Arxan: The Tiny City Making a Big Splash as a Cross-Cultural Bridge
Tucked away in the northwestern corner of Xing’an league in north China’s Inner Mongolia autonomous region, Arxan is recognized as one of China’s “tiniest cities” by population, with only 28,600 residents. However, it boasts a significant impact on tourism and cultural exchanges, drawing visitors from neighboring regions. This small city has transformed from a remote border town to a popular destination, renowned for its pristine natural beauty and commitment to sustainable development.
Arxan’s unique blend of volcanoes, crater lakes, vast forests, and thermal springs has established it as a prominent “healing destination,” particularly attractive to travelers from Mongolia. O Adiya, a Mongolian businessman and president of the chamber of commerce in Dornod, Mongolia, emphasizes the city’s allure. “The natural scenery is absolutely breathtaking. For many Mongolians, Arxan is an ideal travel destination,” he said.
Located on the southwestern slopes of the Greater Khingan Mountains, Arxan is a rare convergence of forest and grassland civilizations. The city offers a variety of outdoor experiences:
- Hiking through dense woods
- Strolling across expansive grasslands
- Marveling at dramatic rock formations and snow-covered peaks
During winter, naturally heated mineral springs with diverse temperatures and therapeutic properties become especially appealing. Tang Xin, deputy head of a border inspection team at the city’s immigration inspection station, notes, “Every year, many Mongolian tourists enter through the Arxan border port.” Most visitors, he explains, come for the stunning natural landscapes and the therapeutic springs. “September offers peak scenery – when the forests are ablaze with color, like nature’s very own palette,” he added.
Local businesses have adeptly responded to the influx of cross-border visitors. Fu Lihong, a local tourism service provider, has created customized wellness packages that incorporate hot springs and traditional therapies. “Mongolians value traditional Mongolian medicine, which recognizes the health benefits of thermal springs and medicinal baths,” Fu explains. “This drives Arxan’s geothermal resorts’ popularity.”
In response to the increasing number of visitors, the Arxan border port, which was previously open only seasonally for eight months a year, now operates year-round, enhancing accessibility for tourists.
Arxan’s development is part of a larger, transformative narrative. Once a hub for the timber industry, the city shifted its focus to ecological protection following the implementation of China’s nationwide natural forest conservation program. Today, Arxan boasts over 80 percent forest coverage and more than 95 percent vegetation, establishing itself as both a biodiversity haven and a model for ecotourism.
The city’s rich green industries are fostering an outward-facing ecological culture. The lush forests of Arxan also provide a sanctuary for a variety of local wildlife. Winter visitors may be fortunate enough to spot:
- Mongolian gazelles
- Red deer
- Roe deer
These animals thrive within the protected habitat, making Arxan an attractive destination for nature enthusiasts.
Environmental cooperation has become a key component of foreign exchanges between Xing’an league and neighboring Dornod. As Mongolia advances its campaign to plant 1 billion trees, the cold-resistant, high-survival-rate tree species native to the Greater Khingan Mountains—such as spruce and larch—have emerged as ideal choices for reforestation efforts.
“Building a greener homeland is a shared aspiration for China and Mongolia,” said Xiao Cuiyan, head of the foreign affairs office of Xing’an league. “The resilient trees of the Greater Khingan Mountains have become ‘envoys of friendship,’ representing both ecological hope and cultural bonds.”
According to Xiao, the league actively collaborates with Mongolian partners to provide saplings and expertise for planting initiatives across the Mongolian steppe.
Positioned at the intersection of China, Mongolia, and Russia, Arxan has long functioned as a gateway for cultural exchanges. The Xing’an league, with its rich history of cross-border interaction, continues to foster people-to-people ties. In recent years, it has hosted numerous significant events and cultural exchanges, including:
- The China-Mongolia-Russia cultural and arts week
- Subregional basketball tournaments
- Performances of traditional Mongolian long songs
“China, Russia, and Mongolia are close neighbors connected by mountains and rivers. We share a common future and long-standing friendships,” Xiao said. “Here in Xing’an, the most beautiful scenery lies not just in nature, but in the spirit of openness, inclusiveness, and harmony of the people.”
Arxan, with its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural exchanges, stands as a testament to the harmonious relationship between nature and community, making it a compelling destination for tourists and an important hub for ecological and cultural cooperation in the region.
