Hulunbuir Express crossing the Inner Mongolian grasslands
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Hulunbuir Express ยท 6 Days

Northern Grasslands

Aboard the Hulunbuir Express, the most intimate luxury train in China. Only 44 guests. Hailar to Harbin through Inner Mongolia's legendary grasslands. Summer wildflowers, nomadic herder culture, and the world's largest grassland ecosystem.

The Hulunbuir Express, operated by Star Express (Fosun Group), is China's smallest luxury train, 22 rooms, 44 guests maximum. This 6-day summer journey traverses the Hulunbuir Grasslands, one of the world's largest and most pristine grassland ecosystems. Intimate, immersive, and unlike any other journey in our fleet.

Duration6 Days
TrainHulunbuir Express
Capacity44 guests max
RouteHailar to Harbin
SeasonSummer (June-August)
StyleIntimate luxury

Route Map

HailarHulunbuir GrasslandsGenheNenjiangAliheHarbin

Itinerary

01
Day 1

Hailar, Gateway to the Grasslands

Arrive in Hailar, the gateway city to the Hulunbuir Grasslands. Afternoon transfer to your hotel. Evening briefing and welcome dinner featuring Mongolian hotpot and traditional music. Overnight in Hailar.

02
Day 2

Board the Hulunbuir Express

Morning: board the Hulunbuir Express at Hailar Station. Settle into your suite, choose from Classic Gold, Superior Platinum or Premium Purple Gold tiers. The train departs into the grasslands. Afternoon tea in the observation car as the endless green horizon unfolds. First dinner onboard.

03
Day 3

Genhe, The Cold Pole

Arrive at Genhe, known as China's 'Cold Pole' for its record low temperatures. Summer transforms it into a forest paradise. Visit the Aoluguya Ewenki reindeer herders, one of China's smallest ethnic groups. Afternoon forest walk. Return to train for overnight.

04
Day 4

Nenjiang & Alihe, Nomad Country

A full day immersed in grassland culture. Visit a working Mongolian herder camp. Horseback riding across the grasslands. Traditional lamb roast lunch in a yurt. Afternoon at Alihe for the Oroqen ethnic culture museum. The train departs south in the evening.

05
Day 5

Harbin, The Paris of the East

Morning arrival in Harbin. Visit St. Sophia Cathedral, the Russian-era Central Street, and the Sun Island scenic area. Afternoon at the Harbin Ice and Snow World (in season). Farewell dinner at a historic Russian restaurant. Overnight in Harbin hotel.

06
Day 6

Departure from Harbin

Transfer to Harbin Taiping International Airport. Journey ends.

Photo Gallery

Hulunbuir Express awaiting departure at Hailar Station Hulunbuir Express crossing the snow-steppe at sunset Hulunbuir Express at Hailar Station platform Classic Gold Suite aboard the Hulunbuir Express

What's Included

Included

  • ✓Hulunbuir Express suite for train segments
  • ✓Premium hotels in Hailar and Harbin
  • ✓All meals throughout the 6-day journey
  • ✓All listed excursions with English-speaking guide
  • ✓Horseback riding and yurt lunch experience
  • ✓All entrance fees and transfers
  • ✓Group travel accident insurance

Not Included

  • ×Flights to Hailar / from Harbin
  • ×Chinese tourist visa
  • ×Personal travel insurance (mandatory)
  • ×Single supplement
  • ×Personal expenses
  • ×Gratuities

Dates & Pricing Reference

Pricing note: All prices are reference rates in USD or RMB per person, double occupancy. Final price is confirmed in your journey proposal. Availability changes daily.
Suite TierPer Person (RMB)Notes
Classic Gold SuiteEnquireEn-suite. Reference pricing available at enquiry.
Superior Platinum SuiteEnquireLarger configuration with sitting area.
Premium Purple Gold SuiteEnquireMost spacious. Limited to a few rooms.

Aboard the Hulunbuir Express

China's most intimate luxury train. 22 rooms, 44 guests maximum. Three suite tiers from Classic Gold to Premium Purple Gold. Observation car with wraparound windows for 360-degree grassland views.

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Who This Journey Suits

Best For

  • Travellers seeking an intimate, small-group experience
  • Nature and wildlife enthusiasts
  • Couples and solo travellers wanting a peaceful journey
  • Those who find larger trains impersonal

Consider If

  • Large groups (44-guest maximum means groups of 10+ should book early)
  • Travellers who prefer constant activity (this is a slow, immersive journey)
  • Winter travellers (this is a summer route; see Hulunbuir Express winter departures for the Ice Festival)

Questions About This Journey

The Hulunbuir Express was purpose-built as an intimate luxury experience, not a mass-tourism train. The small capacity means every guest receives attentive service, suites are more spacious per guest, and the atmosphere onboard is more like a private club than a hotel on wheels. This is the most exclusive experience in our fleet.
June through August, the Hulunbuir Grasslands are at their peak: a continuous green carpet stretching to the horizon, dotted with wildflowers and grazing herds. Temperatures are comfortable (18-28 degree C daytime), humidity is low, and the long summer daylight hours give you extended time outdoors.
The Hulunbuir Express operates a separate winter itinerary (December to February) for the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival. That journey follows a different route and requires extreme-cold packing. Contact us for winter availability details.
Hailar has a domestic airport with direct flights from Beijing (2.5 hours), Shanghai (4 hours, via stopover) and Harbin (1 hour). Your journey designer will advise on the best routing from your departure city.

Your journey starts here. Our journey designers respond within 24 hours with a personalised proposal.

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