Introducing Inner Mongolia Museum
The Inner Mongolia Museum is located in the center of Hohhot, the capital of the autonomous region. It is the only comprehensive museum at the autonomous region level in the region and also the earliest museum established in the country's ethnic minority areas.
The Inner Mongolia Museum is vast and rich in exhibits, a feast for nomadic history and culture enthusiasts. Especially for those from the Central Plains, the museum can even overturn any notion of "barbaric, uncultured" nomads: The museum features exquisite Warring States-era golden crowns of Xiongnu kings, gilded silver vessels from the Liao Dynasty with a Tang Dynasty-inspired style, exquisite gold-plated wooden saddles, and a uniquely shaped Inner Mongolian chess set, perhaps borrowed from the West, as well as ancient rock paintings.
Tickets
free
Tips: Explanation project: 20 yuan/exhibition hall.
Attraction opening hours
09:00-17:00;
Last admission time: 16:00
Most Popular FAQs for Inner Mongolia Museum
What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?
Inner Mongolia Museum in Hohhot is a key cultural and historical museum showcasing the rich heritage of Inner Mongolia. It highlights Mongolian nomadic culture, regional history, and the area’s paleontological significance through fossils and ancient artifacts.
Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?
- Located in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, near the city center.
- Accessible by local bus routes that stop close to the museum.
- Taxis and ride-hailing services provide direct access from the city.
- Walking or cycling from nearby neighborhoods is possible.
What are the opening hours and best times to visit?
- Typically open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily, closed on certain holidays.
- Best visited in spring or autumn for comfortable weather.
- Weekdays and mornings are ideal to avoid crowds.
What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?
Entrance is usually free for general admission. Tickets for special exhibitions may require a small fee. Tickets can be obtained at the museum or through official online booking platforms.
Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?
For general admission, advance booking is typically unnecessary. For special exhibitions or busy periods, online booking a few days ahead is recommended.
How much time is needed to fully explore it?
- 2–3 hours to cover the main exhibits and fossil halls.
- 4 hours if including all special exhibitions and interactive areas.
What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?
- Mongolian history and ethnography halls.
- Dinosaur and fossil exhibitions.
- Ancient cultural relics and archaeological artifacts.
- Special temporary exhibitions when available.
Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and some English tours may be arranged on request. Audio guides are limited and mostly in Chinese.
What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?
- The museum’s main hall and large fossil displays.
- Architectural exterior, including the entrance and gardens.
- Exhibition rooms with large dioramas or interactive displays.
What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?
- Start with the Mongolian culture and ethnography halls.
- Proceed to paleontology and fossil exhibitions.
- Explore the historical relics and temporary exhibition halls.
- End with museum gardens or photography of the architecture.
Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?
Night visits are generally not available. Special events or exhibitions may be organized seasonally; check the museum’s official announcements.
Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?
- Weekends and public holidays can be crowded.
- Weekdays, especially mornings, are the least crowded times.
What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?
- Public restrooms and drinking water stations are available.
- Seating areas and benches throughout the museum.
- Small cafes and souvenir shops inside the museum.
Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?
- Wheelchair access is available throughout most areas.
- Suitable for children and elderly visitors.
- Elevators connect multiple floors and exhibition halls.
Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?
- Cards and mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) are widely accepted for special exhibitions, cafes, and shops.
- Cash may still be used for small purchases.
What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?
- Museum cafes offering light snacks and beverages.
- Local restaurants in Hohhot city center nearby serving Mongolian and Chinese cuisine.
Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?
- Vegetarian options are available at local restaurants near the museum.
- Halal food is available at some nearby eateries serving Mongolian or Hui cuisine.
What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?
- Mid-range and business hotels within a few kilometers of the museum.
- Luxury hotels in Hohhot city center reachable by taxi or public transport.
What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?
- Dazhao Temple, a famous Lamaist temple.
- Hohhot Inner City landmarks such as Zhaojun Tomb.
- Local parks and shopping districts for a combined cultural day trip.
Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?
- Museum gift shop selling books, postcards, and cultural crafts.
- Items often include replicas of Mongolian artifacts and themed souvenirs.
What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?
- Taxi or ride-hailing services to other Hohhot attractions.
- Local buses connecting to city center or nearby tourist areas.
- Walking or cycling to adjacent city attractions if nearby.
