Hulunbuir, a prefecture-level city in northeastern Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China, is a vast and culturally rich region known for its sprawling grasslands, pristine forests, and vibrant Mongolian and nomadic heritage. Located along China’s northern border with Russia and Mongolia, approximately 650 km northeast of Hohhot, the regional capital, and 1,200 km from Beijing, Hulunbuir is one of China’s largest administrative divisions by area, covering 252,947 km²—larger than many countries. With a population of 2,242,875 as of the 2020 census (343,943 in its urban core), Hulunbuir is renowned for its Hulun and Buir Lakes, the Daxing’anling Mountains, and cultural landmarks like the Ewenki Museum. Often called the “Emerald of the North,” it is a key center for tourism, agriculture, and cross-border trade.
Hulunbuir spans the northeastern edge of Inner Mongolia, encompassing
the Hulunbuir Grasslands, the Daxing’anling (Greater Khingan) Mountains,
and the Erguna River, which forms part of the China-Russia border. Its
terrain is diverse: 70% grasslands, 20% forests, and 10% mountains and
lakes. The region includes two major lakes—Hulun Lake (China’s
fifth-largest freshwater lake) and Buir Lake—along with wetlands and
rivers like the Kherlen and Hailar. Hulunbuir administers one district
(Hailar), five county-level cities (Manzhouli, Zhalainuoer, Yakeshi,
Genhe, and Ergun), four banners (New Barag Left, New Barag Right, Old
Barag, and Ewenki Autonomous Banner), and three autonomous banners
(Oroqen, Morin Dawa Daur, and Chen Barag), encompassing 103 towns, 1,177
villages, and 208 communities.
Hulunbuir has a cold, continental
climate (Köppen Dwc), with extreme seasonal variations:
Summer
(June–August): Mild and wet, with temperatures averaging 18–22°C
(64–72°F). July brings most of the annual 300–400 mm precipitation,
nourishing grasslands and forests.
Winter (November–March): Harsh and
prolonged, with temperatures dropping to -25°C to -35°C (-13°F to
-31°F). Heavy snowfall blankets the region, creating a winter wonderland
but challenging travel.
Spring and Autumn: Brief and transitional,
with May–June and September–October ideal for tourism. Autumn’s vibrant
foliage and spring’s wildflowers are scenic highlights. Hulunbuir’s air
quality is excellent, benefiting from its low population density,
minimal industry, and vast green spaces. Grasslands, forests, and
wetlands support rich biodiversity, including rare species like the
red-crowned crane and Siberian tiger.
Hulunbuir’s history is steeped in its nomadic past and strategic
border position:
Prehistoric Period: Archaeological evidence
indicates human activity from the Paleolithic period, with ties to the
Xianbei and Donghu tribes. The region was a cradle for nomadic cultures,
with artifacts linking it to early Mongolian and Turkic groups.
Ancient Period: During the Warring States Period (475–221 BC), Hulunbuir
was controlled by nomadic tribes like the Xiongnu. The Han Dynasty (206
BC–220 AD) established trade routes, with the region serving as a
gateway to Siberia and Central Asia.
Liao and Yuan Dynasties: The
Liao Dynasty (907–1125) integrated Hulunbuir into Khitan territory,
while the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368) made it a key grazing and military
hub under Mongol rule. The name “Hulunbuir” derives from the Hulun and
Buir Lakes, central to nomadic life.
Ming and Qing Dynasties: The
Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) had limited control, with Hulunbuir dominated
by Mongol tribes. The Qing Dynasty (1644–1912) organized it into
banners, such as the Barag and Oroqen, and established trade with Russia
via the Treaty of Nerchinsk (1689). Manzhouli emerged as a border trade
hub.
Republican Era and Japanese Occupation: In the early 20th
century, Hulunbuir was a remote frontier, with Russian and Japanese
influences due to the Chinese Eastern Railway. During the Japanese
occupation (1937–1945), it was part of the puppet state of Manchukuo,
with Manzhouli exploited for trade and resources.
Post-WWII and
Communist Era: Post-1949, Hulunbuir was incorporated into Inner
Mongolia, with agricultural and forestry development under the First
Five-Year Plan (1953–1957). The region retained its nomadic character,
with banners preserving Mongolian, Ewenki, Oroqen, and Daur cultures.
Modern Era: Hulunbuir has become a tourism powerhouse, capitalizing on
its grasslands, forests, and border culture. Its role in the
China-Mongolia-Russia Economic Corridor enhances cross-border trade,
while environmental protection efforts combat overgrazing and
deforestation.
Hulunbuir’s economy is driven by agriculture, tourism, and
cross-border trade, with limited but strategic industrial activity:
Agriculture and Livestock: The Hulunbuir Grasslands are among
China’s most productive, supporting 10 million head of livestock
(cattle, sheep, horses). The region produces dairy, beef, and cashmere,
with brands like Hulunbuir Milk gaining national recognition. Grain
crops (wheat, barley) and vegetables thrive in the Hailar and Yakeshi
areas.
Tourism: Grasslands, lakes, and cultural sites like the Ewenki
Museum draw 15 million visitors annually, generating 30 billion CNY. The
Naadam Festival, winter snow tourism, and border attractions in
Manzhouli are key drivers.
Forestry: The Daxing’anling Mountains
support China’s largest timber reserve, though logging has been
curtailed to protect forests. Genhe and Yakeshi focus on sustainable
forestry and wood processing.
Cross-Border Trade: Manzhouli, China’s
largest land port, handles 60% of China-Russia trade, exporting
agricultural goods, machinery, and importing timber and minerals. The
port generates 20 billion CNY annually.
Industry: Limited to:
Mining: Small-scale coal and gold mining in Zhalainuoer and Holingol,
less dominant than in Ordos or Baotou.
Food Processing: Factories
process dairy, meat, and grains, supporting regional markets.
Renewable Energy: Wind farms in New Barag Left Banner contribute 5% to
Inner Mongolia’s renewable energy.
Economic Data: In 2022,
Hulunbuir’s GDP was 213.5 billion CNY, with services (50%), agriculture
(35%), and industry (15%) as key sectors. Urban per-capita disposable
income was 30,000 CNY, reflecting moderate prosperity.
Challenges:
Overgrazing threatens grasslands, while harsh winters limit agricultural
output. Deforestation in the Daxing’anling Mountains is a concern,
though reforestation and tourism diversification are mitigating these
issues.
Hulunbuir’s culture is a vibrant mosaic of Mongolian, Ewenki, Oroqen,
and Daur traditions, enriched by its borderland identity:
Mongolian Heritage: Mongols (30% of the population) dominate, preserving
traditions like throat singing, horse racing, and Naadam festivals. The
Mongolian language and script are widely used, with cultural centers in
Hailar and Manzhouli promoting music and dance.
Minority Cultures:
The Ewenki, Oroqen, and Daur, each with autonomous banners, contribute
unique traditions:
Ewenki: Reindeer herding and shamanic rituals.
Oroqen: Hunting and birch-bark crafts.
Daur: Folk dances and
hockey-like games.
Border Culture: Manzhouli’s Russian influence is
evident in architecture, cuisine, and trade, with landmarks like the
Matryoshka Square blending Chinese and Slavic elements.
Festivals:
Key events include:
Naadam Festival (July): A Mongolian celebration
with wrestling, horse racing, and archery, held in Hulunbuir Grassland.
Hulunbuir Winter Snow Festival (December–February): Features ice
sculptures, skiing, and reindeer sledding in Genhe and Yakeshi.
Manzhouli Border Culture Festival (August): Showcases Chinese-Russian
cultural exchanges with performances and trade fairs.
Education:
Hulunbuir University in Hailar offers programs in Mongolian studies,
forestry, and tourism. Vocational colleges train workers for
agriculture, reindeer herding, and border trade.
Cuisine: Hulunbuir’s
cuisine emphasizes Mongolian and nomadic flavors, including roast lamb,
milk tea, cheese curds, and hand-pulled beef noodles. Ewenki reindeer
dishes, Daur fish soups, and Russian-inspired borscht in Manzhouli add
variety. Night markets, like Hailar Food Street, offer local snacks and
crafts.
Community: Hulunbuir’s residents are proud of their nomadic
and border heritage, with grasslands and parks like Hailar National
Forest Park hosting social activities like throat singing, dancing, and
ice fishing.
Hulunbuir’s attractions blend pristine nature, nomadic culture, and
borderland charm:
Hulunbuir Grassland:
One of China’s most
iconic grasslands, spanning New Barag Left Banner, known for its endless
green expanse, Mongolian yurts, and horse riding. It’s a prime spot for
Naadam Festival activities.
Visitor Tips: Entry ¥50; overnight yurt
stays recommended. Visit in summer for lush scenery.
Hulun Lake:
China’s fifth-largest freshwater lake, near Manzhouli, offering boating,
fishing, and birdwatching (e.g., swans, cranes). Its serene waters and
surrounding wetlands are a natural wonder.
Highlights: Entry ¥30;
visit in autumn for migratory birds.
Manzhouli Border City:
A
vibrant border hub with Russian-style architecture, including the
Matryoshka Square and Sino-Russian Border Gate. The Manzhouli Night
Market blends Chinese and Slavic cultures.
Access: Free to explore;
visit the border gate (¥20) for views of Russia.
Daxing’anling
National Forest Park:
A pristine forest in Genhe and Yakeshi, part of
China’s largest boreal forest, with hiking trails, rare wildlife (e.g.,
moose, bears), and winter snowscapes.
Activities: Entry ¥60; ideal
for eco-tourism and skiing.
Ewenki Museum:
Located in Ewenki
Autonomous Banner, this museum showcases Ewenki reindeer herding,
shamanic rituals, and nomadic life, with exhibits on minority cultures.
Access: Free entry with ID; allocate 1–2 hours.
Moerdaoga
National Forest Park:
A scenic park in Ergun, featuring dense
forests, rivers, and wetlands along the China-Russia border. It’s known
for its “China’s Coldest Village” and autumn foliage.
Visitor Tips:
Entry ¥70; visit in September for vibrant colors.
Shiwei Russian
Village:
A border village in Ergun with Russian-style wooden houses,
inhabited by Chinese-Russian descendants. It offers homestays, borscht,
and views of Russia across the Erguna River.
Highlights: Entry ¥40;
ideal for cultural immersion.
Hulunbuir is a key transport hub in northeastern Inner Mongolia:
Air: Hailar Dongshan Airport, 10 km from downtown, serves domestic
flights to Beijing (2 hours), Hohhot (2 hours), and Harbin. Seasonal
flights connect to Ulaanbaatar. Shuttles and taxis reach Hailar (20
minutes, ¥15).
Rail: Hailar Railway Station offers trains to Beijing
(24 hours), Hohhot (20 hours), Harbin (8 hours), and Manzhouli (2
hours). The Manzhouli-Zabaykalsk railway supports cross-border trade
with Russia.
Road: The G10 Suifenhe–Manzhouli Expressway and G301
National Highway link Hulunbuir to Harbin, Hohhot, and Manzhouli.
Long-distance buses from Hailar Bus Terminal connect to regional
destinations (Manzhouli, 2 hours; Hohhot, 10 hours).
Local Transport:
Buses (¥1–2) and taxis (¥7 base fare) cover Hailar and Manzhouli. Car
rentals are essential for rural banners and grasslands due to limited
public transport.
Hulunbuir is balancing its nomadic traditions with tourism and
sustainability:
Urban Development: Hailar and Manzhouli feature
modern malls, like Hailar Wanda, hotels, and border trade zones.
Kangbashi’s futuristic architecture contrasts with rural banners’
nomadic lifestyle.
Sustainability: Grassland restoration,
reforestation in the Daxing’anling, and wind energy projects combat
overgrazing and deforestation. Hulunbuir’s designation as a National
Ecological Demonstration Zone promotes conservation.
Hospitality:
Hotels range from budget chains like Jinjiang Inn (¥100–150/night) to
upscale options like Manzhouli Grand Hotel (¥400/night). Restaurants
serve Mongolian hotpot, Ewenki reindeer dishes, and Russian borscht,
with Hailar Food Street offering street food.
Nightlife and Shopping:
Manzhouli’s Zhongsu Street and Hailar’s Zhongyang Avenue are shopping
hubs, with night markets selling cashmere, Mongolian crafts, and Russian
goods. Bars and teahouses host throat singing and live music.
Community Engagement: Hulunbuir’s nomadic and border identity fosters a
proud community, with events like Naadam and the Winter Snow Festival
promoting cultural unity.
Best Time to Visit: Summer (June–August) for Naadam and grasslands;
autumn (September–October) for foliage. Winter offers snow tourism but
is extremely cold; spring is brief and windy.
Getting Around: Use
buses or taxis in Hailar and Manzhouli; rent a car for grasslands and
forests. Book yurt stays and border tours in advance.
Cultural
Etiquette: Respect Mongolian, Ewenki, and Oroqen customs, like accepting
milk tea in yurts, and avoid touching sacred sites. Basic Mandarin or
Mongolian is useful; Russian helps in Manzhouli. Carry ID for museum
entry.
Packing: Light clothing for summer, layers for spring/autumn,
and heavy winter gear (e.g., down jackets) for winter. Comfortable shoes
suit grasslands and forests; bring sunscreen, hats, and warm
accessories.
Safety: Hulunbuir is safe, with low crime rates.
Exercise caution in winter due to ice and extreme cold; follow grassland
and forest tour guidelines.