Hulun Lake
呼伦湖
Inner Mongolia's largest lake, a 'sea' on the grassland, with lakeside pastures, migratory birds and lake fish feasts. It is a must-stop on the way from Hailar to Manzhouli.
Hulun Lake lies in the Xin Barag Right Banner and covers about 2,000 square kilometres. Together with Buir Lake, it gave the name Hulunbuir to the region. It is Inner Mongolia's largest lake and China's fifth-largest freshwater lake. The grassland of Hulunbuir takes its name from it.
The shores are mostly open grassland and sandy beaches, and the water stretches to the horizon like the sea. In summer, hundreds of species of migratory birds nest here. Birdwatchers can go to the Ulansuhai wetlands northeast of the lake.
The usual stop is the Hulun Lake Scenic Area on the north shore (Xiaohekou). Admission is about 30 yuan. It has viewing platforms, boat rides and horseback riding. The lakeside restaurants are known for whole-fish feasts featuring white fish and pike. On the way from Hailar to Manzhouli, you pass the north shore, where a stop of about 1 to 2 hours is enough to see the lake and have a fish meal before continuing to Manzhouli.
Hulun Lake is a national nature reserve, and most of the lake area is closed to the public. Stay within designated areas. Be aware of strong winds and intense sun in summer. Do not enter the water or drive onto the sandy shore outside open areas. Mosquitoes are very heavy in June and July.
Opening hours
08:00–18:00
Nearby sights
- Genghis Khan Hitching Post at Hulun Lake
- Zhalainuoer National Mine Park
- Mammoth Park
- Zhalainuoer Museum
- Temujin Khan Camp
- Manzhouli Museum
- Manzhouli Russian-style Buildings & Railway Station
- Soviet Red Army Martyrs Cemetery