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Hohhot, the capital and political, economic, and cultural center of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, is a nationally recognized historical and cultural city and a key central city in my country's northern border region. With a long history and splendid culture, it is one of the birthplaces of Chinese civilization.
There are more than 50 temples of various kinds here, and there are many beautiful grassland tourist spots on the outskirts of the city, with cattle and sheep everywhere, birds singing and flowers blooming. On the south bank of the Dahai River, there is an ancient tomb of the Western Han Dynasty - the Tomb of Concubine Zhaojun, which is famous throughout the ages. The green tomb stands tall and majestic; Hasuhai, known as the "West Lake outside the Great Wall", is a natural lake with clear sky and blue water; the Islamic Style Street connected to the Mongolian Style Street is mainly desert yellow with green and white as the secondary colors. The round temple roofs and towering columnar towers make people appreciate the rich Islamic style.
Climate : Temperate continental monsoon climate
Recommended time: All seasons, but best in summer and autumn.
Inner Mongolia Museum
Located in the heart of Hohhot, the capital of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, the Inner Mongolia Museum is the only comprehensive museum at the autonomous region level and the earliest museum established in a minority region nationwide. The museum's unique exhibition hall building exudes ethnic charm. A galloping horse on the roof symbolizes the prosperity and prosperity of Inner Mongolia and is a landmark of the autonomous region.
Opening hours : 09:00-17:00 Last admission: 16:00
Tickets : Free; guided tours are 20 yuan per exhibition hall.
Islamic Style Street
Located in the Hui District of Hohhot, the streets are lined with imposing high-rise buildings adorned with stacked arches, domes, and colored glazed bricks. Rows of pointed arched doors and windows, spherical roofs in rich green or yellow, and towering columnar towers, all in a palette of desert yellow interspersed with green and white, offer a rich Islamic atmosphere. This area boasts a strong Hui population, a concentration of Islamic-style architecture, and a thriving Muslim business. This rich Islamic atmosphere, particularly due to its centuries-old heritage, has been cultivated.
All day, free
Five Pagoda Temple
Located in the southeastern part of Hohhot's old city, the temple, originally named the Vajra Seat Relic Pagoda, is now known as the Five Pagodas Temple because of the five square relic pagodas atop its pedestal. Built during the Yongzheng reign of the Qing Dynasty, the pagoda stands approximately 16 meters tall and is constructed entirely of glazed bricks. The lower level features inscribed text from the Diamond Sutra in three languages, while the upper levels are covered in thousands of exquisitely carved, delicately gilded Buddha statues.
Opening hours : 8:00-18:00 Closed on Mondays
Tickets: 35/person Free on Wednesdays
Hohhot, the capital of Inner Mongolia, has a rich history as a cultural and political center. It has been a crossroads for various ethnic groups, including Mongols and Hui Muslims, influencing its diverse cultural heritage. The city's name, Hohhot, means "Blue City" in Mongolian, reflecting its deep-rooted connection to Mongolian traditions and history.
Hohhot is located in central Inner Mongolia, China. It is accessible by plane, train, or bus. The city has a well-developed public transportation system, including buses and taxis. Many attractions are within walking distance in the city center, while tours can be arranged to visit outlying areas like the grasslands and desert.
Most attractions in Hohhot are open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best time to visit is during the late spring to early autumn months (May to September) when the weather is mild, and outdoor activities like grassland tours are most enjoyable.
For popular attractions like the Inner Mongolia Museum, it's advisable to book tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. For grassland and desert tours, booking at least a week in advance is recommended to secure availability and preferred accommodations.
To fully explore Hohhot and its main attractions, allocate at least 3 to 4 days. This allows time to visit museums, temples, parks, and experience cultural activities like grassland tours and local markets.
Guided tours are available for most major attractions, often in Mandarin. Some operators may offer tours in English. It's advisable to inquire in advance and book through reputable tour agencies to ensure availability and language preferences.
Start your visit in the city center with the Inner Mongolia Museum, followed by Dazhao Temple and the Five Pagoda Temple. In the afternoon, explore Saishang Old Street for shopping and dining. Dedicate a day to a grassland or desert tour, and another day for natural attractions like Laoniuwan Yellow River Grand Canyon and Qingcheng Park.
While most attractions close by evening, Saishang Old Street offers a lively atmosphere at night with street performances, local food stalls, and cultural displays. Some tour operators may offer evening cultural performances or bonfire gatherings in the grasslands.
Hohhot can be crowded during Chinese public holidays and the summer tourist season (July and August). To avoid crowds, plan your visit during the spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October) months, preferably on weekdays.
Most major attractions are equipped with basic facilities, including restrooms, food stalls or restaurants, water fountains, and souvenir shops. It's advisable to carry bottled water and snacks, especially when visiting remote areas like the grasslands or desert.
Many attractions in Hohhot are accessible to elderly and disabled visitors, with paved paths and ramps. However, some natural sites like the grasslands and desert may require walking on uneven terrain, which could be challenging for those with mobility issues. It's recommended to consult with tour operators about accessibility options.
Cash is widely accepted in Hohhot, but mobile payments (e.g., Alipay, WeChat Pay) are increasingly popular. Credit cards may be accepted at major hotels and larger establishments, but it's advisable to carry cash for smaller shops and rural areas.
Yes, Hohhot offers a range of vegetarian, vegan, and halal food options, especially in areas with significant Hui Muslim populations like the Great Mosque vicinity and Saishang Old Street.
