Hulunbuir Grassland

Address Chen Barag Banner, Hulunbuir (Vast region surrounding Hailar District), Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia
Hours Open 24 hours (The general grassland never closes; commercial areas usually operate 08:00–18:00)
Phone +86 470 8271101
Announcement: World's Best Grassland
Entrance ¥0
Hours Open 24 hours (The...
Best Season Late June to mid-A...
Time needed 3–5 days
Last visit: Jul 11, 2026
Author: Lei Li
Reviewer: Ying Zhang

Hulunbuir Grassland Overview

Considered one of the most pristine and beautiful grasslands in the world, this vast, unbroken emerald steppe offers the ultimate nomadic Mongolian experience. It features endless rolling pastures, meandering rivers, grazing herds, and authentic yurt settlements.

Hulunbuir Grassland Opening Hours & Tickets

  • Open 24 hours (The general grassland never closes; commercial areas usually operate 08:00–18:00)
  • Best season: Late June to mid-August for lush green grass; mid-September for stunning golden autumn colors.
  • Ticket note: The open grassland is free to enter and drive through. Enclosed commercial sceni...

Essential Hulunbuir Grassland Visitor Information

  • Enquiries: +86 470 8271101
  • Horseback riding stations
  • Tourist yurt camps with dining
  • Scenic viewing platforms along the Morigele River
  • Basic roadside restrooms

How to Get to Hulunbuir Grassland

Fly into Hulunbuir Hailar Airport (HLD). Public transport across the steppe is non-existent. Booking a multi-day chartered car with a local driver is essential.

Hulunbuir Grassland Travel Safety & Advice

Dial 120 for medical emergencies. Note that cellular signal is often completely lost deep in the grasslands; ensure your driver has a satellite phone or emergency radio.

Practical Info

  • Chen Barag Banner, Hulunbuir (Vast region surrounding Hailar District), Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia
  • Open 24 hours (The general grassland never closes; commercial areas usually operate 08:00–18:00)
  • +86 470 8271101
Lei Li
Lei Li
Certified Master Tour Guide
Lei Li, a Beijing-based Certified Master Tour Guide, specializes in North China itineraries covering the Forbidden City, Great Wall, and Temple of Heaven.

We keep this guide current.

Ratings

★★★★☆ 4.4 (5 reviews)

On-site notes & editorial review

Tickets

  • The open grassland is free to enter and drive through. Enclosed commercial sceni...

Online booking may be required

Tips

Hiring a private driver and 4WD vehicle from Hailar is the only practical way for international tourists to explore. If visiting in July, tr...

Reality Check

  • Distances between spots are massive, requiring hours of driving.
  • English is virtually non-existent; a translation app or guide is mandatory.
  • Mosquitoes and horseflies are fierce in mid-summer.
  • Commercial 'tourist yurts' can be loud and lack authentic charm.

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Recent Reviews

4.4 ★★★★☆ (5)
Wanderlust_K Jul 03, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Incredible! From the moment we arrived, the vastness of the grassland hit us — rolling hills covered in green velvet, herds of horses and sheep roaming freely. We took a guided hike to a hidden lake where the water reflected the sky like a mirror. The local families were so warm, inviting us into their yurts for salty milk tea and freshly baked cookies. Even the long drive from Hailar felt worth it. Pro tip: bring binoculars for birdwatching, we saw cranes and eagles! This place is a slice of heaven. 5 stars without hesitation!

TripTornado_ Jul 03, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

Honestly, I was a bit disappointed. We came in early July, hoping for lush green, but it had rained heavily the week before and the grass was patchy and muddy in many spots. The yurt we booked was advertised as 'luxury' but the mattress was thin and there were flies everywhere. The horse ride cost 300 yuan per hour, which felt steep for a slow plod along a muddy track. The guide spoke very little English and seemed annoyed when we asked questions. Maybe I just had bad luck with weather and timing, but I wouldn't rush back.

Stargazer_Li Jul 03, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

If you love the night sky, this is the place. Zero light pollution means the Milky Way literally pours across the sky. We camped out away from the main tourist yurts, and it was just us, the grass, and billions of stars. The daytime was also gorgeous — bright blue sky, fluffy clouds, cool breeze. The only reason I'm not giving 5 stars is that the daytime horse rides felt a bit rushed and the guides were more interested in their phones than showing us the scenery. Still, the stargazing alone was worth the trip.

NomadSteve Jul 03, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Hulunbuir Grassland exceeded every expectation. We stayed in a cozy yurt camp run by a lovely Mongolian family. They served us fresh dairy products, homemade bread, and the most incredible hand-pulled lamb. The grasslands themselves are massive — we rented a jeep and drove for hours without seeing the end. Sunset over the hills was pure magic. The only tiny drawback: the toilet facilities in the yurt were very basic. But honestly, it adds to the adventure. A must-visit if you're in Inner Mongolia!

PrairieLover Jul 03, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Absolutely breathtaking! The endless green sea of grass stretching to the horizon, dotted with white yurts and grazing herds — it's like stepping into a painting. We spent a day horseback riding with a local herder, and the freedom of galloping across the open steppe was unforgettable. The evening bonfire with roasted lamb and traditional songs made it perfect. Highly recommended for anyone seeking raw nature and authentic Inner Mongolian culture. 10/10 would come back!

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Hulunbuir Grassland Travel FAQ

Should I stay in a yurt or a hotel near Hulunbuir Grassland?
It depends on your priorities. If you want comfort, reliable Wi-Fi, and easy access to restaurants, choose a hotel in Hailar. If you’re okay with basic facilities and want the full nomadic experience for 1-2 nights, a yurt camp is unforgettable. My advice: split your trip. Stay in Hailar first to adjust, then move to a yurt for the cultural fix.
How far is Hailar from the main grassland?
The nearest scenic section (Jinzhanghan Grassland) is about 40 minutes by car. Most people call this “Hulunbuir Grassland,” but the truly vast steppe starts about 2 hours north, near the Ergun border. If you only have 2 days, Jinzhanghan is fine. If you want endless horizons, head toward Shiwei village.
Is it safe for solo travelers to stay in a yurt camp?
Generally yes. The local Mongolian families are hospitable. However, I advise solo female travelers to book camps that have staff on-site 24/7 and look for camps with good reviews from other solo women. Also, let someone back home know the camp’s location. The remote camps may have limited mobile signal (China Unicom is better than China Mobile there).
Can I use Uber or Didi from the airport?
Didi (Chinese Uber) works in Hailar city but not on the open grassland. From the airport, you can book a Didi to your Hailar hotel (around 50 CNY). For grassland destinations, pre-arrange a private transfer through your hotel. Airport taxis often quote fixed prices (100-150 CNY to city) — negotiate before getting in.
What should I pack for staying in a yurt?
Even in summer, nights are chilly (10-15°C). Bring a fleece jacket or a warm hoodie. Mosquito repellent is essential from June to August (the ones with DEET are best). A headlamp is handy because yurt camps have dim lighting. Also, bring your own toilet paper — some camps run out. And a portable charger; outlets may be limited.
Can I use credit cards on the grassland?
Rarely. Most vendors only take WeChat Pay or Alipay. I always tell my clients to bring at least 2000 RMB in cash small bills. Even some yurt camps don't have card machines.
Is it safe to drink tap water?
No. The water has high mineral content—it's safe for washing but can upset your stomach. Buy bottled water (2-3 RMB per bottle) from shops in Hailar before heading out.
Do I need a guide for the grassland?
Not necessarily if you have a good driver who speaks some English. But if you want deep cultural insights, hire a local guide (about 300 RMB/day). Many are available through Hailar tourism agencies.
How do I deal with mosquitoes?
They're fierce near wetlands, especially at dusk. Bring DEET repellent, wear long sleeves, and avoid perfumed lotions. Yurts usually have mosquito nets but bring your own plug-in repellent if you can.
How far is the grassland from Hailar city center?
No fixed answer—the grassland is huge. The nearest scenic area (Jinzhanghan) is about 40km or 1 hour drive. Some yurt camps are 100km away. Always ask the exact distance before booking.
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