have migrated along these banks for centuries.
Next, continue to the Ergun Wetland, Asia's largest wetland ecosystem. Here, you will take a leisurely walk along the elevated boardwalk that meanders through the marshlands. The boardwalk allows you to observe egrets, cranes, and other waterfowl in their natural habitat without disturbing the delicate environment. The viewing platform at the end offers a breathtaking panorama of the wetland stretching to the horizon.
In the afternoon, enter the White Birch Forest Scenic Area, where a tranquil 3km forest walk awaits. The silver-white birch trees, with their papery bark peeling in the wind, create a surreal, almost magical atmosphere. The soft forest floor, carpeted with moss and wild berries, makes every step a sensory delight. Take your time to breathe in the crisp, pine-scented air and capture the beauty of this unique ecosystem.
As dusk falls, arrive at the riverside town of Shiwei, a charming settlement with a rich Russian-Chinese heritage. Check into your hotel and enjoy a hearty dinner featuring local specialties.
Day 3: Shiwei – Riverside Discovery Hike – Heishantou Grassland Ridge Trek – Bonfire Party
Accommodation: Heishantou
Meals: breakfast
Start your day with a 4km guided hike along the Argun River. This "Riverside Discovery Trail" follows ancient paths once used by nomadic tribes and Russian traders. The trail offers uninterrupted views of the river as it winds through the valley, with the Russian bank visible across the water. Keep your eyes peeled for eagles soaring overhead and wild horses grazing on the opposite shore. Your guide will point out medicinal plants and edible wild berries along the way, sharing the traditional knowledge of the local Evenki people.
After lunch, transfer to the Heishantou (Black Mountain) region, known for its rolling grassy ridges and panoramic views. Here, you will embark on a 6km grassland ridge trek that takes you through undulating hills dotted with wildflowers—edelweiss, iris, and wild peonies bloom in season. The gradual ascent rewards you with ever-expanding views of the surrounding plains, where the grass seems to merge with the sky. This is the essence of the grassland—vast, open, and humbling.
In the evening, enjoy a traditional grassland bonfire party under the star-dusted sky. Gather around the crackling fire with your fellow travelers, listen to Mongolian folk songs, and watch the flames dance against the darkness of the steppe.
Day 4: Heishantou – Nomadic Herdsman Homestay – Pasture Walk & Daily Life Experience – Manzhouli
Accommodation: Manzhouli
Meals: breakfast
This day is dedicated to an immersive Nomadic Herdsman Homestay experience. Instead of a brief stopover, you will spend a full day with a local herder family, walking the pastures alongside them and learning about their way of life.
Begin with a 3km pasture walk as the family moves their sheep or cattle to fresh grazing grounds. Your host will explain the seasonal migration patterns that have sustained nomadic life for millennia—how they read the weather, find water sources, and protect their herds from wolves. You are invited to help with daily chores: milking cows, collecting eggs, or even trying your hand at making traditional dairy products like aruul (dried curds) and suutei tsai (Mongolian milk tea).
After a homemade lunch with the family, continue exploring the surrounding grasslands on foot, following the trails used by the herders. The pace is slow and unhurried—this is not a hike for distance, but for connection. Listen to the wind, feel the grass under your fingers, and understand why the Mongolian people call this land their "mother".
In the late afternoon, bid farewell to your hosts and drive to Manzhouli, a vibrant border city known for its unique blend of Chinese, Russian, and Mongolian cultures.
Day 5: Manzhouli – Border Ridge Hike – Matryoshka Square (exterior) – National Gate (exterior) – Barhu Folk Custom Park – Mini Naadam
Accommodation: Manzhouli
Meals: breakfast
Begin your day with a 5km border ridge hike along the hills overlooking the China-Russia border. This scenic trail offers uninterrupted views of the vast Transbaikalian steppe stretching into Russia. The hike is gentle, with occasional ascents that provide perfect photo opportunities of the border fence winding through the grassland. The solitude and silence of this frontier landscape are profound—a stark contrast to the busy city life you left behind.
After the hike, visit the iconic Matryoshka Square for an exterior photo stop, where the world's largest matryoshka doll sculpture stands as a symbol of Manzhouli's Russian influence. Then proceed to the National Gate Scenic Area for another exterior visit, capturing the imposing gateway that marks the border between China and Russia.
In the afternoon, explore the Barhu Folk Custom Park, an open-air museum dedicated to the Barhu Mongol tribe. Here, you can walk through traditional felt tents, observe handicraft demonstrations, and learn about the unique customs of this lesser-known ethnic group.
The day culminates with a Mini Naadam experience—a condensed version of the famous Mongolian festival featuring wrestling, archery, and horse racing demonstrations. Unlike the large-scale tourist spectacles, this intimate performance allows you to get close to the athletes and even try your hand at archery under their guidance.
Day 6: Manzhouli – Hailar – Free Afternoon Exploration
Accommodation: Hailar
Meals: breakfast
After breakfast, drive back to Hailar (approx. 3 hours). The afternoon is yours to explore Hailar at your own pace. We recommend a self-guided walk along the Yimin River Promenade, where locals gather for evening strolls and fishing. Alternatively, visit the Hailar National Forest Park for a final dose of nature—a gentle 2km loop trail through pine forests offers a peaceful conclusion to your journey.
Day 7: Hailar Departure
Accommodation: none
Meals: breakfast
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before your private transfer to Hailar Dongshan airport/train station for your departure. Safe travels!