Arxan & Chaihe Volcanic Forest Autumn Tour
In and out of Ulanhot, see the Arxan Heavenly Lake and Shitanglin, and drive along the Mo'a Highway to Chaihe.
A short route dedicated to viewing the volcanoes and forests of the Greater Khingan Range. Drive from Ulanhot along the national highway to Arxan, spend a full day in the Forest Park and stay inside the park, then follow the Mo'a Highway to Chaihe. This route is suitable for escaping the summer heat or viewing colorful autumn forests. To keep the itinerary short, the Hulunbuir Grassland is omitted, making it ideal for those who have already visited the northern route or are traveling specifically for autumn foliage.
The colorful autumn foliage lasts from mid-September to early October; early snow is possible at high altitudes in October.
Day by day
Day 1 · Head North via National Highway to the Hot Spring Town
Arxan（Arxan Railway Station、Arxan Hot Springs）
Drive from Ulanhot along G302 to Arxan city center, taking about 3 hours. Stroll around the old railway station in the afternoon and soak in the hot springs in the evening.
Stay: Arxan Town Hot Spring Street
Day 2 · A Day at Heavenly Lake in the Forest Park
Arxan（Arxan Tianchi (Heaven Lake)、Tuofengling Tianchi、Dujuan Lake、Shitanglin Lava Field、Santan Gorge）
Travel from the city center to Jinjianggou to transfer to the scenic area shuttle bus, connecting various spots via the Heavenly Lake Service Area; spend the whole day inside the park.
There are many steps at Heavenly Lake; it is recommended to enter the park before 8:00 AM to avoid the crowds.
Stay: Tianchi Service Area
Day 3 · Mo'a Highway to Chaihe
Arxan（Budong River (Unfrozen River)、Wusulangzi Lake） → Zhalantun（Chaihe Moon Lake、Woniu Lake）
Drive east along the Mo'a Highway for about 100 km, with opportunities to pull over and take photos along the way; it takes about 2 hours to reach Chaihe.
Stay: Chaihe Moon Town
Day 4 · Return from Chaihe to Ulanhot
Ulanhot
Head south from Chaihe back to Ulanhot, about 300 km, taking around 4 hours; leave plenty of time to catch your flight.
You can wake up early at Tongxin Heavenly Lake to wait for the sea of clouds, and delay your departure time accordingly.