Bo Wu
Quick Navigation
I nearly lost a client in the middle of Hulunbuir last summer. Not because of wolves—because of a broken GPS and a language barrier that left us circling the same yurt for an hour. That's when I realized: most English guides don't tell you the gritty details. Here's the truth—you can't rely on Google Maps out here, and your Visa card is basically useless. Ready for the real scoop? Skip the generic tips and dive into this Hulunbuir Grassland English guide built from years of leading groups through Inner Mongolia.
When to Visit Hulunbuir Grassland
July and August are peak season—green grass, wildflowers, and also wall-to-wall tourists. If you want the best balance of weather and crowds, aim for June or September. June is quieter, though the grass might not be fully green until mid-month. September offers golden steppe and fewer people, but temperatures dip at night (bring a warm jacket).
How to Get to Hulunbuir Grassland
Most visitors fly into Hailar Airport (HLD), the main gateway. From Beijing, direct flights take about 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train from Beijing to Hailar—around 30 hours on a sleeper, but it saves money and gives you a taste of the landscape.
Once in Hailar, you need a driver. Public buses exist but are infrequent and Chinese-only. I always hire a local driver through my hotel or a platform like Trip.com. Expect to pay around 500-700 RMB per day for a private car including fuel. Make sure the driver speaks basic English or have translation app ready.
Hulunbuir Grassland Tickets & Entry
Most scenic spots on the grassland are open range—you don't need tickets to drive across the steppe. However, developed attractions like Hulunbuir Grassland Scenic Area charge entry. Current adult ticket: 55 RMB (2025). Children under 1.2m free, seniors over 65 half price. You must book via WeChat mini-program or on-site with cash. No English website exists. If you don't have WeChat, ask your hotel to pre-book for you.
| Attraction | Adult Price | Child Price | Booking Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moergele River Viewpoint | 55 RMB | Free (under 1.2m) | WeChat mini-program or on-site cash |
| Genhe Wetland | 80 RMB | 40 RMB | WeChat or on-site |
| Ergun Wetland | 65 RMB | 30 RMB | On-site only (cash) |
Best Things to Do on the Grassland
Horseback Riding
Don't pay more than 200 RMB per hour. Many local herders offer rides—they're genuine and cheaper than tourist traps. I always negotiate for a guided ride that includes a short gallop (if you're experienced). Wear long pants and closed shoes. The horses are sturdy Mongolian ponies, not huge, but they can trot fast.
Stay in a Mongolian Yurt (Ger)
Traditional yurts are surprisingly comfortable. Look for one with a proper stove if you visit in spring or autumn. Prices range from 300-800 RMB per night. Some places offer dinner and breakfast included. My go-to: Nomad's Heaven Yurt Camp near Moergele River—clean beds, decent wifi (by grassland standards), and a host who speaks a little English. Address: S201 highway, 30km north of Hailar.
Where to Stay on the Grassland
You have two options: staying in a yurt on the grassland or basing yourself in Hailar city and doing day trips. For the full experience, spend at least one night in a yurt. But if you want hot showers and reliable wifi, Hailar is better.
| Accommodation | Type | Price Range (per night) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nomad's Heaven Yurt Camp | Yurt | 350-600 RMB | Couples & solo travelers |
| Hailar Grand Hotel | Hotel | 250-400 RMB | Families, business |
| Ergun Prairie Lodge | Yurt | 400-700 RMB | Luxury seekers |
What to Eat in Hulunbuir
Grassland food is all about lamb and dairy. My personal favorite: hand-grabbed lamb —boiled with salt, eaten with your hands. It's tender and not gamey. Another must-try is Mongolian milk tea—salty, buttery, and addictive. For a sit-down meal, head to Mongolian Feast Restaurant in Hailar (Address: 125 Shengli Street). A meal costs 60-100 RMB per person. They have a picture menu, but no English. Just point at what looks good. I always order the lamb skewers and fried yogurt cake.
Pro tip: Bring your own snacks from Hailar. Grassland restaurants close early (by 8pm) and options are limited.
3-Day Hulunbuir Grassland Itinerary (English-Friendly)
Day 1: Arrive at Hailar airport. Driver picks you up. Drive 1.5 hours to Moergele River area. Check into yurt. Afternoon horseback riding (2 hours). Dinner at yurt camp.
Day 2: Morning visit Ergun Wetland (1 hour drive). Walk the boardwalk—about 1.5 hours. Lunch in Ergun city (try the grilled lamb chops). Afternoon drive to Genhe Wetland (45 min). Return to yurt for second night.
Day 3: Sunrise over the grassland. Drive back to Hailar. Visit Hulunbuir Museum (free, English exhibits). Catch afternoon flight.
If you’re going to Hulunbuir, get this guide! It completely changed our experience – we avoided the packed boardwalks and instead hiked a short off-trail path to a hilltop overlooking the wetlands. The wind through the grass sounded like music, and we watched herds of sheep move like clouds. Worth every penny.
Pretty good overall. The map with GPS coordinates for lesser-known viewpoints was super helpful – we found a spot with zero tourists and wildflowers everywhere. Only downside: the restaurant recommendations weren’t all accurate; one had closed down. Still, saved us at least 200 yuan on parking fees alone. Solid 4 stars.
Best decision I made before heading to Hulunbuir! The guide pointed us to a hidden yurt village where we had home-cooked Mongolian tea and cheese for a fraction of the hotel restaurant prices. The grass felt like velvet under our feet, and we had the whole meadow to ourselves. Absolute 5-star value.
Honestly, I expected a bit more insider info. The money-saving advice was solid (we avoided the overpriced horse rides near the main entrance), but the “beat the crowds” section felt outdated – we still hit traffic at the popular viewing platform. Still a decent guide if you’re on a budget, but not a game-changer.
This guide was a lifesaver for our trip! We followed the tips about visiting the less crowded spots in the morning and saved a ton of money on local food stalls instead of the tourist traps. The sunset at the bend of the river was absolutely breathtaking – golden light over endless green. Can’t recommend it enough!