メインコンテンツにスキップ
nihaovisit

Arxan Travel Guide 2026

A hot springs town in Inner Mongolia's Greater Khingan Range, where dormant volcanoes cradle alpine lakes, birch forests turn gold in autumn, and China's most beautiful railway station stands frozen in 1937.

Last updated:

Arxan travel photo

Quick Answer

Arxan (阿尔山, Ā'ěr Shān) is a small town of about 50,000 people in the Greater Khingan Mountains (大兴安岭, Dàxīng'ān Lǐng) of eastern Inner Mongolia, near the border with Mongolia proper. Its name comes from the Mongolian word for "hot spring" (Arshan), and the town has been a spa destination since the 1930s, when Japanese colonial authorities built a hot-springs sanatorium and the small railway station that is now arguably China's most beautiful surviving Japanese-era station building. The landscape around Arxan is dormant volcanic terrain — lava plateaus, crater lakes, mineral springs, and birch and larch forests that turn brilliant gold in late September — all set in the crisp, clean air of the Greater Khingan range at elevations of 1,000-1,700 meters. The signature attraction is the Arxan National Forest Park (阿尔山国家森林公园), which contains a volcanic crater lake (Tianchi, 天池 — different from the more famous Changbaishan Tianchi), the dramatic Santan Gorge (三潭峡), and the surreal Shitang Forest (石塘林), where trees grow directly out of a lava field. The honest downside: Arxan is remote — 5-6 hours from Hailar by road, with no high-speed rail connection as of June 2026 — and the infrastructure is limited, with basic hotels and almost no English spoken. The visiting window is short (June-September for green landscapes, late September for autumn colors, December-February for the snow-covered winter landscape). But for travelers who want a Chinese nature destination that feels genuinely remote, Arxan delivers a landscape of volcanic lakes, birch forests, and mountain air that is unlike anything in China's better-known national parks.

Worth visitingYes, for the volcanic crater lakes, the golden birch forests in autumn, and the Japanese-era railway station — but accept that it is remote and infrastructure is basic.
Recommended days2-3 days
Best time to visitLate September for autumn colors (the birch forests turn brilliant gold); June-August for green summer landscapes; December-February for snow-covered winter scenery and hot springs
Daily budget$45 (backpacker) / $130 (mid-range) / $350+ (luxury)
Family friendlyGood — the forest park is accessible by car, the walking paths are well-maintained, the hot springs are family-friendly, and the landscape is gentle rather than dramatic. Best for families with children 6+.
Solo friendlyChallenging solo — the sites are spread out, public transport is minimal, and a driver or tour is essential. Best with a Chinese-speaking companion or organized tour.
AirportArxan Yiershi Airport (YIE) — 30 minutes from Arxan town. Hailar Dongshan Airport (HLD) is 5-6 hours by road. Ulanhot Airport (HLH) is 4 hours by road.
High-speed railNo direct HSR to Arxan as of June 2026. Nearest HSR station is Ulanhot (乌兰浩特, 4 hours by road) or Hailar (海拉尔, 5-6 hours by road). Most visitors arrive by flight to Arxan Yiershi Airport or by road from Hailar.
LanguageMandarin with Mongolian influences; English is essentially nonexistent
CurrencyCNY (¥) — Alipay and WeChat Pay accepted at the forest park ticket office and larger hotels; carry ¥500+ cash for smaller restaurants, hot springs, and local transport
Time zoneChina Standard Time (UTC+8)
Last updated2026-06-18

Jump to:

National Forest Park · Tianchi Crater Lake · Santan Gorge · Shitang Lava Forest · Hot Springs · Railway Station · Getting Around · Where to Stay · Itineraries · Weather · Food · Tips & Warnings · Emergency Contacts · FAQ

Why visit Arxan? Is this remote Inner Mongolian town worth the journey?

Arxan is not on any standard China tourist itinerary. It is a small town of 50,000 people in the Greater Khingan Mountains, 5-6 hours from the nearest city of any size (Hailar), with no high-speed rail, basic hotels, and almost no English. Most foreign travelers have never heard of it. And that is precisely the point. The landscape around Arxan is a dormant volcanic field set in one of China's most beautiful forests — the Greater Khingan Range, a 1,200-kilometer mountain system that forms the eastern edge of the Mongolian Plateau. The Arxan National Forest Park contains volcanic crater lakes of extraordinary clarity, lava fields where birch trees grow from black basalt, a gorge carved through volcanic rock by a crystal-clear river, and forests of birch and larch that turn a shade of gold in late September that has to be seen to be believed. The autumn colors here — gold birches against black lava against blue sky — are among the most beautiful in China, and the park receives a fraction of the visitors of Jiuzhaigou or Zhangjiajie. The town itself has a quiet, frontier character — wide streets, low buildings, a mix of Han Chinese and Mongolian cultures, and the 1937 Japanese-era railway station that is a genuinely beautiful piece of architecture. The hot springs have been drawing visitors for over a century, and the bathing culture is local and unpretentious — this is a place where people come to soak in mineral water and breathe mountain air, not to take selfies. The honest downside: Arxan is remote and logistically demanding. The journey from Hailar (the nearest major city) is 5-6 hours by road. The forest park is spread across a wide area and requires a car and driver. Hotels are basic (3-star equivalent at best). English is nonexistent. The visiting season is short — June through September for green landscapes, late September for autumn colors, December through February for winter scenery — and outside these windows, the town is largely shut down. Arxan rewards travelers who value landscape and solitude over comfort and convenience; it frustrates everyone else.

What is the landscape and geology of Arxan: volcanoes, crater lakes, and hot springs?

Arxan sits in the Arxan Volcanic Field, part of the broader Greater Khingan volcanic province that extends across eastern Inner Mongolia. The volcanism here is intraplate — fed by a mantle hotspot beneath the continental crust, similar to Wudalianchi further east — and the landscape is dominated by lava plateaus, volcanic cones, crater lakes, and mineral springs. The Arxan Tianchi (天池, "Heavenly Lake") is the signature feature — a volcanic crater lake at 1,332 meters elevation, about 450 meters in diameter, with water of extraordinary clarity. Unlike the more famous Changbaishan Tianchi (a massive caldera lake on the China-North Korea border), Arxan's Tianchi is smaller, more intimate, and surrounded by birch forest rather than bare volcanic rock. The lake has no visible inlet or outlet — it is fed solely by rainfall and groundwater, and its water level remains constant year-round, a hydrological phenomenon that adds to its mystique. Reaching the lake involves climbing 998 wooden steps from the parking area — a moderate 20-30 minute climb. The Shitang Forest (石塘林, "Stone Pond Forest") is the most geologically dramatic feature — a lava flow from an eruption estimated 2,000-3,000 years ago, where larch and birch trees have colonized the black basalt, their roots finding purchase in cracks and fissures. The contrast between dark, twisted lava and the green (or gold, in autumn) foliage is surreal, and a boardwalk allows visitors to walk through the landscape without damaging the fragile ecosystem. The hot springs are the reason for the town's existence. Forty-eight springs emerge at temperatures from 8°C to 48°C, with different mineral profiles — some rich in radon, some in sulfur, some in silica, some in iron. The springs have been used for bathing since at least the 19th century, when Mongolian herders brought their sick to soak in the waters. The Japanese recognized the springs' potential and built a sanatorium here in the 1930s during their occupation of Manchuria. Today, the hot-spring complex is a utilitarian public-bath facility rather than a luxury spa — the focus is on the water's therapeutic properties, not on ambiance. The Santan Gorge (三潭峡) is a 3-kilometer gorge carved by the Halaha River through volcanic rock, with three distinct pools connected by rapids and small waterfalls. The water is extraordinarily clear, and the volcanic walls are dark, sculptural, and dramatic. A boardwalk follows the gorge, and the walk is one of the most beautiful in the forest park. The Unfixed River (不冻河, Bù Dòng Hé) is a section of the Halaha River that never freezes, even in winter when temperatures drop to -30°C, because it is fed by geothermal groundwater. In winter, the steaming river flowing through a snow-covered landscape is a surreal sight, and it is one of the few places in the forest park that remains accessible in deep winter.

How to get to Arxan: flights, roads, and the slow train?

Arxan is remote, and getting there requires planning. The easiest option is to fly to Arxan Yiershi Airport (YIE), which has direct flights from Beijing (2 hours, from ¥800), Hohhot (2 hours, from ¥600), and Harbin (1.5 hours, from ¥500). Flight frequency is limited — typically 1-2 flights per route per day — so book 1-2 weeks ahead. The airport is about 30 minutes by taxi from Arxan town (¥50-80). From Hailar (海拉尔), the largest city in the region and the gateway to the Hulunbuir grasslands: the drive to Arxan is 5-6 hours by road (about 350 km). The road is paved and in reasonable condition, passing through the Greater Khingan forest. A private car from Hailar costs ¥1,200-1,800 one-way. There are also buses from Hailar to Arxan (5-6 hours, ¥80-120, 2-3 daily in summer), but they are Chinese-only and infrequent. From Ulanhot (乌兰浩特), a city about 280 km southeast of Arxan: the drive is about 4 hours on a paved road. Ulanhot is connected to Beijing by HSR (5 hours) and to Harbin (3 hours). From Ulanhot, buses run to Arxan (4-5 hours, ¥60-90, 2-3 daily) or you can hire a private car (¥800-1,200). The slow train: The Baicheng-Arxan railway line (白阿铁路) serves Arxan Railway Station with a slow K-class train from Baicheng (白城, in Jilin province) or Ulanhot, taking 6-8 hours. The train is slow, basic, and infrequent (1-2 daily), but it arrives at the beautiful 1937 station — a memorable arrival if you have time and patience. Hard seat ¥30-50, hard sleeper ¥80-120. Practical recommendation: Fly to Arxan Yiershi Airport if possible — this is the fastest and most convenient option. If flights don't work with your schedule, fly or take HSR to Hailar, overnight in Hailar, and drive to Arxan the next morning. The drive from Hailar is long but scenic — the road passes through the Greater Khingan forest and the landscape shifts from grassland to birch-and-larch forest as you gain elevation. A critical note: public transport to and from Arxan is limited, infrequent, and Chinese-only. For most foreign travelers, a private car or organized tour is the only reliable option. Do not attempt to reach Arxan by public bus without Chinese language ability and a flexible schedule.

How to get around Arxan: the forest park, the town, and transport logistics?

Arxan town is small and walkable — the main street (Wenquan Street, 温泉街) has hotels, restaurants, the hot-spring complex, and the railway station, all within a 15-20 minute walk. For the town itself, walking is sufficient. The Arxan National Forest Park is about 60 km from town (40-60 minutes by car). The park is large — the main sites (Tianchi, Santan Gorge, Shitang Forest, Dujuan Lake, the Unfixed River) are spread across a 30-kilometer radius within the park. The park operates an internal shuttle bus (¥105 as of June 2026, included in the forest park ticket) that connects the main sites, departing roughly every 20-30 minutes from the park visitor center. The shuttle bus is the standard way to explore the park — park your car at the visitor center and use the shuttle. To reach the forest park from Arxan town: hire a taxi or private car for the day (¥500-800 for a full day, including the round-trip to the park and waiting time at the visitor center). Some hotels can arrange this, or you can negotiate with a taxi driver in town. There is no public bus from Arxan town to the forest park. Rose Peak is about 25 km north of town (30 minutes by car). Include it as a stop on the way to or from the forest park, or as a short separate trip (¥150-200 by taxi round-trip). The Unfixed River (不冻河) is within the forest park and accessible by the park shuttle bus in summer. In winter, the park shuttle does not operate, and a private car with winter tires is essential to reach the river — the sight of steaming water in a frozen landscape is worth the effort. Practical summary: walk in Arxan town, hire a car for the forest park (¥500-800/day), and use the park shuttle bus once inside. Budget ¥1,000-1,600 for transport over 2-3 days.

Where to stay in Arxan: hot-spring hotels, town guesthouses, and seasonal availability?

Accommodation in Arxan is limited and basic — this is a small mountain town, not a resort destination. Options improve each year as tourism grows, but as of June 2026, expect 3-star equivalent at best. The Arxan Hot Spring Hotel (阿尔山温泉酒店, ¥400-800 per night) is the most established option, located near the hot-spring complex. Rooms are comfortable but dated, and the hotel has its own hot-spring-fed baths. This is the best choice for most visitors — central location, hot-spring access, and the most reliable service. The Grand Arxan Hotel (阿尔山大酒店, ¥500-1,000) is the newest and most upscale option, with larger rooms, better amenities, and a restaurant serving Chinese and Mongolian food. It is about a 10-minute walk from the hot-spring complex. Budget guesthouses and family-run inns (农家乐, nóngjiālè, ¥150-300) are scattered along Wenquan Street and in the surrounding streets. These are simple — clean rooms, basic bathrooms, no English — but offer a more personal experience and home-cooked meals. The owners can often help arrange a driver for the forest park. Near the forest park entrance (about 60 km from town), there are a few basic guesthouses and the Arxan Forest Park Hotel (阿尔山森林公园酒店, ¥300-500) for visitors who want to be at the park entrance for an early start. These are isolated — no restaurants or shops nearby beyond the hotel itself — and are only recommended for photographers who want to be in the park at dawn. Seasonal note: many guesthouses and smaller hotels close from October through May due to the cold and the lack of visitors. The larger hotels (Hot Spring Hotel, Grand Arxan) remain open year-round but with reduced services. If visiting in winter (December-February), confirm that your hotel is open and has heating — winter temperatures drop to -30°C. Neighborhoods: Wenquan Street area (town center, walkable, most hotels and restaurants), the hot-spring complex area (closest to the baths, quiet), and the forest park entrance area (isolated, for early park access). For most visitors, Wenquian Street is the right choice.

What are the top attractions and experiences at Arxan in detail?

1. Arxan Tianchi (阿尔山天池): The 998-step climb from the parking area takes 20-30 minutes and is well worth it. The lake appears suddenly as you crest the rim — a near-perfect circle of blue-green water, 450 meters across, surrounded by birch and larch forest, with no visible inlet or outlet. The water is fed solely by rainfall and groundwater, and its level never changes. On calm mornings, the surface is a mirror reflecting the forest and sky. The best time is 08:00-09:00, before the tour groups arrive and the wind picks up. The climb down is easier than the climb up. 2. Santan Gorge (三潭峡): A 3-kilometer boardwalk along a gorge carved by the Halaha River through dark volcanic rock. The river forms three deep pools — the "three pools" of the name — connected by rapids and small waterfalls. The water is extraordinarily clear (visibility 5+ meters), and the volcanic rock walls are dark, sculptural, and dramatic. Birch and larch forest lines the gorge, and in autumn, the gold leaves against the dark rock and blue water create a color palette that feels almost artificially saturated. The walk takes about 1-1.5 hours at a relaxed pace. 3. Shitang Forest (石塘林): A boardwalk loops through a lava field where trees grow directly out of black basalt. The contrast between the twisted, dark lava and the living forest is surreal — larch and birch trees with roots visibly gripping the rock, moss and lichen softening the lava surfaces, small pools of water trapped in depressions in the stone. The interpretive signs (Chinese only) explain the volcanic geology, but the visual impact needs no translation. The boardwalk takes about 45-60 minutes. 4. The Arxan Railway Station (阿尔山火车站): This 1937 building is a hybrid of Japanese and European styles — two stories of grey stone with a peaked roof, wooden eaves, a small clock tower, and a platform where the slow train from Baicheng still arrives once or twice a day. It is an active station — you can buy a ticket and ride the train — but most visitors come to photograph it. The best light is late afternoon, when the setting sun warms the grey stone. The station is in the center of town, a 5-minute walk from most hotels. 5. Arxan Hot Springs (阿尔山温泉): The hot-spring complex (温泉博物馆, ¥298 as of June 2026) has indoor and outdoor pools fed by different springs at different temperatures (8°C to 48°C). The experience is more public bath than luxury spa — expect a utilitarian facility with tiled pools, Chinese-language signage, and a local clientele of retirees and families. The water is genuinely mineral-rich, and the tradition of "taking the waters" here is over a century old. The hottest pools (40-48°C) are the most popular; the cold pool (8°C) is for the brave. Bring your own swimwear and towel (rentals available but basic). 6. Dujuan Lake (杜鹃湖): A calm, reflective lake within the forest park, named for the azaleas that bloom around its shores in May and June. In autumn, the gold larch needles float on the water's surface, creating a mosaic of gold on blue. A boardwalk leads to a viewing platform, and the lake is particularly peaceful — fewer visitors than Tianchi, and the walk from the parking area is flat and easy. Allow 30-45 minutes. 7. Rose Peak (玫瑰峰): Reddish granite formations rising from the birch forest 25 km north of town, best photographed in late-afternoon light when the rock glows rose-colored. The 20-30 minute climb on stone steps leads to a viewpoint over the forest and the Arxan valley. A smaller, less-visited site, but the color of the rock and the view are worth the short detour. ¥30 as of June 2026. 8. The Unfixed River (不冻河) in winter: A section of the Halaha River that never freezes, fed by geothermal groundwater. In winter, when the air temperature is -30°C, the river steams as it flows through a snow-covered landscape — the contrast between the frozen world and the living, steaming water is surreal and beautiful. Accessible only by private car in winter (the park shuttle does not operate), and only with a driver who has winter tires and local knowledge.

What are 1-day, 2-day, and 3-day itineraries for Arxan?

One-day sprint (tight but doable from Arxan town): Start by 07:00. Drive to the National Forest Park (40-60 minutes). Park shuttle to Tianchi — climb to the crater lake (1.5 hours round-trip). Shuttle to Santan Gorge — walk the 3-km boardwalk (1-1.5 hours). Shuttle to Shitang Forest — boardwalk loop (45 minutes). Lunch at the park visitor center restaurant (basic, ¥40-60). Afternoon: shuttle to Dujuan Lake (30 minutes). Return to town by 16:00. Evening: hot springs (2 hours) and dinner. This covers the forest park essentials but misses Rose Peak and the railway station. Two-day plan (recommended): Day 1 — National Forest Park as above, but at a more relaxed pace. Add the Unfixed River if time allows. Return to town by late afternoon. Evening: photograph the railway station in late-afternoon light, then hot springs (2 hours) and dinner. Day 2 — Morning: Rose Peak (25 km north, 1.5 hours round-trip including the climb). Return to town for lunch. Afternoon: explore Arxan town — the railway station interior (if a train is due), the hot-spring museum (if interested in the history), or a second visit to the hot springs. If you are a photographer, consider an early-morning return to the forest park (Tianchi at sunrise is spectacular and empty). Depart by late afternoon. Three-day immersive plan: Day 1 — Forest Park: Tianchi, Santan Gorge, Shitang Forest, Dujuan Lake (full day). Evening: hot springs, dinner. Day 2 — Morning: Unfixed River (summer: accessible by shuttle; winter: private car). Rose Peak in late-morning light. Afternoon: free time — second visit to a favorite park site, a walk through Arxan town, or a longer soak at the hot springs. Evening: photograph the railway station at sunset. Day 3 — If autumn (late September): morning return to the forest park for sunrise photography — the gold birches in early light are the best reason to visit Arxan. If summer: a relaxed morning, a walk through the birch forest on the town's outskirts, and a final hot-spring soak. Depart by midday. The third day adds the time to absorb the landscape rather than just tick off sites.

What is the monthly weather and the best time to visit Arxan?

Arxan has a subarctic climate (Köppen Dwc) with long, harsh winters and short, cool summers. The elevation (1,000-1,700m) keeps temperatures moderate in summer and extremely cold in winter. January: -32 to -18°C. Deep winter. The landscape is under deep snow — the forest park is a frozen white world, the Unfixed River steams, and the hot springs are at their most atmospheric (soaking in 40°C water while the air is -30°C is a memorable experience). The park shuttle does not operate; a private car is essential. Average 4 snowy days. February: -28 to -12°C. Still deep winter. The snow-covered birch forest is starkly beautiful. The Chinese New Year period brings domestic visitors to the hot springs. Average 3 snowy days. March: -16 to 0°C. Thaw begins. Snow starts to melt. Muddy and transitional — not a good month to visit. Average 4 precipitation days. April: -2 to 11°C. Spring arrives slowly. The first green appears on the birches by late April. The forest park begins to reopen. Average 6 rainy days. May: 5-18°C. Spring in full effect. The forest greens up. Azaleas bloom around Dujuan Lake (mid-to-late May). The landscape is fresh and green, and the park shuttle begins operating. Average 8 rainy days. June: 10-23°C. Early summer — one of the best months. Warm days, cool nights, the forest is lush and green. All facilities are open. Mosquitoes appear but are less intense than in Wudalianchi or Jingpohu due to the elevation. Average 12 rainy days. July: 14-26°C. Peak summer, peak visiting season. Warm days, comfortable for hiking. The forest park is at its greenest. Afternoon thunderstorms are common. Average 14 rainy days. August: 12-24°C. Still peak summer, gradually cooling. The best balance of warm weather and manageable crowds. Late August sees the first hints of autumn color. Average 12 rainy days. September: 5-18°C. Early autumn. The first two weeks are still green; by mid-September, the birches begin to turn. Late September (roughly the 20th-30th) is the peak autumn color window — the birch and larch forests turn brilliant gold, and the landscape is at its most beautiful. The weather is crisp and clear. This is the single best time to visit. Average 8 rainy days. October: -4 to 9°C. Late autumn. The gold leaves fall by mid-October. The first snow is possible. The forest park begins to close facilities. The landscape is stark but beautiful in a spare, late-autumn way. Average 5 rainy/snowy days. November: -16 to -3°C. Winter arrives. Snow covers the ground. Most guesthouses close. The hot springs remain open. The transition to winter is bleak. Average 5 snowy days. December: -26 to -13°C. Winter. Snow-covered landscape. The Unfixed River steams. The hot springs are at their most atmospheric. The forest park is accessible by private car only. Average 5 snowy days.

What to eat in Arxan: Mongolian and Northeast Chinese food in the mountains?

Arxan's food culture blends Mongolian traditions (mutton, dairy, and hearty stews) with Dongbei (Northeast Chinese) cooking, adapted for the cold mountain climate. The food is simple, warming, and meat-heavy. Mongolian-style roast lamb (烤羊, kǎo yáng) is the regional centerpiece — whole or half lambs roasted over charcoal, seasoned with cumin, chili, and salt. A half lamb serves 4-6 people and costs ¥300-500. Smaller portions — lamb skewers (羊肉串, yángròu chuàn, ¥5-10 each) and lamb chops (羊排, yáng pái, ¥80-120 per plate) — are available at barbecue restaurants. The lamb here comes from the Hulunbuir grasslands and is notably tender and flavorful. Mongolian milk tea (蒙古奶茶, Měnggǔ nǎichá) is the traditional drink — a savory, salty tea made with brick tea, milk, butter, and salt, sometimes with millet or dried meat added. It is an acquired taste (salty tea surprises most foreign palates) but is warming and authentic. ¥10-20 per pot. Dongbei dishes fill out the menus: guo bao rou (锅包肉, crispy sweet-and-sour pork, ¥35-50), di san xian (地三鲜, stir-fried potato, eggplant, and green pepper, ¥25-35), dumplings (饺子, jiǎozi, ¥20-35 for a plate of 15), and hot pot (火锅, huǒguō, ¥60-100 per person) — the last is especially welcome on a cold evening. Wild mushrooms and mountain vegetables (山野菜, shānyě cài) are a local specialty — the Greater Khingan forests produce prized mushrooms (hazel mushrooms, 榛蘑, zhēn mó) and edible ferns (蕨菜, jué cài) that appear on menus in summer and autumn. Mushroom hot pot (菌汤火锅, jūn tāng huǒguō, ¥80-120 per person) is a lighter alternative to the lamb-based standard hot pot. For vegetarians: Mongolian and Dongbei cuisine is challenging — meat and animal fat are central. The phrases "wǒ chī sù" (我吃素, I eat vegetarian) and "bùyào ròu" (不要肉, no meat) are essential. Mushroom hot pot (confirm vegetable broth), di san xian (confirm no meat), vegetable dumplings (素饺子, sù jiǎozi), and wild mountain vegetables are the safest options. Be aware that "vegetable" dishes in small-town Inner Mongolia often include small amounts of minced pork. Restaurants are concentrated on Wenquan Street in Arxan town. Quality is variable — the food is hearty and generous but not refined. The hot-spring hotel restaurant and the Grand Arxan Hotel restaurant are the most reliable options for foreign visitors (menus with pictures, slightly higher hygiene standards).

What practical tips and warnings should I know for Arxan?

1. ARXAN IS GENUINELY REMOTE. The nearest city of any size is Hailar, 5-6 hours by road. Medical facilities are basic, and English is nonexistent. This is not a destination for travelers who need infrastructure, English support, or quick access to major transport hubs. 2. THE AUTUMN COLOR WINDOW IS SHORT AND UNPREDICTABLE. The peak gold-birch color in the Greater Khingan lasts roughly 7-14 days, typically in late September (around the 20th-30th). The exact timing varies with the weather — a cold snap can accelerate the color, warm weather can delay it. If autumn colors are your goal, check recent photos on Chinese social media (Xiaohongshu, Weibo) or ask your hotel before booking. 3. THE FOREST PARK REQUIRES A FULL DAY BY CAR. The park is 60 km from town, and the main sites are spread across a 30-kilometer radius within the park. The park shuttle bus works once you are inside, but you need a car to reach the park entrance. Hire a driver for the day (¥500-800). 4. SUMMER DAYS ARE WARM, NIGHTS ARE COLD. Even in July, when daytime temperatures reach 26°C, nights drop to 12-14°C. Bring a warm layer regardless of the season. In winter, temperatures drop to -30°C — dress in thermal base layers, a heavy down coat, insulated boots, hat, gloves, and a face covering. 5. THE HOT SPRINGS ARE PUBLIC-BATH STYLE, NOT LUXURY-SPA STYLE. The ¥298 hot-spring complex is a utilitarian facility with tiled pools, Chinese-language signage, and a local clientele. The water is genuinely mineral-rich and the experience is authentic, but if you expect a luxury spa, you will be disappointed. Bring your own swimwear and towel. 6. THE 1937 RAILWAY STATION IS A FUNCTIONING TRAIN STATION. It is not a museum — it is an active station serving 1-2 slow trains per day. You can buy a ticket and ride the train to Ulanhot or Baicheng (6-8 hours) for the experience. If you are photographing the station, be respectful of passengers and station staff. 7. ENGLISH IS ESSENTIALLY NONEXISTENT. Signage in the forest park is Chinese-only (with occasional Mongolian). A translation app, pre-saved Chinese-character destination names, and patience are essential. The forest park shuttle bus announcements are in Chinese only. 8. THE FOREST PARK ALTITUDE IS 1,100-1,700 METERS. This is high enough to cause mild altitude effects in some people — shortness of breath on stairs, faster fatigue. The 998 steps to Tianchi feel longer than they are. Pace yourself, hydrate, and the altitude is not dangerous for healthy adults. 9. BRING CASH. Smaller restaurants, taxi drivers, and some hot-spring services may not accept mobile payment. Carry ¥500-800 in cash. 10. COMBINE WITH THE HULUNBUIR GRASSLANDS. Arxan is on the southern edge of the Hulunbuir region, one of China's largest and most beautiful grasslands. The classic Inner Mongolia road trip: Hailar → Hulunbuir grasslands (2-3 days) → Arxan (2-3 days) → return to Hailar. This loop takes about a week and combines two of Inner Mongolia's best landscapes. The grasslands are best in July-August; Arxan is best in late September. You cannot have both at their peak on the same trip — choose your priority.

What are the emergency contacts for Arxan?

Police: 110. Ambulance: 120. Fire: 119. Tourist complaint: 0482-7122210 (Arxan Tourism Bureau). The town has a small hospital — Arxan People's Hospital (阿尔山市人民医院) — for minor injuries and illnesses. For serious medical emergencies, patients are evacuated to Hailar (5-6 hours by road) or Ulanhot (4 hours by road). Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical evacuation is essential — Arxan is remote and medical infrastructure is very limited. Tap water is not potable. Bottled water is available in town (¥3-5 per bottle) and hotels provide kettles. The hot-spring water should not be drunk unless specifically indicated as drinking water. Air quality is excellent year-round (AQI typically below 30) due to the remote, forested location and lack of industry. The area is very safe. The main risks are: slipping on wet boardwalks in the forest park (after rain), hypothermia in winter (temperatures drop to -30°C — dress appropriately), getting lost in the forest park (stay on marked paths and boardwalks), and the remote location (medical evacuation takes 4-6 hours). Pickpocketing and crime are essentially nonexistent.

Top attractions

Arxan National Forest Park (阿尔山国家森林公园, Ā'ěr Shān Guójiā Sēnlín Gōngyuán)

The 103,000-hectare park is the main reason to visit Arxan, containing volcanic crater lakes (Tianchi, 天池), the Santan Gorge (三潭峡), the Shitang Forest lava field (石塘林), Dujuan Lake (杜鹃湖), and the Unfixed River (不冻河). The park is spread across a wide area and requires a full day by car. The autumn colors (late September) — gold birch and larch against black volcanic rock — are some of the most beautiful in China. ¥180 entry + ¥105 shuttle bus as of June 2026.

Arxan Tianchi (阿尔山天池, Ā'ěr Shān Tiānchí)

A volcanic crater lake at 1,332 meters elevation, roughly 450 meters in diameter and crystal-clear blue-green. Unlike Changbaishan's Tianchi (which straddles the China-North Korea border), Arxan's Tianchi is smaller, more intimate, and surrounded by birch forest rather than bare volcanic rock. Reached by climbing 998 wooden steps from the parking area. The lake has no visible inlet or outlet — it is fed solely by rainfall and groundwater, and its water level never changes. ¥180 forest park entry includes this. Best in morning light when the surface is still.

Santan Gorge (三潭峡, Sāntán Xiá)

A 3-kilometer-long gorge carved by the Halaha River (哈拉哈河) through volcanic rock, with three distinct pools (the "three pools" of the name) connected by rapids and small waterfalls. A wooden boardwalk follows the gorge, crossing the river on bridges and passing through birch and larch forest. The water is extraordinarily clear, and the volcanic rock walls are dark and sculptural. One of the most photogenic sections of the forest park. Included in forest park entry.

Shitang Forest — Lava Field Forest (石塘林, Shítáng Lín)

A surreal landscape where trees — mainly larch and birch — grow directly out of a black basalt lava field, their roots finding purchase in cracks in the stone. The lava flow is from a relatively recent eruption (estimated 2,000-3,000 years ago), and the contrast between the dark, twisted lava and the green (summer) or gold (autumn) foliage is striking. A boardwalk loops through the forest, with interpretive signs (Chinese only) explaining the volcanic geology. Included in forest park entry.

Arxan Hot Springs (阿尔山温泉, Ā'ěr Shān Wēnquán)

The namesake attraction — a cluster of 48 natural hot springs at temperatures from 8°C to 48°C, with different mineral profiles (some rich in radon, some in sulfur, some in silica). The springs have been used for bathing since at least the 19th century, and the Japanese built a sanatorium here in the 1930s. The modern hot-spring complex (阿尔山温泉博物馆, ¥298 as of June 2026) has indoor and outdoor pools fed by different springs. The experience is more public-bath than luxury spa — utilitarian, local, and genuinely therapeutic rather than Instagram-ready.

Arxan Railway Station (阿尔山火车站, Ā'ěr Shān Huǒchē Zhàn)

Built in 1937 by the Japanese during their occupation of Manchuria (Manchukuo), this small station is a hybrid of Japanese and European architectural styles — a two-story stone building with a peaked roof, wooden eaves, and a small clock tower. It is still in active use, serving slow trains on the Baicheng-Arxan railway line. The station is arguably the most beautiful small railway station in China, and it has become a symbol of Arxan. Free to photograph from the outside; the interior is a functioning station with a waiting room. Best photographed in late-afternoon light.

Dujuan Lake (杜鹃湖, Dùjuān Hú)

A volcanic barrier lake within the forest park, named for the azaleas (杜鹃, dùjuān) that bloom around its shores in May and June. The lake is 128 hectares, calm and reflective, surrounded by larch forest. A boardwalk leads to a viewing platform, and the lake is particularly beautiful in autumn when the gold larch needles float on the water's surface. Included in forest park entry.

Rose Peak (玫瑰峰, Méiguī Fēng)

A cluster of reddish granite rock formations rising abruptly from the forest about 25 km north of Arxan town, named for their rose-colored stone. The formations are the result of ancient volcanic activity and erosion, and a short climb (20-30 minutes on stone steps) leads to a viewpoint over the surrounding birch forest and the Arxan valley. Best in late afternoon when the setting sun intensifies the rose color of the rock. ¥30 as of June 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Is Arxan worth visiting?
Yes, if you love forests, volcanic landscapes, and remote destinations. The autumn colors (late September) — gold birch and larch against black volcanic rock — are among the most beautiful in China. The hot springs are authentic and therapeutic. The 1937 Japanese-era railway station is a beautiful architectural artifact. No, if you need comfort, infrastructure, English support, or quick access to major cities. Arxan is remote, basic, and logistically demanding.
How do I get to Arxan?
The easiest option: fly to Arxan Yiershi Airport (YIE) from Beijing (2h), Hohhot (2h), or Harbin (1.5h). Flights are limited (1-2 per route per day) — book 1-2 weeks ahead. Alternatively: fly or take HSR to Hailar, then drive 5-6 hours to Arxan. Or: HSR to Ulanhot, then drive 4 hours. A private car from Hailar or Ulanhot is the most reliable overland option (¥1,200-1,800 from Hailar).
How many days do I need in Arxan?
Two full days covers the essentials: the National Forest Park (Tianchi, Santan Gorge, Shitang Forest, Dujuan Lake) on Day 1, and Rose Peak, the railway station, and the hot springs on Day 2. Three days allows a more relaxed pace with time for photography, a return visit to a favorite park site, and more time at the hot springs.
What is the best time to visit Arxan?
Late September (roughly the 20th-30th) for autumn colors — the birch and larch forests turn brilliant gold, and the weather is crisp and clear. June-August for green summer landscapes and full access to all facilities. December-February for the snow-covered winter landscape, the steaming Unfixed River, and the hot springs at their most atmospheric. Avoid March-April (muddy thaw) and November (bleak transition to winter).
Is the Arxan Tianchi the same as the Changbaishan Tianchi?
No. They share the name Tianchi (天池, "Heavenly Lake") but are completely different. Changbaishan Tianchi is a massive caldera lake (4.5 km wide) on the China-North Korea border, at 2,189m elevation, surrounded by bare volcanic rock. Arxan Tianchi is a smaller crater lake (450m diameter) at 1,332m, surrounded by birch forest, more intimate and accessible. Both are volcanic crater lakes, but the experience is different — Changbaishan is dramatic and crowded; Arxan is intimate and quiet.
What are the Arxan hot springs like?
The hot-spring complex (¥298 as of June 2026) has 48 springs at temperatures from 8°C to 48°C with different mineral profiles (radon, sulfur, silica, iron). The facility is utilitarian — tiled pools, public-bath atmosphere — not a luxury spa. The water is genuinely mineral-rich, and the bathing tradition is over a century old. Bring your own swimwear and towel. The experience is authentic and therapeutic rather than luxurious.
What is special about the Arxan Railway Station?
Built in 1937 by the Japanese during their occupation of Manchuria, it is a hybrid Japanese-European architectural style — grey stone, peaked roof, wooden eaves, small clock tower. It is still an active station, serving 1-2 slow trains per day on the Baicheng-Arxan line. Widely considered the most beautiful small railway station in China, it has become a symbol of Arxan. Free to photograph from outside; the interior is a functioning waiting room.
Can I visit Arxan without a car?
The town itself is walkable, but the National Forest Park is 60 km away and the sites within it are spread across a 30-km radius. You need a car and driver (¥500-800/day) to reach the park, and the park shuttle bus to get around inside. Without a car, you will see the town (hot springs, railway station) but miss the forest park — which is the main reason to visit. A car is essential.
Is Arxan suitable for children?
The forest park is family-friendly — the boardwalks are well-maintained, the climbs are moderate (998 steps to Tianchi is the hardest, manageable for children 8+), and the landscapes (lava fields, crater lake, gorge) are interesting for curious kids. The hot springs have family-friendly pools. The challenges: the long journey to reach Arxan, the basic accommodation, and the language barrier. Best for families with school-age children who enjoy nature and adventure.
Can I visit Arxan in winter?
Yes, and it is a completely different experience. The snow-covered birch forest, the steaming Unfixed River, and the hot springs (soaking in 40°C water while the air is -30°C) are memorable. However, the forest park shuttle does not operate in winter — a private car with winter tires is essential. Temperatures drop to -30°C, many guesthouses close, and facilities are reduced. Winter visits require preparation, cold-weather gear, and a confirmed hotel with reliable heating.
How is Arxan different from other nature destinations in China?
Arxan combines volcanic landscapes, crater lakes, birch forests, and hot springs in a remote mountain setting. Unlike Jiuzhaigou (karst lakes and waterfalls, very crowded) or Zhangjiajie (sandstone pillars, dramatic and busy), Arxan is quieter, less visited, and feels genuinely remote. The autumn colors (gold birch against black lava) are unique to Arxan. The trade-off is accessibility and infrastructure — Arxan is harder to reach and has fewer services than China's major national parks.
Can I combine Arxan with the Hulunbuir grasslands?
Yes, and this is the classic Inner Mongolia itinerary: Hailar → Hulunbuir grasslands (2-3 days, July-August best) → Arxan (2-3 days, late September best for autumn colors). The drive from the grasslands to Arxan (5-6 hours) passes through the Greater Khingan forest. However, the grasslands are at their best in July-August (green, wildflowers) and Arxan is at its best in late September (autumn colors) — you cannot have both at their peak on the same trip. Choose your priority.
What should I pack for Arxan?
Summer (June-August): light clothing for daytime (up to 26°C), a warm layer for evenings (drops to 12°C), comfortable walking shoes for the forest park boardwalks, rain gear, insect repellent. Autumn (September): warm layers — daytime 5-18°C, nights near freezing — a warm jacket, hat, and gloves for early mornings. Winter (December-February): thermal base layers, heavy down coat, insulated boots, hat, gloves, scarf, face covering — temperatures drop to -30°C. Year-round: swimwear for the hot springs, a translation app, cash (¥500+), and pre-saved Chinese destination names.
Is the Arxan National Forest Park open year-round?
The park is technically open year-round, but the shuttle bus operates only from roughly May through October. In winter (November-April), the park is accessible only by private car with winter tires, and many facilities (restaurants, restrooms within the park) are closed. The main sites — Tianchi, Santan Gorge, Shitang Forest — are still accessible, but the experience is self-guided and requires preparation. The summer season (June-September) is when the park is fully operational.
What is the Unfixed River and why does it not freeze?
The Unfixed River (不冻河, Bù Dòng Hé) is a section of the Halaha River within the Arxan National Forest Park that never freezes, even in -30°C winter temperatures, because it is fed by geothermal groundwater. In winter, the steaming river flowing through a snow-covered landscape is a surreal sight. It is accessible by park shuttle in summer and by private car in winter.

References

  1. Wikipedia — Arxan
  2. UNESCO — Arxan Global Geopark
  3. Travel China Guide — Arxan
  4. China Discovery — Arxan Travel
  5. Arxan Tourism Official Site
NihaoVisit Editorial Team headshot

Written by

NihaoVisit Editorial Team

Travel research team · Regular policy and price audits

Related guides & destinations