Things to do in Arxan
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Top 10 attractions in Arxan
Aershan National Forest Park
Aershan National Forest Park is hidden deep in the forested mountains of the southwestern Greater Khingan Range, known for its volcanic landforms, lakes, and forests. Ancient volcanic eruptions left behind a series of geological views here: craters filled with water to form lakes, lava-blocked river channels creating dammed lakes, vast stone beaches paved with black basalt, and deep canyons carved by fractured lava belts. The Halaha River meanders through the park, with over 80% of its area covered by forests dominated by Daurian larch and birch trees. Shitanglin is a highly recognizable stop: on the black lava beach with almost no soil, larch trees root into rock crevices, and moss and lichens cover the stone surface, like walking into a natural volcanic geological museum. Tuofengling Heavenly Lake requires climbing a flight of stairs along a boardwalk; reaching the summit allows you to overlook this crater lake with a water surface elevation of nearly 1300 m, its overall outline resembling a crouching camel. Arxan Heavenly Lake, on the other hand, has no visible rivers flowing in or out, and its water level shows no obvious fluctuations throughout the year. The Halaha River rushes through the chaotic rocks of Santan Gorge, connecting three deep pools: Woniu Pool, Hushi Pool, and Yuexin Pool. Azalea Lake is named for the Xing'an azaleas that bloom along its shores in mid-to-late May each year; if you catch it while the lingering snow has not yet melted, the red flowers against the white snow offer a unique scene. The Chai River originates in the Grand Canyon area within the park, where black volcanic rocks are scattered across the valley floor; the stream winds through them, and you can walk down the wooden boardwalk in the forest to take a closer look. Seasonally, from mid to late September, birch trees and larches gradually turn golden, creating the most vibrant colors in the attraction. In winter, the unfrozen section of the Halaha River remains ice-free, with frost-covered trees lining its banks and herds of cattle often drinking from the river at dawn. The attractions are distributed along a single road with driving distances between them, making self-drive or private charter tours more convenient. Both Tianchi Lake and Tuofengling Tianchi require climbing steps, so comfortable shoes are recommended. The forest area experiences significant temperature variations between morning and evening, so bringing a jacket is advisable even during summer and fall visits.Arxan · 50.7 km from downtown
Aershan Port Scenic Area
Aershan Port Scenic AreaLocated 45 km west of Arxan City in Hinggan League, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, this vital passage on the China-Mongolia border faces Mongolia's Songbeil Port across the river. As a national Class II port, it serves as a crucial gateway for economic and technological cooperation between China, Mongolia, CIS countries, and Europe, while also being a key hub for international tourism development and expanding global connectivity. Its iconic structure is the majestic national gate, prominently displaying the words "People's Republic of China," symbolizing national dignity and pride. The surrounding attraction features breathtaking natural scenery, where grasslands, forests, and rivers intertwine to create a unique borderland view.Arxan · 35.2 km from downtown
Aolunbukan
The Aershan Aolunbukan Scenic Attraction is located in Wangyuan Mountain, Bailang Town, southeast of Aershan City, Xing'an League, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, close to the Ulanhot-Aershan First-Class Highway and S203 Provincial Highway, 30 kilometers away from the urban area of Aershan. The total area of the Attraction is 250 square kilometers, and the core Attraction is 28.9 square kilometers. The Aolunbukan Attraction is located in the hinterland of Greater Khingan Range, and boasts six major natural resources: forests, volcanoes, hot springs, ice and snow, and wetlands, forming an original natural wonder. Relying on the three major cultures of "Tungusic tribal culture, hunting culture, and ice and snow culture", it has created seven theme products: "Exploring Greater Khingan Range, Aolunbukan Tribe, Magical Hot Spring Holy Land, Wild Luxury Dream Time, Self-driving Gathering Place, Ice and Snow Carnival, and Morgan Wetland Park", forming a large-scale tourist comprehensive scenic Attraction integrating cultural experience, creative sightseeing, scientific discovery, fashion leisure, special vacation, ice and snow entertainment and other functions.Arxan · 27.5 km from downtown
Ice-free River
Ice-free River is located within Aershan National Forest Park. It is a section of the Halaha River that stretches from Three Ponds Gorge to the vicinity of Jinjianggou Forest Farm, spanning approx. 20 km. Thanks to geothermal activity, the insulating rocks beneath the riverbed continuously release heat, keeping this section of the river from freezing for years. In the depths of winter, when water freezes instantly and all other rivers and streams in Aershan are frozen solid, this is the only place where water flows with a gentle murmur and steam rises. A ribbon of flowing water winds through the vast, snow-covered landscape, and the sight of ice and snow coexisting with warm, misty currents leaves many visitors amazed. Around sunrise in the early morning, mist rises from the river surface, and the water vapor condenses on the trees along the banks, forming crystal-clear rime. Round "snow buns" are scattered in the water at the shallows, contrasting with the still-green, swaying water plants in the river, making this a favorite time for photography enthusiasts to capture shots. In the evening, as the setting sun shines obliquely, the afterglow filters through the mist, creating a shimmering, colorful display that looks like rosy clouds spread across the river. If you visit when the winter Ice-free River rafting is open, you can take a specially designed raft downstream and experience a rare warmth amidst the ice and snow on the steaming river surface.Arxan · 38 km from downtown
Arxan Bailang Peak Scenic Area
Arxan Bailang Peak Scenic Area is located in Bailang Town, Arxan City, in the heart of the Greater Khingan Range, and consists mainly of Bailang Peak and the Tao'erhe National Wetland Park at the foot of the mountain. The main peak has an elevation of approx. 1,500 m. The summit is covered by a vast expanse of periglacial stone sea, a landscape of rubble left by years of freeze-thaw weathering in the alpine climate. Jagged boulders are stacked layer upon layer, naturally forming a viewing platform with a wide field of view. Standing on the stone sea, you can take in the vast forest of the Greater Khingan Range. Climbing high to overlook the forest is the core experience here: on clear days, distant mountains layer upon layer and waves of forest rise and fall, and in the early morning, you can watch the sunrise from the edge of the forest; after fall arrives, birch and larch trees paint the slopes golden, and in winter, after snowfall, the branches are often covered in rime. At the foot of the mountain, the Tao'erhe Wetland river system winds through, home to many water birds, and features a science education center; Bailang Town developed from an old logging camp, and the Forest Folk Village and Deer Village still retain the atmosphere of forest life. At the Sika Deer Park, you can see herds of sika deer up close, and wolf culture and forest folk elements are integrated into many details of the scenic area. From the stone sea to the wetlands, and from the forest folk village to the sika deer park, Bailang Peak blends the grandeur of the Greater Khingan Range with the warmth of forest life, making it a place worth slowing down to carefully experience the intersection of nature and culture.Arxan · 23.5 km from downtown
Tuofengling Crater Lake
Tuofengling Crater Lake is a high-altitude crater lake in Aershan National Forest Park. The lake gets its name from the surrounding peaks, which resemble a crouching camel when viewed from a distance. It is a lake formed by water accumulating in a crater after a volcanic eruption, dating back approx. 300,000 years, with a water surface elevation of approx. 1,284 m. Viewed from above, the lake's outline resembles a human left foot. The water is crystal clear, and it is surrounded by dense forest. The volcanic landforms in this area are well-preserved, and you can see porous volcanic rocks along the hiking boardwalk. To see the full view of the lake, you need to climb the wooden boardwalk to the viewing platform at the summit to look down at the lake. On clear days, the lake reflects the drifting clouds and the surrounding mountains. In the fall, the colors of the surrounding forest change, contrasting with the deep blue lake water. Along the way, you can see forests and volcanic landforms, and once you reach the top, you can take in the full view of the lake nestled in the sea of forest.Zhalantun · 61.5 km from Arxan
Hot Spring Museum of China
The China Hot Spring Museum, located in the Aershan Haishen Holy Spring Tourism Resort, a national 4A-level scenic Attraction, was built by the Inner Mongolia Haishen Group and completed on July 28, 2004. It is a new type of China Hot Spring Museum with international advanced level. The total construction area of the museum is 6,000 square meters, the museum is 9 meters high, and the total investment is more than 80 million. It took two years to build. [About Aershan Mineral Spring] 1. Aershan: Hot Holy Water Aershan is a city famous for water and springs. The full name is "Harun Aershan", which is Mongolian, meaning "hot holy water". It is one of the few cities in the world named after hot springs. The mineral spring group in Aershan is the second largest functional mineral spring group in the world and the largest in Asia. It is world-famous for its wide variety, large number, large amount of water, and rich trace elements. For a hundred years, it has been favored by domestic and foreign recuperators and enjoys the reputation of "holy water and holy spring". 2. Causes The formation of the Aershan mineral spring group is due to the influence of geological tectonic movement in the region, which has formed a series of fault zones and created a complex and diverse geological structure. The strata contain both fertile new Quaternary products and rhyolite and granite after the original volcanic eruption. The rock strata are very rich in rare minerals. The graben also becomes a good water storage space, and the rock stratum fault zone provides a channel for the movement of groundwater. Due to the high pressure and high temperature of the rock strata deep underground, the rocks around the water flow in the fault zone release a large amount of chemical components. Under the action of hydrostatic pressure, the groundwater in a circulating state rises along the fault layer to the surface to form mineral springs; plus the fact that the Aershan area is covered with ice and snow most of the time, the vegetation is intact, and the population is sparse, which retains the intact original ecological environment. The mineral springs are constantly purified and polished underground, and the unique beneficial minerals and trace elements have created the rare and precious holy water springs. 3. Characteristics (1) 4 major spring groups Hot Spring Street, Yinjianggou, Jinjianggou, and Sun Valley (2) 4 temperatures Cold springs (below 25°C), hot springs (25-27°C), hot springs (38-42°C), and hyperthermic springs (above 42°C) (3) 4 main types Radioactive radon springs, sodium bicarbonate springs, metasilicic acid springs, and fluoride springs 4. Efficacy According to laboratory tests and clinical records by relevant departments, the Arshan æ �� springs contain radioactive radon and more than ten trace elements such as fluorine, silicon, strontium, lithium, chlorine, magnesium, and sodium. They have a good effect on diseases of the human body's motor organs, digestive organs, cardiovascular system, nervous system, and respiratory system. They are especially effective in treating rheumatism, arthritis, back and leg pain caused by trauma, gastrointestinal diseases, skin diseases, and hair loss.Arxan · 1.2 km from downtown
Arxan Tianchi Crater Lake
Arxan Tianchi Crater Lake is located on Tianchi Ridge in Aershan National Forest Park and is a high-altitude crater lake formed approx. 200,000–300,000 years ago. When the volcano erupted, the ejecta piled up around the vent to form a circular embankment. Over the years, water accumulated in the crater to form a lake. The lake surface is a smooth oval, longer from east to west and slightly narrower from north to south, completely surrounded by the dense Xing'an forest. The lake is at an altitude of over 1,300 m, ranking just behind Changbai Mountain Tianchi and Tianshan Tianchi in elevation. Compared to Tuofengling Crater Lake in the same park, this one is at a higher elevation but appears smaller. To see the lake, you must first climb nearly 1,000 steps along the forest boardwalk to reach the viewing platform by the lake. Interestingly, the view narrows after reaching the top, as the circular embankment and dense forest block the distant mountains. All you see before you is a pool of clear water reflecting the sky. You need to look down from a high vantage point to see the entire oval lake. The lake water is famous for several peculiarities: it has no inlet or outlet, yet it never dries up during long droughts or overflows during heavy rains, with the water level remaining constant year-round. While surrounding lakes are rich in fish and shrimp, no fish have ever been seen in this lake, and fish fry introduced in the early years have vanished without a trace. As for how deep the lake is, there is still no definitive conclusion. The scenery here is unique in every season: in late spring and early summer, the mountains are shrouded in mist, and Xing'an azaleas bloom along the lakeshore, with the sapphire-like lake nestled between a sea of flowers and pine forests. In the fall, the birch and larch trees turn from green to gold, with golden leaves and snow-white trunks reflected in the deep blue lake. The fall colors are most intense from mid-to-late September to early October, which is also the peak season for visitors. In winter, the lake freezes over and the forest is covered in snow, transforming into a quiet world of ice and snow.Arxan · 38.7 km from downtown
Arxan Railway Station
Arxan Railway Station is located in Arxan City, Hinggan League, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, and is a railway station with a rich history and cultural heritage. This station was built in 1937 and was originally named 'Hot Spring Station'. The building was constructed using a mix of brick, wood, granite, and reinforced concrete. The roof is coated with ochre-colored cement, the exterior walls are decorated with granite random rubble masonry, and the windows feature arched tops. The second floor is a wooden structure, and the combination of bright yellow and dark green is quite striking against the backdrop of green mountains and blue skies. Arxan Stationis known as a fairy-tale castle. It is not only a transportation hub but also a witness to history. Here, visitors can experience the unique cultural charm of Arxan. Whether you are taking photos as a souvenir or quietly sitting inside the station to feel that sense of tranquility and beauty, Arxan Railway Station offers a unique experience.Arxan · 599m from downtown
Eye of the Forest
The 360° high-altitude observation deck of the Aershan Forest Eye is located at the top of the Greater Khingan Range at an altitude of 1,450 meters. It overlooks the stunning peaks of the Greater Khingan Range, and offers a secret forest environment, clouds rolling and unrolling, sunrise and sunset, and the Milky Way. In spring, you can touch the azaleas covered with snow, in summer, you can embrace the white birch trees, in autumn, you can enjoy the colorful forests, and in winter, you can look at the rime on the ice field. It is an important landmark building and tourist destination in Aershan City.Arxan · 11.9 km from downtown
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What travelers say about Arxan
Anonymous userOctober 13, 2026
5.0
The scenic area boasts beautiful scenery, fresh air, and a fantastic visitor experience! The trails are clean and easy to walk on, the signs are clear, and the staff are warm and courteous. The natural landscape is pristine, perfect for taking photos, and the facilities are complete. The entire trip is comfortable and offers great value for money, making it well worth a special trip. Highly recommended!
Aershan National Forest Park
采菜材才财October 5, 2026
4.0
You need to bring your ID card, and you must take the shuttle bus; you can't drive in yourself. Seniors over 70 years old get in for free. Border police will check your ID. The main attraction is the border crossing between Mongolia and China. There aren't many amusement facilities; it's mostly about taking pictures of the gate. It seems like flocks of Uruguayan jackdaws fly around, making the border gate quite spectacular. There's also a market where you can buy potato chips and chocolate. I particularly liked the long, thin potato chips there; they're a bit different from Lay's.
Aershan Port Scenic Area
独行鳄August 10, 2026
5.0
The rafting experience was less than ideal. There were too many shallow sections, the water was too shallow, and we kept getting stranded. There weren't enough paddles for one person per raft, and safety personnel were lacking. Many branches in the riverbed and along the banks hadn't been cleared, posing a risk of injury. Therefore, rafting is not recommended. If you really want to go rafting, and there's no shuttle service afterward, or you have to wait about half an hour on a hot day (just getting your car is time-consuming), you might want to consider other places in Arxan City. Aside from that, the scenery, location, and birch trees are fantastic. Although it's a bit of a hassle, it's worth the trip and more interesting than Arxan National Forest Park. Don't rush; take it easy and slow, otherwise you'll get too tired!
Aolunbukan
M25***64September 22, 2025
5.0
Located in Arxan City, Xing'an League, Inner Mongolia, the Arxan Unfrozen River is a 20-kilometer-long stretch of the Halaha River. Due to its abundant geothermal heat, the river never freezes even in temperatures as low as -40°C or even -50°C, earning it the name "Unfrozen River."
On a winter's blanket of snow, when everything seems tucked away in a tranquil slumber, a hidden gem quietly blossoms with its own unique vitality and energy—the magical Arxan Unfrozen River.
Ice-free River
邂逅@美好July 24, 2025
5.0
Bailang Peak is certainly worth visiting. It has lush green forests, quiet birch forests, intoxicating natural oxygen bars, and more places that will make you linger. Believe me, it will not let you down.
Arxan Bailang Peak Scenic Area
云石雨September 15, 2023
4.0
There are also two Tianchi in Arshan, one is Arshan Tianchi and the other is Tuofengling Tianchi. Tuofengling Tianchi is named after the shape of the mountain peak which resembles a camel hump. It is a crater lake and the deepest and clearest among the Tianchi in Arshan.
Tuofengling Crater Lake
涵兮邓October 4, 2023
4.0
There are not many hot water pools. There are more warm and cold water pools. The environment is pretty good, with drinkable hot spring water. If there are not many people, it is still quite enjoyable. The overall environment feels pretty good.
Hot Spring Museum of China
麻辣小龙虾November 8, 2025
4.0
There were very few people. I only saw two tourists on my way up. The Heavenly Lake was frozen over, covered with a layer of snow. I stood there quietly and looked around.
Arxan Tianchi Crater Lake
开心果果LisaSeptember 30, 2026
5.0
Make sure to go around to the back of the train station near the Inner Mongolia Bank; that's where you can get a shot of the train station's interior without anyone in it. If the sun is shining on the station, it truly looks like a fairytale town! I was lucky enough to even capture a double rainbow! ✌️
Arxan Railway Station
Anonymous userAugust 16, 2026
4.0
At the summit of Xing'an Mountain, you can truly enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view; the scenery is picturesque. The best part is the complimentary sunset viewing. Since we drive there, we always go to watch the sunset 🌅. Once, we even caught the full moon; the sun was setting in the west while the moon was rising in the east—the view was absolutely stunning.
Eye of the Forest
