Located in the northeast of the Inner Mongolian Autonomous Region, Hailar remains relatively unexplored compared with other popular Mongol destinations such as Hohhot and Baotou. The area is mostly visited by foreigners from Russia, here to buy and sell in the thriving Chinese markets (or behind closed doors). Travellers here are normally either after a deeply “wild China” experience, or are more specialist orientated (ornithologists, zoologists, train spotters, historians etc.). This area, due to its rugged remoteness, has some of Inner Mongolia’s most interesting and almost “authentic” scenery. The Hulunbuir Grasslands to the north are the best around. This is your chance to ride a horse on an almost infinitely wide expanse, eat traditional mutton banquets and stay overnight in a yurt (Mongolian tent). The grasslands also house the vast Hulun Lake, ideal for angling and camping, when the weather is good. Manzhouli, a border town between China and Russia, is also well worth visiting, thanks to its Sino-Russian trade market, where throngs of Russians flock to hunt for cheap products of semi-decent quality.