Arxan Halaha River National Wetland Park

Arxan Halaha River National Wetland Park

Arxan Halaha River National Wetland Park is a national water conservancy scenic area and a national wetland park.

The Halaha River originates from Darbin Lake at the northern foot of Motian Ridge on the western side of the Greater Khingan Mountains. It is located over 60 kilometers north of Arxan City and meanders its way into Lake Buir. With a total length of 399.5 kilometers, 135 kilometers of which lie within China, the river is joined by 12 tributaries along its course. Its width gradually increases to as much as 80 meters, with an average depth of 2 meters and a flow rate of 1–2 cubic meters per second. The western bank is higher than the eastern bank, and in some areas, the eastern side cannot even see the western bank.

“Halaha” means “barrier” or “shield” in Mongolian. From the eastern bank, the western side appears like a long wall stretching before one’s eyes — hence the river’s name. Locals also refer to this river as the “River of Patriotism” or the “Mother River,” as the Halaha is an international river that originates in China, flows through Mongolia, and then returns to China, much like a daughter who marries far away, spends half her life abroad, and eventually returns to her homeland. The riverbanks are lined with pristine plant communities, and the winding waters disappear among towering mountains. People leisurely fish along the banks or take strolls across flower-covered meadows.

Halaha River Rafting

On the middle and lower reaches of the Halaha River, you can also go rafting or drift in an inflatable boat, fully immersing yourself in the beauty of nature. Just a ten-minute drive from Arxan City will bring you to the starting point of the rafting trip. Outdoor enthusiasts might want to try out this “First Rafting Trip on the China-Mongolia Border River” — it’s said that it’s quite easy to drift right into Mongolia.