The Irguna River wetlands, in the far north of Hulunbuir Prefecture, form one of China's largest wetland ecosystems — a vast complex of slow rivers, birch forests, and reed-edged channels near the Russian border. The landscape here is completely different from the open steppe around Hailar: instead of wide horizons, you get intimate birch groves, mirror-still channels, and the constant sound of water. The Ergun Wetland National Nature Reserve protects the core of the system.
The wetlands are best visited from Ergun town (also called Erguna), about three hours north of Hailar by road. Birdwatching is the main activity: the area is an important breeding and staging ground for cranes (white-naped and demoiselle), spoonbills, several duck species, and various waders. In late September, the birch trees turn gold and the combination of autumn colour and wetland scenery is striking. The Evenki communities in this area maintain a reindeer herding culture that is unique in China; Aoluguya township is the base for one of the few remaining Evenki reindeer-herding families still operating.