River bends
Loop after loop.
Liuxingy — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Liuxingy — CC BY-SA 4.0 · 大漠1208 — CC BY 3.0 · Liuxingy — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Sergio Tittarini — CC BY 2.0 · Liuxingy — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Sergio Tittarini — CC BY 2.0 · 大漠1208 — CC BY 3.0
One of China's widest and loveliest natural grasslands, rolling green plains west of the Greater Khingan mountains in the far north-east of Inner Mongolia; named after the Hulun and Buir lakes, it has been pasture for nomadic peoples since ancient times and is one of the cradles of the Mongol people. Its best-known sight is the Mo'ergele River, which winds across the plain in loop after loop like a silver ribbon on a green carpet, running 319 kilometres from the mountain forests to the Hailar River. From viewing platforms on the hills visitors look over the river bends, herds of horses, cattle and camels, and white Mongolian yurts, and can ride horses and eat a meal in a traditional tent. The grassland is green from June to September, with most of the rain in July and August, while winter is long and bitter, averaging 25 degrees below zero in January. Entry to the river area is free, its sightseeing bus costs CNY 40, and horse rides and meals are extra, per visitor guides.
Loop after loop.
On the plains.
And a traditional meal.
Mo'ergele River area, Chen Barag Banner, about 35 km north of Hailar, Inner Mongolia
Fly or take the train to Hailar, then drive about forty minutes north to the Mo'ergele River area; hiring a car with a driver is best, as the sights are far apart.
Lamb is the heart of Mongolian cooking here, and Hailar has restaurants run by Hui Muslims under the halal sign; at the camps, ask about slaughter and ingredients.