Plan at a glance
Ride to the birch-forest core
Ergun Birch Forest Scenic Area (额尔古纳白桦林景区) is northwest of Labudalin Subdistrict, about a 40-minute drive from Ergun. Search for “额尔古纳白桦林景区” (Ergun Birch Forest Scenic Area). The core forest is some distance from the entrance, so visitors usually take the sightseeing bus first, then walk on boardwalks and climb to viewpoints. The hike starts in the core area; walking from the entrance does not replace this transfer.
Admission, bundles, and opening hours
Reference prices are about CNY 65 for admission, CNY 15 for the sightseeing bus, and CNY 62–65 for online bundles. Bundles may include different activities, so check the ticket details. A separate reservation is usually not required. Typical hours are about 08:00–18:00; summer extension notices may be issued, so confirm the year’s hours and last-entry time before setting out.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
Choose your visit
Look over the birch forest from Linlu Zhiding
Linlu Zhiding (林鹿之巅, “Forest Deer Summit”) is the main high viewpoint. The climb up the steps takes about 20 minutes and gives you a view over a broad stretch of birch forest. Leaf color and fall depend on the weather; some leaves may already have fallen or darkened by late September.
Treetop boardwalk and reindeer enclosure
The elevated Canopy Treetop Boardwalk (空中树梢栈道) winds among birch trees and offers views of the canopy from different heights. The full route also passes the reindeer enclosure and Aiqing Shengdi (爱情圣地, “Love Sanctuary”). The reindeer enclosure, Ewenki (鄂温克族) clothing rental, reindeer-feeding experiences using moss supplied by the park, and other interactive experiences cost extra; check what is open and the operator’s terms before joining.
On the treetop boardwalk, you can look up through the trees and down over the forest. A brief stop on the main trail in the core area does not cover this boardwalk. The reindeer enclosure and Love Sanctuary are on the full route; follow the marked order and stay on open trails.
Green tower by the exit and afternoon light
The green tower near the exit is another viewpoint before leaving; check on site whether it is open for climbing. Light is usually softer around 16:00–18:00, making it suitable for backlit forest and portrait photos. Allow time to descend, take the bus, and exit before closing.
Choose a route by the time you have
Choose the Linlu Zhiding express route if you mainly want the forest panorama; stay longer for the treetop boardwalk and reindeer enclosure. Photography, climbing the tower, and interactive activities each take extra time; the 2–3 hour estimate does not include every add-on.
For a separate half-day wetland route with a sightseeing-bus transfer and boardwalks, see Ergun National Wetland Park.
For a separate hilltop wetland viewpoint near Ergun town, with its own entrance and ticket, see Ergun Wetland Scenic Area.
Build your day
Quick walk to Linlu Zhiding, about 1–1.5 hours
Take the sightseeing bus from the entrance to the core area, follow the main trail up to the Linlu Zhiding viewpoint, then return the same way to the bus stop and take the bus out. Allow about 1–1.5 hours. This route is for the forest panorama without the full treetop boardwalk.
Full boardwalk route, about 2–3 hours
Take the sightseeing bus to the terminus, then visit the treetop boardwalk, reindeer enclosure, and Love Sanctuary in order before returning to the bus stop to leave. The full route takes about 2–3 hours. Add time if you also climb Linlu Zhiding or join an activity, and plan your return around the last bus.
Get there
Drive and park
The drive takes about 40 minutes from Ergun and about 2 hours from Hailar. Search for “额尔古纳白桦林景区” (Ergun Birch Forest Scenic Area). There is a large free parking lot; park in the designated area and transfer to the sightseeing bus for the core forest.
Bus from the Genhe direction
There is no direct local bus to the scenic area. A through bus from Genhe may sometimes stop at the entrance, but this only covers the trip there. Confirm the drop-off point before boarding and arrange a reliable return trip separately.
Know before you go
Steps, insects, and autumn leaves
The climb to Linlu Zhiding takes about 20 minutes on steps; wear comfortable shoes with good grip. Mosquitoes are common in the forest, so bring repellent. By late September, leaf color may already have darkened or leaves may have fallen early; check the year’s foliage conditions if you are coming for the golden forest.
Check what the ticket includes
Check whether admission includes the sightseeing bus and treetop boardwalk; it is unclear whether the boardwalk is charged separately. Reindeer activities, clothing rental, and photography may cost extra; confirm at the ticket office. Do not bring animal feed. Hua Restaurant (桦餐厅) serves birch-sap drinks and ice cream, but hours and availability vary by season. After your visit, you can continue toward Enhe or Genhe; do not park in closed forest areas.
Ask about accessible routes in advance
Linlu Zhiding (林鹿之巅) has a continuous flight of steps. Ask the scenic area about accessibility on each boardwalk, restrooms, and alternative routes before setting out. If someone in your group cannot climb stairs, ask which areas and viewpoints the sightseeing bus can reach before buying tickets.