Xing'an League 兴安盟 — Arxan Wonderland — Forests, Volcanoes & Springs
Xing'an League (兴安盟), meaning "White League" in Mongolian, is one of Inner Mongolia's most geologically diverse regions. Located in the northeast corner of the autonomous region, it borders both Heilongjiang and Jilin provinces, making it a gateway between Inner Mongolia and China's northeastern provinces. The region is dominated by the Greater Khingan Mountains (大兴安岭), whose forested slopes create a stunning contrast to Inner Mongolia's typical grassland scenery.
The star attraction is Arxan (阿尔山), a small city whose name means "Hot Springs" in Mongolian. Arxan National Forest Park is widely considered one of China's most beautiful natural areas, featuring a surreal landscape of extinct volcanoes, crater lakes, primeval forests, and over 40 natural hot springs. The park's Celestial Lake (天池), formed in a volcanic crater, is considered one of China's three great heavenly lakes alongside Changbai Mountain's and Xinjiang's Heavenly Lake.
Xing'an League is also significant in modern Chinese history — it was the site of the 1947 establishment of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, the first ethnic autonomous region in China. The Ulanhot (乌兰浩特) city museum commemorates this founding. Beyond Arxan, the league offers classic Mongolian grassland experiences on the Horqin Grassland, one of the historically most significant nomadic regions in China. The combination of volcanic wonders, hot springs, pristine forests, and traditional culture makes Xing'an League one of Inner Mongolia's most compelling destinations.
Arxan National Forest Park is the crown jewel of Xing'an League and one of Inner Mongolia's most spectacular natural areas. The park covers 2,000 square kilometers of volcanic terrain, virgin forests, and pristine lakes. Highlights include the Celestial Lake (天池) — a perfectly circular crater lake at 1,322m altitude — and the stunning Three Pools (三潭峡) canyon with turquoise pools fed by waterfalls. The park contains over 50 volcanic landforms including lava tubes, cinder cones, and basalt platforms. Over 90% of the park is forested with larch, birch, and Korean pine. The autumn foliage (mid-September to early October) creates a spectacular display of gold, orange, and crimson. Allow 1-2 full days to explore properly.
Info: 🕐 Hours: 7:00–17:00
🎫 Admission: ¥180 (2-day valid)
📍 Arxan City, 70km east
Arxan has been famous for its healing hot springs since the Qing dynasty. The city sits atop a geothermal zone with over 40 natural springs ranging from 2°C to 48°C. The waters are rich in fluorine, radon, and other minerals believed to treat rheumatism, arthritis, and skin conditions. The Arxan Hot Springs Museum documents the springs' 200+ year history and offers public bathing. Most upscale hotels have private hot spring facilities. The China-Korea Friendship Health Center is a popular spa destination. Winter bathing is particularly atmospheric when steam rises from pools surrounded by snow. The hot springs area is in the city center, making evening soaks convenient after a day of forest exploration.
Info: 🕐 Hours: Various (most 8:00–22:00)
🎫 Admission: ¥68-200
📍 Arxan City center
The Horqin Grassland is one of Inner Mongolia's most historically significant steppe regions, covering 40,000 square kilometers across Xing'an League and neighboring Tongliao. The grassland was the heartland of the Horqin Mongol tribe, whose alliance with the Manchu Qing dynasty shaped northeastern Inner Mongolia's history. Today, visitors can experience authentic Mongolian culture at grassland resorts offering yurt stays, horseback riding, and traditional wrestling and archery. The Ulan Maodu Grassland Tourism Area offers comprehensive facilities including luxury yurts with private bathrooms. The Nadam Festival in July draws thousands for traditional competitions. Best visited June-September when grass is greenest.
Info: 🕐 Hours: Open 24h
🎫 Admission: ¥30-50 (varies by area)
📍 Ulanhot area, 100km east
This wetland area near Arxan city center showcases the region's unique geology where cold springs emerge from volcanic rock. The springs maintain a constant 6°C year-round and are so pure they're bottled commercially. Wooden boardwalks wind through marshland inhabited by over 100 bird species including rare black storks. The contrast between hot geothermal springs elsewhere in Arxan and these cold springs demonstrates the region's extraordinary geological diversity. Early morning visits offer the best birdwatching. The adjacent Five Mile Springs Park provides picnic areas and forest walks.
Info: 🕐 Hours: 8:00–17:00
🎫 Admission: Free
📍 2.5km from Arxan city center
Ulanhot (乌兰浩特), meaning "Red City" in Mongolian, is the political center of Xing'an League and the site where Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region was founded on May 1, 1947 — making it the first ethnic autonomous region established in China. The Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Founding Memorial Hall (内蒙古民族解放纪念馆) commemorates this historic event with exhibits on Mongolian culture and the independence movement. The city also features the stunning Genghis Khan Temple (成吉思汗庙), built in 1944 with panoramic views over the city. The surrounding Horqin Grassland can be accessed within 30 minutes from downtown.
Info: 🕐 Hours: Museum 9:00–17:00
🎫 Admission: Free (ID required)
📍 Ulanhot city center
Getting local information: Visit the local tourist information center (usually near train stations or city squares). Free maps and event schedules available.
Using public transport: Most Chinese cities have affordable bus networks (2-3 RMB per ride). Buy a local transport card for convenience.
Evening safety: Chinese cities are generally safe at night. Stick to well-lit main streets after 22:00. Avoid unlicensed taxi services.
Photography etiquette: Ask permission before photographing locals, especially elderly people and children. Temples may prohibit indoor photography.
LocalSIMcards: China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom all offer tourist SIMs (30-50 RMB/week) at airport counters.