Things To Do
in E’erguna
E’erguna is a northern China town where expansive grasslands meet a growing urban scene, offering a quiet base for exploration. The town reflects a blend of Mongolian nomadic heritage and modern Chinese amenities, seen in markets, yurts, and contemporary cafés. Surrounding landscapes unfold as rolling steppe, river valleys, and open skies that invite day trips and photography.
Visitors arrive for hearty local flavors, neighborly hospitality, and a pace of life that feels refreshingly distant from big-city bustle.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at E'erguna Airport and take a scenic drive to your accommodation. Check in and refresh yourself before starting your adventure. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast featuring local specialties to get a taste of the region.
Explore the E'erguna Wetland Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Walk along the wooden pathways, observing the diverse bird life and stunning natural landscapes. Take photos and revel in the serene beauty of lagoons and marshlands.
Dine at a local restaurant, savoring traditional Inner Mongolian dishes. Enjoy the warm hospitality of the locals as you indulge in dishes like lamb and dumplings. Relax and reflect on your first day in this stunning locale.
Start your day with breakfast before heading to the E'erguna River for a boat tour. Glide along the waters while appreciating the lush surroundings and rugged landscapes. Keep your camera handy for the scenic views and wildlife.
Visit the nearby Oroqen Ethnic Group Museum to learn about the unique culture and history of the indigenous people. Engage with artifacts and exhibits showcasing their traditional lifestyle. Embrace an immersive experience by interacting with local residents.
Return to your accommodation and freshen up before dinner. Enjoy a feast that includes local game meats and dishes seasoned with aromatic herbs. End the night enjoying local music or a cultural performance.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $2-4 |
| 🚍Public transport (one-way ticket) | $0.50-1.50 |
| 🏨Budget hotel room (per night) | $25-40 |
| 🍺Beer at a bar | $3-6 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich Mongolian cultural heritage and welcoming locals
- Stunning grassland scenery and open skies
- Tasty and hearty local cuisine at approachable prices
- Compact town feel with easy day trips
- Good value for budget travelers
- Limited English widely spoken in rural areas
- Nightlife is subdued compared to big cities
- Outdoor activities depend on weather and season
- Some attractions require travel out of town
- Connectivity and amenities can be inconsistent in remote pockets
- "你好" - Hello (Mandarin)
- "谢谢" - Thank you
- "请问厕所在哪里？" - Where is the bathroom?
- "多少钱？" - How much is this?
- "你会说英语吗？" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in E’erguna
Visit one of these nice places.
Wide-open steppe with endless skies; best at dawn or golden hour for soft light and long shadows.
Historic entryway framed by warm evening light and subtle street activity; ideal for architectural and street photography.
Calm water reflections with distant grasslands; a peaceful spot for portraits and landscape shots.
Colorful yurts and shepherd silhouettes against a fiery sunset; great for lifestyle and cultural photography.
Early market scenes with vendors, steam, and vibrant produce—great for candid and still-life shots.
Food in E’erguna
E’erguna Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Steamed lamb dumplings with onion and herbs; widely available at markets and family-run eateries.
Must-Try!
Deep-fried lamb pastries with a crisp crust and savory filling; street stalls often serve them hot and fresh.
Fermented mare’s milk served cold; a traditional drink at nomadic camps and some restaurants.
Beef or mutton noodle stew with vegetables; a comforting staple in colder months.
A dramatic whole-meat dish prepared in the animal’s hollowed form; adventurous eaters may encounter this at select camps or festivals.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Bustling morning-to-afternoon market with dairy, noodles, fresh produce, and regional snacks; great for tasting local ingredients.
Pedestrian-friendly street with grilled skewers, lamb sticks, fried dough, and milk tea stands.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite nod or handshake is common; in Mongolian-influenced areas, a brief handshake with the right hand is typical, especially with elders.
Address elders by family name or title; give up seats and allow elders to speak first in group settings.
Always ask before photographing people, especially in homes, camps, or private spaces.
When visiting a ger camp, wait to be served, share tea, and avoid pointing feet toward people or sacred objects.
Safety
Tipping in E’erguna
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in most local establishments; you may round up the bill or leave a small tip at tourist camps or higher-end places if service is exceptional.
Cash RMB is widely accepted; WeChat Pay and Alipay are ubiquitous in town and markets; foreign credit cards are increasingly accepted in larger hotels and Western-style restaurants.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild days mixed with chilly mornings; dusty roads and green shoots emerging; bring light layers and a windbreaker.
Warm to hot days with refreshing evenings; occasional showers and mosquitoes; carry water, sun protection, and a light rain layer.
Crisp air and clear skies; best season for hiking and photography; pack a warm layer for evenings.
Very cold with strong winds and potential snow; dress in insulated layers, gloves, hat, and sturdy footwear; many outdoor activities move to indoor venues.
E’erguna at Night
Hiking in E’erguna
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Open-steppe trail offering panoramic views of plains and distant hills; suitable for day hikes.
Riverside path with forested stretches and occasional overlooks; good for longer walks and photography.
Short route to a nearby snowy overlook in winter months; best with proper cold-weather gear.
Airports
How to reach E’erguna by plane.
Major hub serving northern China; provides domestic and some international connections; convenient for onward travel to E’erguna by road or rail.
Regional airport with regular flights to major Chinese cities; further travel to E’erguna is typically by road or rail.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Largest group, forming the urban workforce and service sectors.
Significant presence influencing culture, language, and festivals; strong nomadic heritage.
Smaller populations contributing local customs and cuisine.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A traditional activity and spectator sport during festivals; you may see casual riding events around towns and camps.
Cultural sport featured in regional celebrations and festivals, highlighting strength and ceremony.
Symbolic in cultural gatherings; often performed as part of festival events.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting E’erguna.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
In a meat-centric cuisine, opt for mushroom dishes, potato and corn stews, vegetable noodles, and dairy-based snacks; ask for no meat stock and request separate utensils to avoid cross-contamination.