Day 1: All over the country → or → Hohhot ★ Gathering day
All day
Today is the all-day gathering day. Tourists please go to the capital of Inner Mongolia (Hohhot) on their own and check in at the hotel with "China-Travel Note + Name".
Hohhot, also known as Qingcheng (Green City) and Zhaocheng (City of Zhao) due to its numerous Zhao temples, is also called Zhaocheng. Early arrivals should visit the Dazhao Temple. Inner Mongolia is deeply influenced by the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism, and the Dazhao Temple in Hohhot is one of the largest and most influential in the region. If you're interested in Islamic culture, be sure to visit the Islamic Customs Street, where a mix of old and new mosques shine. Kuanxiangzi (Wanxiangzi) is a food street located near the street. A basket of mutton tsumabu (steamed pork dumplings) is a must! Hohhot is also known as the birthplace of siomai (steamed pork dumplings).
Transportation Tips: Hohhot Baita Airport is about 20km from the city center, about 40 minutes by car. There are airport buses and taxis are also very convenient.
Airport/station pick-up service: Free 24-hour airport/station pick-up
Transportation Tips:
1. Airplane: There are many direct domestic flights to Hohhot, or you can fly to Ordos/Baotou and transfer to the high-speed rail (1-2 hours) to Hohhot;
2. Train: There are direct high-speed trains/bullet trains to Hohhot from Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Zhengzhou, Chengdu, Xi'an, Qingdao, Jinan and other cities.
Day 2 Hohhot → Huitengxile Grassland → Ulan Hada Volcano
·morning
After breakfast, start your grassland tour! Drive to Huitengxile Grassland, a typical flower meadow grassland.
This morning, we'll embark on a unique off-road adventure through a hidden grassland. The terrain gently undulates, and the vistas are rich with layers: dense forests, vast grasslands, and scattered cattle and sheep. Stopping and taking photos as you go, we'll experience the thrill of galloping across the grasslands. There's also a horse farm nearby, so interested tourists can enjoy an exciting horseback riding experience (at their own expense). Under the guidance of a horseman, you'll don a professional knight's hat, ride a majestic steed, and enjoy the exhilaration of riding across the vast grasslands beneath the blue sky and white clouds.
After having fun, we also specially arranged to watch a large-scale live-action drama "Meeting at Aobao", which is a large-scale nomadic live-action performance with the traditional Mongolian Aobao sacrifice and Nadam activities as the background. It combines singing and dancing, instrumental music, acrobatics, equestrian performances and other elements to give you an immersive experience of the grassland style.
In the evening, we will go to the volcanic camp at the foot of the Ulan Hada Volcano and enjoy a volcanic hot pot for dinner. If the weather is clear at night, there will be gorgeous fireworks in the camp.
Kind tips:
1. The temperature difference between morning and evening is large on the grassland, so please keep warm;
2. Tonight you will be staying in a tent at the Volcano Camp. The bathroom is shared and the washing facilities are limited. Please understand!
3. The performance of "Meeting at the Aobao" is expected to start in June. If the group you join does not start the performance, the corresponding fees will be refunded;
3. Due to weather reasons, the group that will be assembled between June 20th and August 20th will be arranged to stay at the Volcano Tent Camp, and the remaining groups will be arranged to stay at nearby B&Bs.
Day 3: Volcano Camp → Ulan Hada Volcano → Gobi Desert → Erenhot
·morning
After breakfast, we'll head to the Ulan Hada Volcanic Geological Park, once featured on the cover of China National Geographic magazine. Over 30 volcanoes are scattered across the grasslands like beads, their flat terrain showcasing their impressive features. Driving along the Volcanic Highway, we'll gaze upon the majestic volcanic cones and the exposed dark red volcanic rock, a marvel at the wonders of nature. Afterward, we'll arrive near the volcanic cluster and begin our "Volcano Exploration" activity!
Tips for playing:
1. Volcano No. 3 (North Alchemy Furnace): This volcano has a viewing path leading directly to the top of the mountain, making it easy for both the elderly and children to visit. There is also a popular red telephone booth here!
2. Volcano No. 4 (Black Brain Bag): The entire mountain is reddish-brown
3. Volcano No. 5 (Middle Alchemy Furnace): This is a relatively well-preserved volcano. You can see the complete volcanic landscape at the top of the mountain, but the slope is steep and the climb is somewhat difficult.
4. Volcano No. 6 (South Alchemy Furnace): This is a fully developed volcano with exposed black and red mountain bodies. It is more suitable for shooting Martian blockbusters in spacesuits. If you are lucky, you can also pick up colorful volcanic rocks here.
·afternoon
In the afternoon, we'll cross the uninhabited Gobi Desert to the border town of Erenhot, known as the "Home of Dinosaurs." We'll pass by a work of art in the Gobi Desert called the Tathagata Palm, which covers approximately 40,000 square meters, the size of six football fields. From a distance or from above, the palm sculpture is incredibly lifelike, with the distinct lines on the fingers clearly visible. It's easy to imagine Stephen Chow performing the Tathagata Palm in the movie "Kung Fu Hustle."
Stay in Erenhot tonight and you can freely explore local delicacies at night!
Day 4 Erenhot → Dahongshan → Naomogen Sumu → Xilamuren Grassland
·morning
After breakfast, we'll head to the Paleontological Museum. Erenhot, known as the "Hometown of Dinosaurs," was once a humid lake and swampland that teemed with dinosaurs tens of millions of years ago. This area is one of the earliest locations in Asia for the discovery of dinosaur and egg fossils, and boasts the world's largest collection of Cretaceous dinosaur fossils. The two-story exhibition hall features displays of ancient creatures, including a dinosaur VR experience, offering realistic and thrilling visuals.
Afterwards, we'll visit the National Gate Scenic Area. Climbing the National Gate, we'll take in the stunning Russian-style Zamyn-Uud Railway Station, the ethnically designed residential buildings, and the mongolian yurts embodying the lush grasslands. Through a high-powered telescope, we'll be able to see the entirety of Zamyn-Uud. Below the National Gate, the China-Mongolia Railway, a major artery connecting Beijing with Ulaanbaatar and Moscow, is known as the "Eurasian Continental Bridge."
·afternoon
In the afternoon, we'll travel to Dahong Mountain, a hidden gem approximately 100 kilometers from Erenhot. From above, the crimson peaks rise like the earth's blood vessels above the vast Gobi grasslands. The ruby-red soil, etched by time and shaped into various peaks, creates a mystical aura, reminiscent of Mars. We'll descend into the valley floor, embarking on a deep canyon crossing. We'll choose a scenic spot, set up a canopy table and chairs, and savor this tranquil wilderness afternoon tea. We'll then continue our journey. Near Dahong Mountain, we'll discover endless Gobi grasslands. Due to the harsh natural conditions, the area is sparsely populated, and even wild camels and foxes occasionally roam the Gobi.
Arrive at the Xilamuren Grassland in the evening and check in with a local tribe. Enjoy a heartwarming ceremony, including a dismounting wine ceremony. After check-in, you'll be free to explore at your own leisure. In the evening, join the tribe for a bonfire party, where you'll hear the charming long songs and humming music, and sing and dance with friends from all over the world, enjoying a romantic evening on the grasslands!
Kind tips:
1. If the Paleontological Museum is closed on Monday, we will cancel this activity.
2. The dismounting wine and bonfire party are complimentary activities of the scenic spot. No refund will be given if you do not participate. In case of rain or insufficient number of guests, it may be cancelled.
3. The grassland has entered the fire prevention period. Dahongshan is located in the heart of the grassland. Vehicles cannot drive to it. You may need to walk a distance. Please understand.
Day 5 Xilamuren → Guyang → Kubuqi Desert
·morning
After breakfast, we'll depart for the grasslands, where you can enjoy grass skiing, build a yurt, take photos wearing traditional Mongolian clothing, feed lambs, and other recreational activities. We'll then head to the Kubuqi Desert, China's seventh largest desert, for our desert adventure!
·afternoon
Arrive at the desert off-road base in the afternoon. Check in at the hotel and rest for a while. Yemingsha, with its pristine, towering sands, is a paradise for off-road enthusiasts. A wealth of desert activities are available (included in the package): Start with a desert off-road trek and experience the thrill of surfing in the vast sea of sand! Afterward, you can choose from ziplining, sandboarding, UTVs, ATVs, and camel rides. We've also prepared some clothing for ladies to choose from and take photos with. After your enjoyment, we'll offer sunset coffee in the desert.
·night
In the evening, a luxurious sunset dinner will be arranged: your butler has carefully prepared a meal for you, candlelight flickers, and you wait for the sunset to sink into the sky, savoring delicious food and enjoying a wonderful desert moment! After a satisfying meal, you can lie on the sand dunes and quietly gaze at the stars or chat around the fire.
Kind tips:
1. The hotel room resources at the desert off-road base are limited. If there are no rooms during the peak season, we will adjust to hotels in nearby towns (Hengshengxing Desert Hotel, Heyang Desert Hotel or similar). Please understand!
2. A new container starry sky room has been built in the desert off-road base, which can be upgraded at your own expense!
Day 6 Kubuqi Desert → Hohhot ★ Dismissal Day
All day
After breakfast, we will drive back to downtown Hohhot and transfer to Hohhot Baita Airport and the railway station, marking the end of this pleasant trip. Today is our disbanding day, so we recommend that you choose a flight after 2:00 PM and return at a later time.
