Aershan

Aershan is not a mountain. Transliterated from Mongolian, its full name is Hara Aershan, which means "holy hot springs". Endowed with exceptional natural gifts, Aershan abounds in hot springs and forests. Every year, it hosts the Holy Water Festival themed around hot springs, as well as a vibrant Ice and Snow Festival in winter.

The Holy Water Festival serves as a grand gathering for friendly exchanges among ethnic groups. The springs of Aershan are hailed as springs of wisdom, wealth and happiness that fuel the political, economic and cultural integration of all northern ethnic minorities. Blended with modern cultural vibes, the holy spring culture radiates vigorous vitality. The holy spring culture of Aershan City is splendid and glorious, and the Holy Water Festival boasts a long history. Its exact origin remains untraceable, yet written records date the festival back to around the Dragon Boat Festival in the third year of the Xianfeng reign of the Qing Dynasty (1853 AD).

The holding date of the Holy Water Festival varies each year. Tourists planning to attend may dial 0482-7155555 for specific schedules.

The Inner Mongolia Aershan Ice and Snow Festival takes "Admire the wonders of a silver icy wonderland, experience winter customs of northern frontier lands, and embrace the blessings of sacred spring water" as its theme. Its signature highlight lies in the perfect combination of snow sports and hot spring bathing, drawing hordes of visitors annually. Held annually in mid-December.

The Aershan Azalea Festival doubles as an auto culture tourism festival, making this the ideal season for viewing azaleas, sipping azalea tea and touring Azalea Lake. Nestled on the northwest foothills of the middle Greater Khingan Range, Aershan’s unique geography and climate render its azaleas famous nationwide. Light snowfalls are common during this period; snow rests atop blooming azaleas, which stand gracefully against the frost, embodying unyielding fortitude — a key reason why Aershan’s azaleas enjoy widespread renown across China. Held annually from late May to early June. Call 0482-7155555 to confirm exact dates.

Aershan City is blanketed in snow for over six months each winter with premium snow quality, making it an ideal destination for ice and snow sports. Boasting top-tier domestic facilities, Aershan Ski Resort ranks among China’s finest ski resorts, second only to Yabuli and Erlongshan Ski Resorts in Heilongjiang Province. It is absolutely your perfect skiing getaway.

Loved by countless tourists for their remarkable therapeutic effects, Aershan is home to 48 hot springs of varying sizes divided into northern and southern spring clusters. Temperatures range from a low of 1°C to a maximum of 48°C. Known as "the most extraordinary grand springs under heaven", they deliver outstanding medical and health benefits. A soak in Aershan’s hot springs is truly a delightful experience.

The Halahai River Rafting route stretches 8 kilometers with stunning scenery all along the way. Visitors ride two-person wooden boats on this transboundary Halahai River. You can soak up sunshine, sing songs and feast your eyes on riverside landscapes for a thoroughly relaxing and carefree journey.