Aershan Nature Forest Park, Inner Mongolia

From Zhalantun, our journey continued southwest to the Aershan Nature Forest Reserve, an expansive protected area spanning over 100,000 hectares. Also known as Aershan National Geopark, this remarkable region is famed for its dramatic volcanic landscapes, dense forests, mountaintop crater lakes, winding rivers, and sweeping grasslands.

The park is well-developed for tourism, with thoughtfully constructed timber-decked boardwalks and walking paths that make exploring the natural surroundings both easy and enjoyable.

Our first stop within the park was Dujuan Lake, a serene volcanic crater lake. The name Dujuan translates to azalea - a flower beloved in China for its vibrant spring blossoms. The lake is said to be ringed with blooming azaleas during the spring season, creating a breathtaking sight. Sadly, during our visit, there was no sign of the famed flowers - perhaps we had arrived just a little too late in the season.

Solidified volcanic lava are aplenty in Dujuan Lake.

The park is home to more than 90 species of wildlife, offering a rich and diverse ecosystem. As we strolled along the boardwalk, we were delighted to spot a few playful squirrels darting among the trees - surprisingly friendly and seemingly unbothered by our presence. Their curious antics added a touch of charm to our walk through the forest.

The walk around Dujuan Lake became somewhat monotonous after a while, with the scenery offering little variation. However, our spirits were lifted - and our pace quickened - by the unintentionally comical translations on many of the signboards along the trail. The awkward phrasing and humorous mistranslations provided unexpected entertainment, adding a lighthearted twist to an otherwise uneventful stroll.

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After our visit to Dujuan Lake, we were taken to another part of the park for a forest trek. The trail, which ran alongside the gently meandering Halaha River, was especially scenic. Surrounded by lush greenery and the soothing sound of flowing water, the walk offered a refreshing change of pace and a deeper immersion into the park’s natural beauty.

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Our visit to the park concluded at Tianchi, also known as the Heavenly Lake - a breathtaking mountaintop crater lake. Reaching it, however, was no easy feat. This final leg of the journey proved to be the most physically demanding, requiring us to climb 998 steps up and then descend another 768 steps on the way down.

During our visit, the entire landscape was awash in shades of green, creating a tranquil and refreshing atmosphere. However, we were told that the scenery transforms dramatically with the seasons. In autumn, the foliage of the surrounding trees and shrubs bursts into brilliant hues of gold and red, casting a warm glow over the lake’s surface. By winter, the lake freezes into a natural skating rink, while the surrounding area becomes a snowy wonderland blanketed in pristine white.

Part of Tianchi.

Spectacular view of the Tianchizhen or Tianchi City as 

we descended the hill.