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Visit the Ulan Hada Volcanoes to explore the stunning volcanic craters, hike along the scenic trails around the volcanic landscape, and observe the natural beauty of the surrounding grasslands. The area is also ideal for photography, especially at sunrise and sunset. For those interested in geology, the volcanic features provide fascinating insights into the region’s natural history.
The Ulan Hada Volcanic Cluster is located in the Ulan Hada area of Chahar Right Rear Banner in central Inner Mongolia, on the southern edge of the Mongolian Plateau, approximately 300 km from Beijing. The cluster, situated on the Archean Wulashan Group and the Neogene Hannuoba Basalt, covers an area of approximately 280 square kilometers. It is the only volcanic area discovered on the southern edge of the Mongolian Plateau to have erupted during the Holocene, and the youngest volcanic cluster on the southern edge of the Inner Mongolian Plateau.
This volcanic group boasts a towering and beautiful form, having undergone relatively recent weathering and erosion, making it a rare continental fissure volcano both domestically and internationally. The lava flows, influenced by the terrain, flow through rivers, valleys, and swamps , creating new landforms. Colorful rock formations such as stone rivers, stone lakes, stone seas, stone waves, stone birds, and stone beasts dot the grasslands and mountains, creating a unique volcanic grassland spectacle.
Climate: Temperate continental monsoon climate
Best time to travel: All seasons, summer and winter are the most beautiful
Recommended places to visit:You can drive to the foot of the volcano except Volcano No. 3
Recommended play time: more than 3 hours
free
All day
The Ulan Hada Volcanoes are part of an ancient volcanic region in Inner Mongolia, known for its unique geological features and scenic landscapes. The volcanoes have not erupted in centuries but remain an important site for understanding the region’s volcanic activity and the formation of the surrounding terrain. The site is also significant for its biodiversity and cultural importance to the local Mongolian community.
The Ulan Hada Volcanoes are located in Fengzhen City, Inner Mongolia. The best way to get there is by driving from Hohhot, the capital city of Inner Mongolia, which takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. There are no direct metro or bus connections to the volcanoes, so it is advisable to take a taxi, rental car, or join a guided tour.
The Ulan Hada Volcanoes are open year-round. The best times to visit are during the spring and autumn months (April to October), when the weather is milder and the scenery is at its most vibrant. Winters can be harsh and cold, and the summer months may bring more tourists.
The entrance fee for the Ulan Hada Volcanoes is usually affordable, with ticket prices ranging from 20-50 CNY. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the entrance, and it is advisable to check for any seasonal discounts or group rates. Online ticketing may not be widely available for this remote location.
Booking tickets in advance is not necessary for general visits, but during peak tourist seasons (especially during summer), it might be a good idea to confirm availability. Group tours may require booking in advance, typically a few days before the visit.
Plan for at least 2-3 hours to explore the Ulan Hada Volcanoes, depending on your hiking pace and how much time you spend taking photographs or enjoying the scenery. If you want to hike through the entire volcanic landscape, you might want to allocate a half-day for your visit.
The must-see highlights include the craters, the surrounding volcanic hills, and the expansive grasslands. The highest peak of the volcanoes offers an amazing panoramic view of the region. Also, keep an eye out for unique geological formations and vibrant wildflowers during spring and summer.
Guided tours are available, typically in Chinese, and sometimes in English for international visitors. Audio guides are not common, but tour guides provide insightful information on the history, geology, and significance of the volcanoes.
The best photography spots are at the crater rims, where you can capture sweeping views of the surrounding grasslands and volcanic landscape. The top of the highest peak also provides an excellent vantage point for panoramic shots. Sunrise and sunset are the ideal times for photography due to the soft light.
The recommended route involves starting at the base and hiking upwards toward the craters. Make sure to visit the highest peak for the best views. If time permits, take a loop around the volcanoes to experience different aspects of the landscape.
There are no light shows or night visits available at Ulan Hada Volcanoes, as it is a natural and remote location. However, the area is peaceful and quiet at night, ideal for stargazing, as there is minimal light pollution.
The Ulan Hada Volcanoes are generally not very crowded, especially compared to other tourist spots in China. The least crowded times are during weekdays or in the off-peak season (fall and spring), avoiding the summer holidays and the National Day period in October.
Basic facilities like toilets are available at the entrance and near the main hiking paths. However, food and water may be limited, so it’s advisable to bring your own supplies. There are no major shops in the area, but you may find small vendors selling snacks.
The trails to the volcanoes can be challenging due to the uneven terrain. While elderly visitors and children can visit, the hike may be difficult for those with limited mobility. The site is not particularly accessible for disabled visitors due to the rugged landscape.
Cash is recommended for purchases in the area as mobile payments and cards are not widely accepted. Make sure to bring cash with you, especially if you plan to buy food or souvenirs on-site.
There are no large restaurants or cafes directly inside the Ulan Hada Volcanoes area. However, in Fengzhen City (about 40-60 minutes away by car), you can find local restaurants serving traditional Mongolian cuisine, including lamb dishes, and hotpot.
In the surrounding areas, vegetarian and vegan options may be limited, but some restaurants in Fengzhen City may offer vegetarian dishes. Halal food options are available in local Mongolian restaurants, especially those catering to Muslim visitors.
There are few accommodations close to the volcanoes. The nearest options are in Fengzhen City, where you can find budget hotels, guesthouses, and a few mid-range hotels. For a more immersive experience, you may also consider staying in a traditional Mongolian yurt nearby.
Other nearby attractions include the Daqing Mountain and the Yinshan Rock Carvings. These can be visited in combination with the Ulan Hada Volcanoes on a day trip. Fengzhen City itself is also known for its scenic countryside and traditional Mongolian culture.
There are no major souvenir shops at the Ulan Hada Volcanoes, but in Fengzhen City, you can find souvenirs such as Mongolian textiles, handicrafts, and local products like dairy items and dried meats.
After visiting the Ulan Hada Volcanoes, the best transportation options to continue your trip are by car or bus back to Fengzhen City. From there, you can take a bus or taxi to Hohhot or continue exploring other parts of Inner Mongolia by train or bus.
