Urad Middle Banner

Introducing Urad Middle Banner

Urad Middle Banner is located northeast of Bayannur City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, between longitudes 107°16΄ and 109°42΄ east and latitudes 41°07΄ and 41°28΄ north. It shares a 184-kilometer border with Mongolia to the north, bordering Baotou City's Darhanmoming'an United Banner and Guyang County to the east, Urad Front Banner, Wuyuan County, Linhe District, and Hangjinhou Banner to the south, and Urad Rear Banner to the west. Major tourist attractions include the Xire Temple, the Mongolian Camp, the Ganqimaodu Port, the Stone Forest, and the Ecological Park. The area also boasts numerous historical sites and relics, including the Yinshan Rock Paintings, the Zhao and Qin Great Walls, the ancient Yugou and Pabaigou ravines, and dinosaur fossils.

---

Most Popular FAQs for Urad Middle Banner

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Urad Middle Banner (乌拉特中旗) is a banner under Bayannur in Inner Mongolia. Its seat is Haliut (哈里乌素) (banner seat) and it covers about 22,820 km² with ~112,159 people (2020) The region is part of the Hetao Plain / Hetao irrigation and animal husbandry zone; the banner features grassland, lakes, rivers, and mixed farming & pastoral economy. There is also an old fortress / ancient city known as “新忽热古城” (Xinhure ancient city) in Urad Middle Banner, with local legends about morning mist and “chicken crowing on walls.”

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

It lies in western Inner Mongolia, administratively under Bayannur. To reach: one would travel to Bayannur (by air, rail, or road) and then take regional / local buses or hire car/taxi into the banner. There is no metro. Within the banner, local roads connect towns, scenic spots; walking is feasible once inside an attraction.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

I did not find authoritative published opening hours for all attractions in Urad Middle Banner. Best visiting seasons are late spring to early autumn when grasslands are green, water bodies are full, and weather is milder.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

Specific ticket prices are not consistently available in my sources. Some attractions might charge modest entry fees. Tickets are likely sold onsite; for more popular spots, there may be online options via Trip.com or local tourism sites.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

For ordinary days, booking in advance is probably not necessary. But during peak season or holidays, reserving 1–2 days ahead for popular sites may help avoid issues.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

To cover the main scenic spots (grasslands, geological parks, museum), one day may suffice for a cursory visit. For deeper exploration and relaxation, 2 days is better.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

• Urat Grassland — the core grassland experience.
• Ganqimaodao Port — water / port scenery.
• Wengen Tara Prairie Tourist Area — pastoral prairie area.
• Saiwai Tala Caoyuan Dujia Scenic Area — grassland + dwelling area.
• Fengshi Bingjiu Geologic Park — geological features & rock formations.
• Urad Middle Banner Museum — local history & culture.
• Langshan Reservoir — scenic water setting.
• Xinhure Ancient City (new Hure ancient fortress) — historic wall and legend.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

I found no reliable evidence of widely available guided tours or audio guides in English or other languages in Urad Middle Banner. Guided tours in Chinese may be arranged locally.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

• Wide vistas in Urat Grassland, capturing cattle, horses, sky.
• Views from the edges of geological park in Fengshi Bingjiu.
• Port / riverside scenes at Ganqimaodao.
• Historic walls / ruins in Xinhure Ancient City at dawn or dusk.
• Langshan Reservoir shores and reflections.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Suggested route:

• Morning: Go to Urat Grassland, enjoy grassland views, horse rides.
• Midday: Visit Fengshi Bingjiu Geological Park, explore rock formations.
• Afternoon: Ganqimaodao Port, and Langshan Reservoir.
• Late: Visit museum in the banner seat, then Xinhure Ancient City ruins.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

I found no detailed evidence of night light shows or after-dark guided tours in Urad Middle Banner from available sources.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

Being less famous, Urad Middle Banner is relatively less crowded. The least busy periods are weekdays, early mornings, off-peak seasons (spring or late autumn).

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

Major scenic zones and the museum have basic visitor facilities: restrooms, shops, rest areas. In more remote spots, facilities may be minimal — bring water and snacks.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

Some parts (museum, paved trails in parks) are friendly to children or older people. Rough grassland terrain or port edges may pose difficulties for those with mobility limitations.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

In towns, museums, and major attractions, mobile payments (WeChat, Alipay) and card payments are likely accepted. In small rural vendors or remote spots, cash may still be needed.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

In the banner seat and in towns, local restaurants serve Inner Mongolian / local dishes. Trip.com lists restaurants attached to hotels in Urad Middle Banner.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian dishes are generally available in larger restaurants; strict vegan or halal options may be rare — best to ask locally.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

There are several hotels in Urad Middle Banner (town area) listed in Trip.com — e.g. Jinyi Preferred Hotel, Jin Yi Choice Hotel, Jingchen International Hotel, etc.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

In the broader Bayannur area: Wuliangsuhai Lake (a major wetland & bird habitat) is a key destination nearby. Also explore Hetao irrigated lands, Yellow River scenic zones under Bayannur jurisdiction.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

In museums and scenic area shops: local crafts, dairy products, handicrafts, Mongolian grassland souvenirs.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

After touring Urad Middle Banner, one can continue by road (bus or car) to other parts of Bayannur or neighboring banners. Returning to Bayannur city to catch trains or larger bus connections is common.