The Hulun Buir Prairie is located west of the Greater Khingan Mountains near Hailar in the northeast of Inner Mongolia. The name of this prairie derives from the two lakes that surround it: "Hulun" and "Buir". What draws tourists most to Hulun Buir are its magnificent landscapes, vast horizons stretching endlessly, and the wild animals that inhabit these lands.

During a tour through Inner Mongolia, be sure not to miss spending several days in this remarkable prairie, sometimes referred to as the "Jade of Northern China".

History

A legend tells of a Mongolian tribe where a couple had a daughter and a son. The girl, who was exceptionally beautiful, came to be called Hulun, and her brother Buir. Both possessed perfect dancing and singing abilities and were the pride of their parents. One day, the two children encountered a demon whom they had to defeat in order to preserve the beauty of the prairie.

The Hulunbuir Prairie was long inhabited by a dozen ethnic minorities, all of whom played a significant role in China's history.

Discovering the Hulunbuir Region

Once in Hailar, nothing can stop you from discovering the magnificent verdant expanses of Hulunbuir.

Geographically, the Hulunbuir prairie stretches endlessly across pastures and hills rising between 650 and 700 meters in altitude. Chinese National Geography has named Hulunbuir as one of the six most beautiful prairies in the world.

Hulunbuir is the perfect place to breathe in pure air. Pollution here is non-existent, carefully managed to preserve pristine flora and fauna.

This vast expanse of verdure is home to abundant vegetation comprising nearly 120 different pastures, over 3,000 waterways and 500 lakes. The pastures are also populated by herds of sheep and horses, accentuating the wild character of these lands.

Beyond the fantastic and authentic natural landscapes of Hulun Buir, several attractions allow you to make the most of your days. Traditional Mongolian sporting events such as archery, horse racing and wrestling can be experienced. Yurt camps have been set up so you can spend one or more nights in unique accommodations.

If you're fortunate, you may witness the Aobao Festival, one of the great celebrated cultural spectacles of Mongolian Shamans.

You can also enjoy tea appreciation and traditional Mongolian cuisine by savoring mutton hotpot, Naigan (also called powdered milk), or Naipi cheese, accompanied by fried rice.

Climate

The Hulun Buir Prairie is a region with low altitude, which means its climate is of the temperate continental type, with very low temperatures in winter but mild conditions in summer. The best winter period to visit the prairie is in February. For the summer season, it is ideal to visit Hulun Buir between May and September.

To reach Hulun Buir, it is preferable to arrive at Hailar, which is accessible from Beijing, Hohhot and Baotou.

Buses from the Chenbaerhu Bus Station depart every 20 minutes and will take you to the prairie. You should still inquire with the drivers to avoid getting lost. The round-trip journey costs around 50 RMB.

Taxis also provide this route.