Upon touchdown in Manchuria at 1 pm today, I opted for a self-drive rental car, deviating from the standard itinerary of landing in Hailar. The afternoon was spent exploring the vast Hulun Lake and the Mammoth Park, with a brief detour past the Wedding Palace. Dinner was at Lubuli, a customary way to end a day in Manchuria.
Reflecting on the experience, the drive to Hulun Lake was a scenic journey, affording breathtaking views as we traversed the open road for approximately 40 minutes. Approaching the entrance to the scenic area, a gentle incline revealed glimpses of the vast lake. However, upon arrival, the single-lane entry and exit, flanked by barriers, coupled with the steep ticket price of 40 yuan per person, left a sour impression. Consequently, we opted to turn back and stumbled upon a dirt road leading to a power transmission station. Serendipitously, we discovered a local fishing spot where we parked our car by the shores of the lake, embracing the gusty wind while catching up on some afternoon naps.
Our return journey included a visit to the Mammoth Park, which, contrary to its name, resembled more of an amusement park, featuring a solitary Ferris wheel and a science museum resembling Russian architecture. Nearby, a fledgling art gallery offered little to behold, serving primarily as a backdrop for quick photo ops. We spent a fleeting five minutes there before heading to Lubuli Western Restaurant.
Our navigation led us past the Wedding Palace, a Gothic structure intended for locals’ wedding photoshoots. It was already closed by the time we passed, but the exterior was accessible, albeit without the temptation to snap a picture. Dinner at Lubuli was a delightful surprise, offering a superior culinary experience and a more extensive menu compared to what I had encountered in Harbin. Despite the hour-long wait, the meal was well worth it. The humorous irony of rounding up my bill to an auspicious yet amusing sum of 250 yuan added to the evening’s amusement.
As for accommodation, it was a stark reminder of the peak travel season. Rooms at hotels, which would normally cost 138 yuan, were priced at a whopping 408 yuan. The amenities were sparse, lacking even basic comforts like toothbrushes and tissues, and the facilities were far from commensurate with the inflated prices. The absence of designated parking spaces added to the inconvenience. Nevertheless, such are the challenges of traveling during high season.
Looking ahead to the remainder of our trip, I hold high hopes for the Morigle River. Rumor has it that much of the promotional footage is filmed there, and I eagerly anticipate experiencing its charm firsthand.
#ManchuriaTravel #HulunbeirAdventure #HulunLake
