The scenic area is located in Chen Barag Banner, Hulunbuir City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. It is a national 5A-level tourist attraction. Positioned with the development concept of "Ecological Grassland, Grassland Ecology", the scenic area showcases the evolution and development of ecological civilization concepts in nomadic culture, the local customs of various ethnic groups, and the historical context of the integration between grassland culture and Central Plains culture. Here lies the Morigele River, known as the "First Meandering River in the World". With its winding river course and lush water and grass on both banks, it serves as an excellent natural pasture. The scenic area features two visitor centers, three viewing platforms, two scenic spots, two camp guesthouses, tea break facilities, and a complete smart tourism system. Specific data on the area of the scenic area is currently not publicly available.
History and Culture
The concept of creating Hulunbuir Grassland National Park was first proposed in 2012. On January 18, 2015, the review meeting for the Hulunbuir Grassland National Park · Hoh Nuur—Morigele River Scenic Area Master Plan was held and unanimously approved, aiming to build an international first-class grassland national park. In March 2015, the Hulunbuir Grassland National Park project was identified by the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region as one of the 14 key brand tourist attractions to be developed, and it became the first AAAAA-level grassland scenic area in Hulunbuir. Since 2018, Hulunbuir City has implemented ecological restoration and governance of the Morigele River Basin. In July 2019, Chen Banner applied to create a 5A scenic area, and in November of the same year, the scenic area passed the landscape quality expert review by the National Cultural and Tourism Ministry with a score of 93, being listed in the national preparatory list for creating 5A-level scenic areas. On January 25, 2024, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism proposed to designate Morigele River as a national 5A-level tourist attraction.
Main Attractions
Morgen Post Station (First Viewing Platform)
Requires little stair climbing, suitable for elderly visitors and children. The parking lot offers a view of fences and grasslands, and personally, the landscape is considered better than the Second Viewing Platform.
Ajinai Viewing Platform (Second Viewing Platform)
Similar to the First Viewing Platform, the platform is not very high, and the area near the parking lot is also ideal for photography.
Haolinwenduri Post Station (Third Viewing Platform)
Requires a 20-30 minute climb up stairs to reach, offering a better view of the river. The other side of the platform overlooks grasslands and highways, where you can park by the roadside and walk close to the river.
Muyun Mountain Top
The scenery resembles a cliff, and entry requires purchasing afternoon tea (186 yuan/person).
Horseback Mountain (Cliff)
Many visitors are eager to visit the cliff, as it has no fences compared to the scenic area's viewing platforms, making it more photogenic.
Delicacies
Handheld Meat
Boned mutton is separated by joints and boiled in a large pot without salt or other seasonings. When served, the cooked mutton is sliced and dipped in condiments like chive flower sauce and mashed garlic, allowing you to fully savor the tenderness and original flavor of the mutton.
Milk Tea
A traditional Mongolian beverage made by boiling brick tea and mixing it with fresh cow or goat milk, plus butter, fried rice, etc. It has a rich milk aroma, high nutritional value, and can quench thirst and satisfy hunger.
Roasted Lamb Ribs
Tender lamb ribs are marinated and roasted in a special oven. The outer skin is golden and crispy, while the inside is tender and juicy, with a rich aroma.
Air-Dried Beef
Beef is cut into strips and processed through marinating, air-drying, and other steps. It has a firm texture, a more fragrant taste when chewed, and is easy to carry and store.
Mongolian Pot Tea
Brick tea is first boiled, then mixed with milk, cream, fried rice, beef jerky, and other ingredients and simmered in a pot. It has a rich flavor and warms both the body and mind.
Admission
The scenic area continues to implement free admission for visitors (announcements will be made promptly in case of policy adjustments). During the peak tourist season (June 1 – October 7), visitors must take the scenic area's sightseeing bus to enter, with a fare of 40 yuan per person; private cars (under 19 seats) are prohibited from entering. Travel agencies (group tours) with self-driving buses of 19 seats or more can voluntarily sign an itinerary with the scenic area and enter after paying the agreed fee. During the off-season (October 8 – May 31), the scenic area does not provide sightseeing bus services, and visitors can drive into the area by themselves.
Opening Hours
Peak season: June 1 – October 7, 8:00 – 18:30 daily; Off-season: October 8 – May 31, 9:00 – 17:00 daily. Sightseeing bus operation hours: June 1 – October 7, 8:00 – 18:30 daily, with the first departure at 8:00 and the last departure at 17:00.
Tour Routes
Peak season sightseeing bus route (south bank): South Visitor Center – First Viewing Platform (Morgen Post Station) – Second Viewing Platform (Ajinai Viewing Platform) – Muyun Mountain Top – Third Viewing Platform (Haolinwenduri Post Station). Self-driving route (north bank): Tuga Camp – Horseback Mountain (Cliff). Off-season full self-driving route: South Visitor Center – First Viewing Platform (Morgen Post Station) – Second Viewing Platform (Ajinai Viewing Platform) – Muyun Mountain Top – Third Viewing Platform (Haolinwenduri Post Station) – Xiburi Obo (cross the bridge to the north bank) – Horseback Mountain (Cliff) – Tuga Camp – G332 National Highway.
Transportation
- Direct Bus: Direct buses to the scenic area are available from Hailar Airport, Railway Station, and Bus Station. Morning departure: 8:30 from Hailar Dongshan Airport, stopping at Hailar Railway Station for 5 minutes at 8:50, then departing for Hailar Bus Station at 8:50, stopping for 5 minutes, and departing from the bus station at 9:10, arriving at Morigele River Scenic Area at approximately 10:10, with return to Hailar at 10:40. Afternoon departure: 14:30 from Hailar Dongshan Airport, stopping at Hailar Railway Station for 5 minutes at 14:50, then departing for Hailar District Bus Station at 14:50, stopping for 5 minutes, and departing from the bus station at 15:10, arriving at the scenic area at approximately 16:10, with return to Hailar at 16:40. Specific departure times and frequencies are subject to adjustment due to traffic flow, seasonal factors, etc.
- Self-Driving: More flexible, with good road conditions on the south bank (cement roads, fully developed as a scenic area). The north bank offers more magnificent scenery, with the cliff allowing closer views of cattle and sheep, but it is a dirt road with poor conditions; off-road vehicles are recommended, and novice drivers are not advised to take this route.
- Chartered Car: It is best to hire a local guide or leader, as they are familiar with the roads, can quickly find the cliff, and know the current traffic conditions.
Must-See Attractions
- Morigele River: Known as the "First Meandering River in the World", its river course is winding and tortuous, forming a unique landscape on the grassland. The river water is clear, and the surrounding grasslands are vast with flocks of cattle and sheep, creating a picturesque and poetic beauty.
- Horseback Mountain (Cliff): With no fences and broad views, it is an excellent photography spot, allowing you to capture the beauty of grasslands and rivers in full.
- Muyun Mountain Top: Beautiful scenery similar to the cliff, requiring afternoon tea purchase for entry. Here, you can enjoy a leisurely time and unique grassland views.
Tour Tips
- June to August is the most beautiful period on the grassland, with July to August being the peak tourist season and relatively higher costs. June has fewer visitors and better value for money; choose your visit time according to your schedule and budget.
- You can enjoy various activities such as walking along the river, horseback riding, hot air balloon rides, campfire parties, and camping to fully experience the charm of the grassland.
- If time permits, arrange a two-day itinerary to slowly appreciate the scenic area's beauty and deeply experience grassland life.
Notes
- The grassland weather is changeable, with unpredictable sun and rain and uneven temperatures. Prepare warm clothing and rain gear.
- Take sun protection and moisturizing measures. The grassland has strong sunlight and high UV radiation; carry sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hats, and moisturizing skincare products.
- Protect the environment and do not litter to keep the grassland clean.
- Comply with regulations in the scenic area, do not arbitrarily trample the grassland, and follow designated routes and areas for sightseeing.
- If choosing the self-driving route on the north bank, pay attention to road conditions and drive cautiously, especially for novice drivers.