Hailar (海拉尔 Hǎilā'ěr) is a city in Inner Mongolia Province in China.

Understand

The city has a population of around 200,000.

Hailar is a multi-ethnic town, with notable Han, Mongolian, Hui, Daur, Evenki, and Russian populations. As such, signs are usually bilingual.

History

Hailal has a long history and is one of the main settlements of the Mongols. Genghis Khan's cultural heritage is well passed down here, and the city's Genghis Khan Square and other cultural facilities showcase the unique customs and traditions of the Mongols.

In addition, as a former military stronghold, there are many historical sites, such as the World Anti-Fascist War Hailar Memorial Park, which records historical events during World War II.

The city was founded in 1734 as a Chinese garrison town.

Climate

Hailar is located in the northeast of China, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, located in the hinterland of Hulunbeer Prairie, belongs to the cold temperate continental monsoon climate, with distinct climate characteristics. Hailar has a dry, humid, humid summer, due to the East Asian monsoon. Winters are long, very dry and severe. Sunshine is abundant year-round. More than two-thirds of the annual rainfall occurs during the three summer months, June-August.

Hailar
Climate chart (explanation)
J F M A M J J A S O N D       3     −15 −30       2     −12 −28       3     −5 −20       5     8 −8       15     18 0       40     25 7       100     28 10       80     25 8       30     20 2       10     10 −5       5     −2 −18       3     −10 −25 Average max. and min. temperatures in °C Precipitation+Snow totals in mm
Imperial conversion J F M A M J J A S O N D       0.1     5 −22       0.1     10 −18       0.1     23 −4       0.2     46 18       0.6     64 32       1.6     77 45       3.9     82 50       3.1     77 46       1.2     68 36       0.4     50 23       0.2     28 0       0.1     14 −13 Average max. and min. temperatures in °F Precipitation+Snow totals in inches

Get in

By plane

• 

  1 Hulunbuir Hailar Airport (HLD  ^IATA). Has flights to Beijing, Hohhot, and international flights to Choibalsan, Mongolia.  

By train

2 Hailar's railway station. (updated Dec 2024) is the penultimate major station before Manzhouli, the port city that stands close to the Russian border. It is on the Western line of the Trans-Siberian express route. Trains to Harbin take about 12 hours, and 27 to Beijing.

By road

Via China National Highway 301.

Get around

Hailar has frequent buses that cover the town.

See

Hailal is a district-level administrative unit of Hulunbele City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, famous for its vast grassland, beautiful natural scenery and strong national style, and is known as the "Pastoral Capital". Here's an introduction to the main sights of Hailal Region

• 1 Hulunbier Steppe (呼伦贝尔大草原). Hulunboer Prairie is one of the most famous grasslands in China and is known as "the most beautiful grassland in the world". The vast grassland, blue sky, leisurely cattle and sheep, and herds of Mongolian buns make up the most magnificent natural scenery. Visitors can ride horses on the prairie, experience traditional Mongolian culture, and even spend the night in Mongolian buns to enjoy the pure prairie atmosphere.horse riding, lawn camping, visiting pastoral families, watching prairie singing and dancing performances, etc. 

• 2 Hulun Lake (呼伦湖, Хөлөн нуур). Also known as Dalai Lake (Далай нуур), it is the fifth largest lake in China and the largest freshwater lake in Inner Mongolia. The lake is clear and the surrounding scenery is charming, making it an ideal leisure and tourist destination. In summer, you can take a boat trip to the lake to feel the lake and mountains; in winter, you can enjoy ice and snow activities, such as ice fishing and ice skating.  
• 3 Hailar Forest Park (海拉尔森林公园). Hailal Forest Park is a comprehensive park that integrates natural scenery and humanistic attractions. There are dense forests, clear streams, and abundant flora and fauna. The trails in the park are suitable for hiking, where visitors can relax and enjoy the tranquility of nature. 
• Tauma Mountain is located in the southern part of Hailal district, is a small mountain on the prairie. The top of the mountain overlooks the magnificent scenery of the entire prairie, and has a wide view, making it an ideal location to shoot the beauty of the prairie.
• Tongma Mountain is also famous for its strong Mongolian cultural background and horse culture, horseback riding, mountain climbing, taking pictures, enjoying the beautiful scenery of the grassland.
• 4 Hailar District Museum (海拉尔博物馆). The Hailar District Museum showcases the historical, cultural and natural heritage of the Hulunbuir region. The museum contains a large number of historical relics, ethnic and cultural materials, and exhibitions related to grassland and nature. For visitors who want to learn more about the history and culture of the area, the museum is a great place to visit. 

• 5 Irguna Wetlands (额尔古纳湿地). Erguna wetland is one of the largest wetland in China, located near Hailar. The ecological environment of this wetland is very unique and is a habitat for many kinds of animals and plants. Known as a bird paradise, it attracts a large number of bird lovers and photographers every year to watch and shoot birds. (updated Dec 2024)
• The Mongolian Style Garden is a collection of Mongolian culture, customs and tourism as one of the theme park. Visitors can experience Mongolian traditional culture here, such as equestrian performances, Mongolian dance, handicraft making, etc., and can also taste authentic Mongolian food.Watch Mongolian dance and equestrian performances, ride horses, experience Mongolian traditional crafts and cuisine.
• Mongol tribes of the Golden Horde: Jinhu Khan Mongolian tribe is a typical Mongolian culture tourism village. Here you can learn more about the Mongolian way of life, cultural traditions and folklore. Visitors can interact with local Mongolians and participate in traditional handicraft activities and folk art performances.

Do

As an important region of Hulunbeir, Inner Mongolia, Hailal has rich national cultural traditions. Local traditional festivals combine the characteristics of Mongolian, Daur and Ewenki ethnic minorities, reflecting the intersection and inheritance of multiculturalism. Here are some of the main traditional festivals in the Hailal region:

• General Assembly of Nadam Kicksen, held from July to August every year, the most beautiful time of summer grasslands. Nadam is one of the most important traditional festivals in Mongolia, meaning "entertainment" or "game". The event includes three traditional competitions: horse racing, wrestling and archery, known as the "Three Arts of Mongolia". In addition, there are singing and dancing performances, ethnic costumes and prairie food tasting, fully demonstrating the prairie culture and ethnic atmosphere.
• Horse Milk Festival, held in early August every year, is a unique Mongolian festival, to celebrate the harvest and thank the theme of nature gifts. During the event, herdsmen will produce and share various horse dairy products, such as horse milk wine and horse cheese. The festival is also accompanied by traditional Mongolian music, dance performances, and horse racing.

• Snow and Ice Festival, hekd from December to February of each year, is an important winter festival in Hailal, showcasing the ice and snow culture of the northern grassland area. During the festival, there are ski competitions, snow sculpture exhibitions, ice lamp shows and other activities, while visitors can experience snowmobiles, reindeer sledding and other special entertainment.

• Genghis Khan's Sacrifice is celebrated every year around the winter solstice. It is a traditional Mongolian sacrificial event to commemorate the achievements of Genghis Khan and his family. Sacrifice ceremonies are solemn and solemn, usually held in Genghis Khan Square or other memorial sites, and include chanting, offering Hadad, toasting and Mongolian long-tempo performances.
• Ewenki Reindeer Festival is held every winter, but the date is not fixed. The Ewenki people are one of the important minorities in the Hailal region, and the Reindeer Festival is their unique festival. The festival includes reindeer performances, traditional costume displays and Ewenki folk songs, showcasing their cultural characteristics in harmony with nature.

• Spring Festival and Mongolian Traditional New Year, on the first day of the first lunar month, is a festival celebrated jointly by the people of all ethnic groups in Hailal, and the traditional Mongolian New Year's "White Day" (Chagansa Day) is also held during this period. During the White Festival, Mongolian families perform traditional fire rituals, tea and New Year's greetings to pray for peace and happiness in the new year.

Buy

As the central city of Hulunbuir, Hailal combines grassland culture, ethnic minority characteristics and northern regional style, rich shopping resources and many special products. Here are the specialties and souvenirs worth buying in Hailar

• Grassland specialties: Hulunbell's lamb is very delicious because of the natural pasture on the grasslands, the meat is fresh and tender, suitable for making roasted whole sheep, hand-me-meat and other traditional dishes. Many visitors will buy local dried or pickled lamb to bring home.Mongolian dairy products include horse milk wine, yogurt, cheese, etc., which are an important part of grassland culture. Horse milk wine, in particular, is a traditional drink containing trace amounts of alcohol, which has a lot of local characteristics.
• Hulunbuir Prairie Souvenirs: Handicrafts on Hulunbeer Prairie are very characteristic, such as Mongolian saddle, leather products, embroidery, wood carving and so on. You can buy souvenirs with local characteristics as a souvenir of your trip.
• Mongolian clothing and accessories: Mongolian robes,Mongolian traditional costumes are very unique, especially men's robes and women's colorful robes, decorated with colorful colors. You can buy a Mongolian robe as a souvenir and experience the traditional Mongolian style.Jewelry,Mongolian silver jewelry is also a very characteristic local commodity, such as beautiful earrings, necklaces, bracelets, etc.often with prairie culture or animal theme.
• Dry goods specialized in grasslands: There are many natural mushrooms in the forests of Hulunbuir, especially rare mushrooms such as pine mushrooms, which are one of the local specialties. Hulunberg's chili peppers have a strong aroma and spicy taste, and are often used in local cuisine.

• Ethnic music and instruments: Ma Touqin is a traditional Mongolian musical instrument, with its unique form and melodious tone, which is one of the symbols of Mongolian culture. You can buy a horse head piano and bring it home as an ornament or an instrument.
• Prairie Landscape and Photography and the surrounding prairie scenery is very magnificent, many local painters will create some prairie landscape paintings, showing the beautiful scenery of the prairie. These paintings often have strong national characteristics and are good souvenirs.If you like photography, local photographers and artists in Hellar also sell photographs of prairie and ethnocultural subjects.
• Grassland spices and herbs: Herbs in grassland areas play an important role in traditional Mongolian medicine. You can buy some herbs with grassland characteristics, such as agiao, wolfberry, and sea buckthorn fruit, which can be brought home to heal your body.
• Traditional Mongolian food: Mongolian pasta (such as hand-cooked noodles and pastry) is very characteristic, and many stalls and markets sell it. You can buy some local specialties as a souvenir.Such as Mongolian bun-shaped desserts or goat's milk cakes are local specialties.
• A winter specialty (e.g. wool products): In Hailal winter, wool products are popular shopping options, such as wool scarves, wool gloves, wool blankets, etc., which are warm and rich in national characteristics.
• Local brand goods: You can buy locally produced food, crafts, clothing, etc., in Hailal, most of which have a strong grassland style.

Eat

Here are the recommended restaurants in Hailar, along with their addresses and approximate coordinates:

• 1 Bayan Nur Roast Whole Lamb (巴安努尔烤全羊), No. 12, East Xinhua Street. This restaurant is famous for its signature roast whole lamb, a traditional Mongolian dish. The lamb is cooked to perfection, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, providing an authentic taste of Mongolian barbecue. It’s a must-try for meat lovers and anyone looking to experience a classic prairie feast. (updated Dec 2024)
• 2 Hulunbuir Prairie Restaurant (呼伦贝尔草原饭店), No. 1, Tonghua Street. This restaurant offers a wide selection of Mongolian dishes, with a focus on traditional prairie flavors. Dishes like roasted lamb and hand-pulled rice are highlights, and the environment reflects the essence of Mongolian culture. It’s a great place to experience authentic Mongolian hospitality and delicious local cuisine. (updated Dec 2024)
• 3 Mongolian Herder’s Home (蒙古族牧民的家), No. 55, West Xinhua Street. Known for its rustic charm and traditional Mongolian dishes, this restaurant offers dishes like hand-pulled rice, lamb, and milk tea. The cozy, rustic setting provides an immersive experience, making it a perfect place for those who want to enjoy both delicious food and the authentic atmosphere of Mongolian herding culture. (updated Dec 2024)
• 4 Prairie Feast (草原上的盛宴), No. 88, Hailar Avenue. Prairie Feast stands out for its variety of Mongolian hotpot dishes and grilled meats, including lamb, beef, and vegetables. The restaurant is known for its generous portions and rich flavors, making it a great choice for those who want to try a variety of Mongolian dishes in a casual, friendly setting. (updated Dec 2024)
• 5 Kazakh Flavor Restaurant (哈萨克风味餐厅), No. 25, South Taoyuan Street. If you’re looking for something a bit different, this restaurant specializes in Kazakh cuisine, offering dishes such as hand-pulled lamb and traditional mare’s milk wine. The unique blend of flavors and cultural experience makes this an excellent place for food enthusiasts eager to explore more of Inner Mongolia’s diverse culinary traditions. (updated Dec 2024)

Drink

Home to the great Hailaer Beer.

Sleep

Budget

• Dong Fang Business Hotel (东方商务宾馆, 24 East two St Hailar district, Hulun Buir City (呼伦贝尔市海拉尔区东二道街24号). Clean, large room with computer: ¥120

Mid-range

• Beier Hotel Hailar, 36 Zhongyang Avenue, ☏ +86 470 8332511, fax: +86 470 8334960.