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Aobaotu is the name of a mountain village in Wulanbutong, Inner Mongolia. "Tu" (Tu) means a large, nearly round hill. It's one of the best spots on the vast grasslands for sunrise photography. Aobaotu's elevated position allows for stunning autumn scenery, revealing vast expanses of golden birch forest. Finding the right timing and the perfect light and shadow creates stunning images. Furthermore, if you're lucky, you might even witness a spectacular horse race on the grasslands of Aobaotu. Herders whip their horses into action, and the horses gallop forward, creating a truly spectacular spectacle. It's a photographer's paradise.
In mid-July, the grassland here is dotted with small flowers, which is extremely beautiful. It is not only a good place to escape the summer heat, but also a paradise for children to run freely!
Temperate continental monsoon climate;
Best time to visit in summer
It is recommended to visit for 1~2 days
free
All day
Aobao Tu is a sacred site for the Mongolian people, serving as a traditional place for rituals and cultural gatherings. It is a symbol of the Mongolian nomadic heritage and has been used for centuries for worship and ceremonies to promote peace and prosperity. The Aobao (stone piles) are an integral part of Mongolian spiritual life, and they are often found in key locations across Inner Mongolia.
Aobao Tu is located in Chifeng City, Inner Mongolia. It can be reached by taxi or private car from Chifeng. Public buses may also be available, but it is recommended to use a taxi for convenience. There are no metro services available in this region.
The site is open year-round, with the best times to visit being during the warmer months, from May to October, when the weather is more favorable for outdoor activities. The best time to visit would be in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and to experience the most picturesque lighting.
The entrance fee is typically around 30-50 RMB. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the entrance, or in some cases, online through local tourism websites, though online booking is not always necessary.
Booking tickets in advance is generally not required, but during peak tourist seasons, it may be advisable to book a few days in advance to secure entry, especially if you are traveling with a group.
Visiting Aobao Tu can typically take 1-2 hours, depending on your interest in exploring the surrounding areas and participating in activities like horse riding or cultural experiences.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and occasionally in English for international visitors. It is advisable to check availability in advance. Audio guides may also be available at the entrance, depending on the time of year.
The best viewpoints are at the top of the Aobao Tu stone piles, where you can see the surrounding grasslands stretching into the horizon. Sunset and sunrise are particularly beautiful times for photography here.
Night visits and light shows are not available at Aobao Tu. However, special tours and cultural ceremonies may take place during local festivals, so it is worth checking for any special events before your visit.
Aobao Tu is generally not as crowded as other tourist attractions in China, but weekends and public holidays can get busier. The best time to visit is during weekdays, particularly in the morning, when it is quieter and more peaceful.
Basic facilities are available at Aobao Tu, including public restrooms. There are small food stalls offering local snacks, and you can find shops selling Mongolian souvenirs. For more extensive dining, you may need to travel to Chifeng City.
The site may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors due to uneven terrain and the physical nature of the stone piles. Children can easily explore the area, but it is recommended to supervise them due to the open space and natural environment.
Mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely accepted at Aobao Tu, as well as cash. It’s advisable to carry some cash, especially for smaller purchases or if mobile payments are not working.
There are no large restaurants or cafes at Aobao Tu itself. However, small food stalls offer basic snacks and beverages. For more dining options, you will need to travel to Chifeng City, where there are various restaurants serving local and regional dishes.
Vegetarian food is available at food stalls near the site, though vegan and halal options may be more limited. For specific dietary needs, it’s recommended to visit Chifeng City, which has more diverse restaurant choices.
There are some guesthouses and small hotels in Chifeng City, about a 30-40 minute drive from Aobao Tu. For more comfort and amenities, you may prefer to stay in the city and commute to the site.
Yes, there are small souvenir shops at Aobao Tu offering Mongolian-themed items, including traditional clothing, jewelry, and decorative items related to Mongolian culture and the Great Wall of China.
The best transportation options after visiting Aobao Tu are by taxi or private car back to Chifeng City or to other nearby attractions. If you’re heading to other parts of Inner Mongolia, buses or trains from Chifeng can be used to continue your journey.
