The scenic Hulunbuir grassland. [Photo/WeChat account: hlbrlyw]

Travelers from Hangzhou will soon be able to reach Manzhouli, a popular gateway to Inner Mongolia's grasslands, in just four hours, thanks to a new direct flight launching on June 25.

The announcement was made during a tourism promotion event held in Hangzhou on June 9, where officials and tourism businesses from Hulunbuir showcased the region's summer attractions to visitors from the Yangtze River Delta.

Known for its vast grasslands, forests, and wetlands, Hulunbuir is one of China's top summer destinations. Highlights include the renowned Hulunbuir Grassland, the winding Morigele River, and the Ergun Wetland, often called Asia's largest wetland. The border city of Manzhouli is also famous for its distinctive Russian-influenced architecture and cultural landmarks.

Currently, most flights from Hangzhou to Hulunbuir involve transfers or stopovers, with travel times ranging from six to more than 30 hours. The new direct route between Hangzhou and Manzhouli, operated by Hebei Airlines, will run daily from June 25 to Aug 31.

In addition, Air China will operate direct flights between Hangzhou and Hailar, Hulunbuir's main urban center, reducing travel time to about 3.5 hours.

The new routes are expected to boost summer travel demand and make Hulunbuir an even more appealing getaway for Hangzhou residents seeking cooler weather during the holiday season.

Riders perform while on horseback. [Photo/WeChat account: hlbrlyw]