The crown jewel of Inner Mongolia's grasslands, Hulunbuir is home to the world's largest prairie and a vibrant tapestry of Mongolian nomadic culture, pristine lakes, and boundless horizons.
Located in the northeastern corner of Inner Mongolia, Hulunbuir is one of China's largest prefecture-level cities by area, covering 253,000 square kilometers — roughly the size of the United Kingdom. Its name derives from two of its most famous lakes, Hulun and Buir.
The city's heart and soul is the Hulunbuir Grassland, an endless expanse of rolling green prairie that stretches to the horizon in every direction. This is the homeland of Mongolian herders who still practice traditional nomadic lifestyles, moving their livestock between seasonal pastures as their ancestors have done for millennia.
Hulunbuir's natural wealth extends beyond grasslands. The region encompasses dense forests in the Greater Khingan Range, vast wetlands along the Ergun River, and the shores of Hulun Lake. This diversity of ecosystems supports an extraordinary variety of wildlife, including red-crowned cranes, swans, and Mongolian gazelles.
The cultural landscape is equally rich. Hulunbuir is home to the highest concentration of ethnic Mongolians in China, and their traditions — from throat singing and long-song folk music to the annual Naadam Festival — remain vibrant. The city of Hailar serves as the regional capital and gateway for travelers exploring the grasslands.
The Hulunbuir region has been inhabited by nomadic peoples for thousands of years. It was the homeland of various steppe tribes including the Xiongnu, Xianbei, and Khitan before becoming the birthplace of the Mongol Empire. The area is deeply connected to Genghis Khan's early life and unification of the Mongol tribes.
During the Qing Dynasty, Hulunbuir was organized as part of the Eight Banners system, with Mongol nobles governing the area. Russian influence grew in the late 19th century with the construction of the Chinese Eastern Railway, which passed through Manzhouli and Hailar.
In the 20th century, Hulunbuir became a significant border region between China and the Soviet Union. The city of Manzhouli developed into China's most important land port for trade with Russia. Since the 1990s, the region has opened up to tourism, with the grasslands becoming a major domestic and international destination.
Today, Hulunbuir balances traditional nomadic culture with modern development. Ecological conservation has become a priority, with efforts to protect the grasslands from overgrazing and desertification while promoting sustainable tourism.
Hulunbuir's economy is traditionally based on animal husbandry, with sheep, cattle, and horse farming forming the backbone of rural livelihoods. The region is one of China's most important livestock production bases, known for high-quality lamb, beef, and dairy products.
Tourism has grown rapidly as the primary economic driver, with the grasslands, wetlands, and border culture attracting millions of visitors annually. The Naadam Festival and other cultural events draw both domestic and international tourists.
Mining also plays a significant role, with substantial coal reserves in the region. However, environmental concerns have led to tighter regulations. Forestry in the Greater Khingan Range contributes to the economy, along with a growing renewable energy sector.
Agriculture in the limited arable areas focuses on cold-resistant crops such as wheat, rapeseed, and potatoes, as well as greenhouse vegetable production.
Discover the culinary treasures of Hulunbuir, from traditional street food to imperial cuisine.
A perfect one-day introduction to Hulunbuir's grassland culture, combining horseback riding, lake scenery, and authentic Mongolian cuisine.
An immersive two-day journey combining the vast Hulunbuir Grassland, pristine wetland ecosystems, and the unique cross-border culture of Manzhouli.
Hulunbuir Hailar Airport (about 6km from city center) has direct flights to Beijing, Shanghai, Hohhot, and Harbin.
Hailar Railway Station serves conventional and high-speed trains connecting to Hohhot, Harbin, Beijing, and Manzhouli.
Long-distance buses connect Hailar to all major towns in the region. Within the grassland, guided tours and private drivers are recommended.
Available throughout the city
May - Jun
Cool and windy with occasional rain. The grassland begins to turn green. Fewer tourists and lower prices.
Jul - Aug
Warm and pleasant (18-28°C). Peak tourist season with lush green grass, wildflowers in bloom, and the spectacular Naadam Festival.
Sep - Oct
Crisp and clear with golden grasslands. Excellent for photography. Cool temperatures (5-18°C) with stunning autumn colors in the forests.
Nov - Apr
Extremely cold (-30 to -10°C) with heavy snowfall. A true winter wonderland. Very few tourists. Some attractions may be inaccessible.
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