Plan at a glance
Sights are spread across the park
Arxan National Forest Park (阿尔山国家森林公园) spreads across different areas, with volcanic lakes, lava formations, rivers, and gorges. Main sights include Arxan Tianchi (阿尔山天池), Tuofengling Tianchi (驼峰岭天池), the Unfrozen River (不冻河), Santan Gorge (三潭峡), Dichi Lake (地池), Shitanglin (石塘林), and Dujuan Lake (Rhododendron Lake, 杜鹃湖). With one day, choose between park shuttle routes, walking trails, and the road loop.
Spend one day on core sights; add the driving loop on a second day
If you have one day, prioritize sights along the same route. For volcanic lakes and lava scenery, choose Tuofengling Tianchi, Dujuan Lake, and Shitanglin. For a climb and gorge scenery, consider Arxan Tianchi, Santan Gorge, and Dichi Lake. Follow the park shuttle route and avoid crossing between route areas just to add more stops. If you also want to see the Unfrozen River viewpoint, Blue House (蓝房子), or Wusulangzi Lake (乌苏浪子湖), allow another half day. If your route includes the Blue House–Wusulangzi Lake driving loop, check its separate vehicle reservation and one-way traffic rules before setting out.
Use Tianchi Service Area as a hub
Tianchi Service Area (天池服务区) is the park's main hub for shuttle transfers, dining, and accommodation. It is also the designated entry point for vehicles entering the Blue House–Wusulangzi Lake road loop. Enter through the gate specified for your ticket type, then choose one shuttle direction. If you are driving the loop, arrive at the service area within your reservation slot.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
Choose your visit
Arxan Tianchi and Tuofengling Tianchi are different crater lakes
Arxan Tianchi and Tuofengling Tianchi are two separate volcanic crater lakes. Check the full names on the park shuttle route board so you board in the right direction. Both involve stairs, so choose according to your time and comfort with climbing; both are sights within the forest park, so purchase the applicable forest-park admission ticket for your visit.
Find the Unfrozen River viewpoint and rafting separately
The Unfrozen River viewpoint and rafting entrance are in different locations. If you only want to see the river, navigate to the viewpoint. For rafting, search for “不冻河漂流” (“Unfrozen River Rafting”) separately and allow time for ticketing, equipment, and the return trip. Check the ticket page for availability and the price on your travel date.
Check road access separately from attraction admission
The Unfrozen River viewpoint and the Blue House–Wusulangzi Lake driving loop have different access arrangements. Even if a viewpoint has no admission fee, the road you take may have separate vehicle restrictions or charges. Check the rules for your planned driving route, not just the attraction itself.
For a separate summit outing with views over the Greater Khingan Range forest, see Bailang Peak Scenic Area.
For a separate forest, wetland and volcanic-landform visit, see Aolunbukan Scenic Area.
Build your day
One day: choose one group of sights
For a one-day volcanic-lake route, choose Tuofengling Tianchi, Dujuan Lake, and Shitanglin. If you prefer a climb and gorge scenery, take the Arxan Tianchi, Santan Gorge, and Dichi Lake route instead. Follow the day's shuttle direction and allow time for walks, waiting for buses, and lunch.
Two days: visit ticketed sights and the road loop on separate days
On a two-day visit, spend one day on the park's ticketed sights and another on the Unfrozen River viewpoint and the Blue House–Wusulangzi Lake loop. Before an early start, check the reservation's permitted entry time. With one-way traffic, also plan how the designated exit at Jinjiangou RV Campground (金江沟房车营地) fits into your next leg.
Leave time for the return trip
Sights are far apart. Before setting out, check which stops are open and when the last shuttle runs. If you need to transfer back at Tianchi Service Area, allow enough time for the return journey. Treat the posted last-entry time as a firm cutoff for the day.
Get there
Check city bus schedules first
The Arxan municipal government's 2026 work report says bus service has been extended to the national forest park, but it does not list stops, frequency, or fares. If you are not driving, ask the city tourism service center or your accommodation about transfers, a private car with a driver, or a shared ride. Leave a buffer for the return trip.
Price admission, shuttles, and self-drive access separately
For the 2026 peak season, the adult reference bundle was CNY 285 per person: CNY 180 for park admission plus CNY 105 for the shuttle bus, with a stated validity of 48 hours. Park admission, shuttle buses, self-drive access options, and road-loop charges are separate. Check the options available for your travel date for self-drive access, vehicle charges, and passenger tickets; do not combine these items into one fixed total.
Road-loop rules are date-specific
Under the rules announced in July 2026, vehicles entered the Blue House–Wusulangzi Lake loop from Tianchi Service Area and followed a one-way route out toward Jinjiangou RV Campground. Reservations were limited to 70 vehicles per hour, and the controlled section had a maximum capacity of 400 vehicles. The first hour of daytime access was free, followed by a charge of CNY 10 per hour; passage was free from 19:30 to 07:30 the next day. These were the July 2026 operating rules. Check the rules for your travel date for reservations, access, and charges.
Know before you go
Check reservations and prices for your travel date
For the Blue House or Wusulangzi Lake road loop, register your vehicle for an available reservation slot and save the designated entry and exit details. If you are visiting only the Unfrozen River viewpoint, navigate directly to the viewpoint and avoid entering the vehicle-controlled loop by mistake.
Booking and payment options for international visitors
International visitors should check whether the reservation channel accepts passport details for visitor registration and what vehicle license-plate details are needed for booking. Ask whether a ticket window, accommodation provider, or tour operator can help with tickets and reservations, and confirm which payment methods are accepted. WeChat mini-programs and Chinese national ID cards may not be the only options. Discounted tickets require the relevant qualifying documents.
Prepare for stairs and forest weather
Both Tianchi lakes involve stairs; wear shoes with good grip and choose according to your fitness. Mornings and evenings in the forest can be cool, so bring layers and windproof clothing. Save the park map and your return plan in advance. Keep your distance from wildlife and do not feed animals. Fly a drone only in areas where the park permits it.