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Visit the vast grasslands, especially in places like Hohhot, Baotou, and Ordos, to experience traditional Mongolian culture. Activities include horseback riding, camping under the stars, and attending traditional festivals. The Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region also boasts sites like the Genghis Khan Mausoleum and the Kubuqi Desert for sand dunes adventures.
In the north of the motherland, beautiful Inner Mongolia
The Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region accounts for 12.3% of China's total land area, spanning the Northeast, North China, and Northwest regions. Home to vast expanses of virgin forest, it is one of the nation's important forest bases and is known as the "Green Treasure House of the Motherland." Inner Mongolia boasts numerous scenic spots, including Hulunbuir, Ordos, the Oroqen Mountains, the Tengger Desert, and the Greater Khingan Range. With grasslands, lakes, deserts, and forests, along with the distinctive Mongolian yurts and roaming herds of cattle and sheep, every step offers a unique spectacle.
The climate is temperate continental, suitable for all seasons, with summer being the best.
Hulunbuir Grassland
The Hulunbuir Grassland is my country's most abundant remaining grassland pasture, boasting the purest blue skies, white clouds, and the finest grass, making it a prime destination for grassland photography. Besides its breathtaking scenery, visitors can also enjoy horse and camel riding, watch wrestling and horse racing, and enjoy a grassland-style "whole lamb banquet," fully experiencing the unique customs of this nomadic people.
The best time to visit the Hulunbuir Grasslands is from June to September. July and August are particularly lush, and the grand Nadam Festival is held there. The grasslands are vast and sparsely populated, so chartering a car or driving yourself is recommended. In the summer, be mindful of mosquito repellent and stay warm at night.
Populus euphratica Forest Nature Reserve
This is the home of the Populus euphratica and the home of the desert. Known as a "hero tree," it's said to "live for a thousand years, stand for a thousand years after death, and remain undying for a thousand years after falling." From Yidao Bridge to Badao Bridge within the reserve, diverse Populus euphratica landscapes abound, creating a paradise for photography enthusiasts. The desert scenic area at Badao Bridge is breathtakingly beautiful.
There are also various camping sites, restaurants, sand sliding, desert surfing off-road vehicles and other catering and entertainment facilities in the reserve. It is a comprehensive scenic spot that integrates beautiful scenery and entertainment and leisure.
Manzhouli Matryoshka Scenic Area
The Matryoshka Doll Scenic Area, a key component of the Sino-Russian border tourism zone, is a large-scale Russian-style park. It features six functional areas: Matryoshka World, Fun Zone, Matryoshka Theater, Russian Folk Customs Experience Hall, Russian-Mongolian Performing Arts Theater, and Extreme Park.
Recommended 5-6 days of play
Inner Mongolia, known for its vast steppes and nomadic heritage, has a rich history as the home of the Mongol Empire. The region became an autonomous area in 1947 and holds cultural significance as a symbol of China's ethnic diversity. It is historically important for its role in the rise of Genghis Khan and the Mongol conquests.
Inner Mongolia is located in the northern part of China, bordering Mongolia. The capital, Hohhot, is easily accessible by train or flight from major cities like Beijing. Once in Hohhot, taxis, buses, and private tours are available to visit various attractions in the region.
There are no specific opening hours for the region as a whole, but attractions like the Genghis Khan Mausoleum and the grasslands have general visiting hours from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best time to visit is during the summer (June to August) when the grasslands are lush, and the weather is mild.
The entrance fees for attractions like the Genghis Khan Mausoleum range from ¥30 to ¥100. Tickets can be bought on-site or through online platforms that provide tours or transport services.
Booking tickets in advance is recommended during peak tourist seasons, such as summer and holidays. Booking at least 1-2 days ahead is usually sufficient.
To explore Inner Mongolia’s highlights, 3-4 days is recommended. A trip can include a visit to the grasslands, desert, and historical sites like the Genghis Khan Mausoleum. Longer stays allow more time for exploring remote areas.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin and some English-speaking tours can be arranged in Hohhot. Audio guides are also available for some attractions like the Genghis Khan Mausoleum.
The vast, rolling grasslands provide stunning views and are perfect for photography. The Kubuqi Desert's sand dunes and the Genghis Khan Mausoleum offer dramatic photo opportunities. Sunset over the grasslands is particularly beautiful.
A recommended itinerary includes a day exploring the grasslands (Xilin Gol), a visit to the Genghis Khan Mausoleum, a desert adventure in the Kubuqi Desert, and a day in Hohhot to explore its temples and cultural sites.
There are no specific night tours in the region. However, some resorts and camps in the grasslands may offer evening activities such as bonfires and stargazing.
The region can be crowded during the summer, especially around major holidays and during the Naadam Festival. For fewer crowds, visit during the spring or autumn months (April-May or September-October).
There are basic facilities available at most tourist sites, including toilets, food stalls, and souvenir shops. Larger cities like Hohhot have more comprehensive amenities, including restaurants and rest areas.
Some areas, especially the grasslands and desert, may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors due to rough terrain. However, many tourist sites offer accessible routes and services, especially in cities like Hohhot.
In major cities like Hohhot, mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) and cards are widely accepted. However, it’s a good idea to carry cash, especially when visiting remote areas or smaller shops.
In Hohhot, you can find a variety of restaurants offering Mongolian specialties such as lamb dishes and milk tea. There are also cafes and local eateries near tourist sites like the Genghis Khan Mausoleum.
Halal food options are widely available, especially in Hohhot, due to the large Muslim population. Vegetarian and vegan options can be found in many restaurants catering to diverse tastes.
There are many hotels in Hohhot ranging from budget to luxury. Hotels near tourist sites like the Genghis Khan Mausoleum offer convenient access for travelers.
Souvenir shops in Inner Mongolia sell items such as woolen carpets, cashmere scarves, Mongolian tea sets, and local handicrafts like wood carvings and leather goods.
From Hohhot, you can take a flight or train to major cities like Beijing, Xi'an, or Ulaanbaatar. There are also buses and taxis available for traveling within the region.
