Inner Mongolia: The Experience (3): The Picturesque Mongolia

During my one week trip in Inner Mongolia, we have definitely see a lot of beautiful places.  Basically, you pull out your camera, take a shot, and it will be postcard ready.

One of the most beautiful sunset I have ever seen in my life

It is hard to pick favorites but after a long debate, I think I will settle for 黑山頭.  Why?  The sunset there was just magical.

Eagle nest and baby eagles

*** We DID NOT touch the birds.  The picture was taken with a zoom lens ***

Watching sunset here almost feels surreal
We just sat there, did nothing, and watch the sun to set
Just beautiful and magical

Doesn't the cloud look like a dragon?

like really?

The surprise was actually the national forest park (where 白鹿島 is located) that all the mainland travel guides and tourists seemed to detest.  Honestly, what is wrong with these people?

I don't think we were supposed to climb this...

...but we did

How else can you capture this?

Do they have to turn everywhere they go to a tourist trap?  (i.e. 金帳汗, 貝爾湖)  I personally loved it.  If these nature destroyers stay away from these places for the rest of eternity, I can't be more pleased.

Altin Urda (?)
金帳汗

Baer Lake

貝爾湖

The lake was so commercialized it was really sad.
It smells worse than a landfill and the natural beauty of this place COMPLETELY destroyed.

The wheat field leading towards 老鷹嘴 is also very memorable.  I think it's partly because of the weather and the fact that a city girl like me don't come to see an endless field of wheat often.  Same thing with the herds of cattle, donkeys, sheep, etc. walking casually just off the side of the highway.

Then there is the random place we stopped to watch the herd on our way to Manzhouli.....

...... and also Genhe Wetlands (根河濕地), the Birch Forest (白樺林), Erguna River (額爾古納河), etc......

Genhe Wetland
根河濕地

Birch Forest
白樺林

Erguna River
額爾古納河

...... and all the random places we saw on the way...  My point is, slow down and enjoy the moments.  The prettiest places often comes when you least expects it.

The hostel we spent a night at
across is the shop that sells the BEST blueberry softserve 

The China-Russia Friendship Bridge

enjoying a boat ride in the Erguna river

local man going home

waiting for our breakfast