Manzhouli: A Fairytale City on the China-Russia Border That Will Surprise You
Many think I've travelled abroad, but this charming town of Manzhouli, nestled on the China-Russia border, is as enchanting as any fairytale. Friends are always amazed, convinced I've jetted off to a different country!
A City Painted in Sweet Pastels
Manzhouli truly captivates with its unique Russian-style architecture, from grand castles to beautiful churches. The entire city seems to be dipped in a whimsical, candy-coloured filter, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that's perfect for creating unforgettable memories. If you're planning a trip to Hulunbuir, be sure to dedicate a full day to explore this fairytale town. Every romantic scene you can imagine can be found here.
Your Essential Manzhouli Photo Trail
Here's a suggested route to capture the essence of Manzhouli:
- Guomen Scenic Area
- Matryoshka Square
- Little Bear Man
- Wedding Palace
- Mammoth Park
Photography Tips for Capturing the Magic
To get the best shots, keep these tips in mind:
Guomen Scenic Area
Visit in the morning to avoid backlight. The Manzhouli Guomen, having undergone five iterations, stands majestically, guarding this land. It's a truly worthwhile visit.
Matryoshka Square
This is home to the iconic Matryoshka Hotel. The hotel is much larger than you might expect, with a whole stretch of colourful buildings perfect for your photo collection. You don't necessarily need to enter the scenic area; the views from outside are already stunning.
Little Bear Man
Located within Beihu Park, you'll find a gigantic pink strawberry bear. Using a drone for aerial shots here is an absolute must for incredible results.
Wedding Palace
Avoid going in the morning due to backlight. This is a lesser-known church perched on a small hill. When photographing, step back a bit from the church itself and use a telephoto lens to capture the entire structure for a truly breathtaking view. From the church, you can overlook the whole of Manzhouli, and it's also a fantastic spot for sunset.
Mammoth Park
Getting here by bus from the city centre is very convenient. It's just a short walk after you alight. With its giant onion-domed candy castles, Ferris wheel, and mammoth sculptures, everything is incredibly photogenic. While the entrance fee is a bit steep, if you're primarily interested in capturing the castles, you can park outside and get great shots without entering the park.
My Hulunbuir Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrive in Hailar → Free exploration of city attractions → Hailar City
- Day 2: Hailar City → Morgel River Cliff → Ergun Wetland → Ergun
- Day 3: Ergun → Birch Forest → Enhe Russian Ethnic Township → Shiwei
- Day 4: Shiwei → Cross the K-line route → Horse riding through the grassland → Heilongtou
- Day 5: Heilongtou → Internet-famous grassland train/grass sliding → Hulun Lake → Manzhouli
- Day 6: Guomen → Matryoshka Square → Little Bear Man → Wedding Palace → Mammoth Park → Return to Hailar
Travel Tips for Your Adventure
- Transportation: The distances between attractions in Hulunbuir are significant, making self-driving highly recommended. You'll be covering hundreds of kilometres daily, but the road conditions are generally good, even for novice drivers.
- Weather: The weather on the grassland can change rapidly, so remember to pack rain gear. The temperature difference between day and night is substantial, so a light jacket is advisable.
- Clothing: Opt for solid-coloured tops, and prepare a cowboy hat, baseball cap, or straw hat for those perfect shots.
- Camera Gear: Bring a telephoto lens, as the grassland is ideal for capturing compressed perspectives. A drone is also a must-have for those entirely different viewpoints.
