Ergun National Wetland Park (额尔古纳湿地公园), covering an area of 126,000 hectares, is the largest and most well-preserved wetland in China, often referred to as the “First Wetland of Asia.” It consists of floodplains formed by the Ergun River and its tributaries, including the Gen, Derbugan, and Hawuer Rivers. The park features iconic natural attractions such as Horseshoe Island, Heart Island, and the winding “S” Bend of the river. The Gen River flows like a silver ribbon across the vast grasslands, with its waters and surrounding vegetation changing colors with the seasons, making it a favorite spot for photographers.
The park is known for its expansive shrub meadows and diverse wildlife, including being one of the most important breeding grounds for the endangered red-crowned crane. Visitors can hike to the main peak, which rises about 720 meters, offering panoramic views of the wetland and the city of Ergun, with its colorful blue and pink rooftops. A notable landmark along the way is a heart-shaped island in the middle of the lake, while the sunset views from the top are breathtaking.
The Ergun Wetland Museum, located within the park, showcases the beauty of wetlands through multimedia exhibits, immersive displays, and interactive learning stations. With a 14,000-square-meter area and a 2,000-square-meter building, the museum integrates seamlessly into the wetland environment. It features four exhibit halls and a dome theater, highlighting the unique characteristics of the Ergun wetlands and raising awareness of wetland conservation through advanced visual and auditory technology.
Basic Information
Estimated Length of Tour | Over 3 hours |
Ticket Price | 65 RMB (16th May – 15th October) 20 RMB (16 October – 15th May) |
Opening Hours | 7.00 – 19.00 |
Telephone Number | 0086-0470-6998222 |
Location and Transportation
Ergun National Wetland Park is located on the western side of Labudalin in Ergun City, Inner Mongolia, just 3 kilometers from the city center. To travel from Hailar to Ergun, you can first take a bus from the Hailar Bus Station to the Labudalin Bus Station in Ergun. After arriving, cross the road outside the station and take Bus Route 2, which goes directly to the wetland park. However, since the bus service is infrequent, if you’re short on time, taking a taxi might be a better option.
The sightseeing vehicle travels along the narrow wooden walkway in the Eerguna Wetland (额尔古纳湿地). The narrow path is surrounded by trees of various heights. Snow has recently fallen, and there are piles of un-melted ice shards on the walkway. At the end of the long boardwalk, there is a dazzling river that sparkles in the light. We hike up past the river, and on the hillside, the birch forest has shed its leaves, leaving behind beautiful white trunks. The grassy… Read more »
During the off-peak season, there aren’t many people around. We basically have the place to ourselves. During the peak season, you need to take a shuttle bus to get in. Now, we can drive all the way to the top of the mountain. We continue to enjoy the vast expanse of white powdery snow. I really love the sound of crunching snow under my feet.
The Eerguna Wetland Park in winter is cold and desolate… I visited last time during the transition from summer to autumn, and it was beautiful.