The 280-year-old Hailar is now a modern city in Inner Mongolia. [Photo by Wang Kaihao/China Daily]

An underground fortress built by Japanese army during World WarⅡ[Photo by Wang Kaihao/China Daily]

Yimin River quietly flows in the sparkling neon lights, which also outline the town's skyline filled with Russian-style constructions.

Mongolian elements can be found on every corner. The street lamps are decorated in the shape of morin khuur (Mongolian bowed stringed instrument). Totems of Ewenki, Oroqen and Daur, three other major ethnic groups in Hulunbuir, dot the facades of the buildings by the main thoroughfare.

Although physically tired from a day spent in the beauty of nature and the vicissitude of history, I'm happy.

Sitting by the river with a bottle of celebrated Hailar beer, I'm filled with a sense of peace as I enjoy the breezy night scene.