Journey to Hulunbuir · Heart of the Grasslands

Hulunbuir, often hailed as ‘the most beautiful grassland in the world,’ stretches vast as the sea and changes its hues with each season. Here, boundless prairies meet deep, whispering forests; unending rivers flow beside mirror-like lakes; and diverse ethnic traditions blend seamlessly with a history as rich as the land itself. Step onto this magical expanse, and embark on a journey through both time and nature.

History & Heritage · Footprints of Nomadic Peoples

For centuries, Hulunbuir has been home to nomadic peoples such as the Mongols and the Ewenki. Its culture reflects both the bold spirit of the steppe and the wisdom of a life lived on the move.

• The Mongols are known for their generosity and warmth. Their long, melodic songs and the stirring notes of the morin khuur (horsehead fiddle) echo across the plains. The Naadam Festival’s wrestling, horse racing, and archery competitions capture the courage and pride of this horseback nation.

• The Oroqen, forest dwellers of the Greater Khingan Mountains, are skilled hunters and gatherers. Their intricate birch-bark handicrafts carry stories and symbols passed down for generations.

• The Ewenki, known as ‘the reindeer people,’ live in harmony with their herds, nurturing a mysterious and enchanting herding culture.

• The Daur people excel in farming and fishing. Their traditional dance, Lurigele, is rhythmic, athletic, and full of life.

Flavors of the Steppe · Nomadic Tastes on the Table

Hulunbuir’s cuisine is a reflection of its nomadic heritage:

• Hand-cut Mutton (Shou Ba Rou): A quintessential steppe dish—fresh lamb from the grasslands boiled simply with water and a pinch of salt, preserving its pure, rich flavor.

• Whole Roasted Lamb: A feast of ceremony—golden-crisp skin, tender and juicy meat, and a fragrance that fills the air, best enjoyed with a cup of milk tea.

• Mongolian Milk Tea: A traditional brew of roasted millet, naipizi (milk curds), dried beef, and tea. Its creamy, toasty aroma is both hearty and comforting.

• Russian Delicacies: In Manzhouli, a border city shaped by Russian culture, visitors can savor smoked sausage, Dalieba bread, and Kvass, experiencing the flavors of a faraway land right at the frontier.

Living Traditions · The Pulse of the Grasslands

• Naadam Festival: The grand celebration of the Mongols, showcasing wrestling, horse racing, and archery at their finest.

• Bonfire Nights: Songs, dances, starlit skies, and the cool grassland breeze weave the most romantic tapestry of the night.

• Ewenki Reindeer Culture: Visit an open reindeer park to learn about the bond between the reindeer and the forest-dwelling tribes.

Landmarks & Natural Wonders · A heavenly paradise bestowed by nature

• Hulunbuir Grassland: One of the three great grasslands of the world—a vast green carpet stretching to the horizon. The Morigele River winds through it in graceful curves, earning the name ‘the most beautiful meandering river in China.’

• Mo’erdaoga National Forest Park: In the heart of the Greater Khingan’s primeval forest, towering trees and rolling waves of green surround a narrow-gauge train that winds through what feels like a fairytale woodland.

• Erguna Wetland Park: Asia’s largest wetland, where rivers and forests weave a breathtaking tapestry. Spring and summer bring lush greens and wildflowers, autumn transforms it into a blaze of gold and crimson, and winter cloaks it in a serene blanket of snow.

• Manzhouli: A border city where Russian-style architecture meets grassland horizons, exuding the charm of a storybook European town.