Hulunbuir Northern Loop: Grasslands & Forest
A counter-clockwise northern loop starting and ending in Hailar, connecting wetlands, reindeer, forests, border rivers, and Manzhouli.
The most classic self-drive loop in Hulunbuir. The route consists mostly of paved roads suitable for sedans, except for a dirt section along the border river road. You will change accommodations six times over seven days, with three to four hours of driving daily. To preserve the scenic border road experience, Enhe and Linjiang are omitted. If time is tight, Lake Hulun can also be skipped.
The grass is at its greenest in July. Erguna begins to turn yellow in mid-to-late September.
Day by day
Day 1 · Arrival & Rest in Hailar
Hailar & Hulunbuir Grassland（Hailar Fortress Ruins & Anti-Fascist War Memorial Park、Hulunbuir Ancient City、Genghis Khan Square, Hailar）
Drive about 30 minutes from the airport to the city center. Take a taxi in the afternoon to visit the fortress ruins and the old town, refuel, and buy supplies.
The World Anti-Fascist War Hailar Memorial Park is closed on Mondays.
Stay: Hailar Urban Area
Day 2 · Morigele River to Erguna
Hailar & Hulunbuir Grassland（Mergel River & Hulunbuir Grassland） → Ergun & Genhe（Ergun Wetland、Labudalin Town (Ergun City)）
Drive north from Hailar for about 210 km via the Morigele River to Labdalin. Net driving time is about 3 hours.
The small path from the Morigele Cliff to Erguna is full of potholes; taking the main road is recommended.
Stay: Labudalin (Ergun Town)
Day 3 · Birch Forest & Reindeer Tribe
Ergun & Genhe（Ergun Birch Forest、Aoluguya Reindeer Tribe）
Drive from Erguna via the Birch Forest and the old G332 National Highway to Genhe (about 3 hours). See the reindeer in the afternoon.
Stay: Genhe Town
Day 4 · Through the Forest to Shiwei
Shiwei & Moerdaoga（Moerdaoga National Forest Park、Moerdaoga Forest Train）
Drive west from Genhe to Mordaoga to ride the forest mini-train, then continue to Shiwei. Net driving time is 4 to 5 hours.
During the forest fire prevention season, entry is subject to controls. Vehicles must be equipped with spark arrestors as required.
Stay: Shiwei Town
Day 5 · Border River Road to Heishantou
Shiwei & Moerdaoga（Shiwei、Shiwei Border River Viewpoint & Port） → Ergun & Genhe（Heishantou Town & Ancient City Ruins）
Drive south from Shiwei along the border river via Jiuka and Qika to Heishantou (about 240 km, approx. 4 hours drive).
There is a 20 km dirt road section between Jiuka and Qika; drive slowly after rain and bring your ID card.
Stay: Heishantou Town
Day 6 · Ribbon River to Manzhouli
Hailar & Hulunbuir Grassland（186 Caidai River Scenic Area） → Manzhouli（Manzhouli National Gate Scenic Area、Matryoshka Square、Zhongsu Pedestrian Street & Century Square）
Drive from Heishantou along the China-Russia Border Highway via the 186 Ribbon River to Manzhouli (about 230 km, 3.5 hours).
Stay: Sino-Soviet Pedestrian Street
Day 7 · Lake Hulun back to Hailar
Manzhouli（Hulun Lake） → Hailar & Hulunbuir Grassland（Huhenuoer Lake & Grassland）
Drive about 45 minutes from Manzhouli to Lake Hulun, then take the G301 back to Hailar (about 260 km in total).
The G301 has interval speed cameras; allow plenty of buffer time before evening flights.