[1][2] The Nenjiang River plain is surrounded by low mountains - the Lesser Khingan to the west, the Greater Khingan to the north, and the Changbai Mountains along the Korean border to the south.

Because the surrounding plain is relatively poorly drained, the grasslands are periodically flooded.

[3][4] Mean annual precipitation is 400 to 450 mm/year, concentrated in the spring and summer rainy season.

[1] The ecoregion's habitats are characterized by patches of swampy coniferous forests (Larch (Larix gmelini) with an under-story of birch (Betula)) surrounded by meadows of grasses and sedges.

[1] Also among the meadows are freshwater or brackish lakes edged with reed beds.