Inner Mongolia Baotou | Visiting in the off-season of August-September is truly delightful, fewer people and beautiful scenery

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Dear friends 🥰, late summer and early autumn in Baotou feel like a breeze sweeping across the grasslands, with high skies and light clouds, refreshing and free! In August and September, Baotou’s temperature ranges between 15°C-25°C, neither cold nor hot, with bright sunshine and cool breezes—perfect for going out and letting yourself fly free 🕊️. Here you’ll find vast grassland landscapes, rich Mongol-Yuan culture, and the joy of feasting on big portions of meat~ Follow this guide to easily explore Baotou, and if you like it, remember to like and save it💕!
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➤ Baotou’s summer and autumn must-dos
🌟 Why visit Baotou in August-September?
❶ Fewer crowds: Avoid the summer vacation peak, no crowded attractions, making photography and sightseeing super comfortable 📸
❷ Great weather: Just the right temperature, the grasslands remain green, and the desert isn’t too hot on your feet 🍃
❸ Lots of activities: Nadam Festival, Grassland Music Festival—experience the passion and grandeur of Mongolian culture 🎪
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➤ Recommended highlights:
1. 【Saihan Tala Grassland】(Urban Grassland · Free Admission)
📍 Recommendation rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌟 Highlights: The world’s only urban grassland! In August, the grass is lush green; in September, it turns slightly yellow, like a golden carpet 🌾. Horse riding, archery, staying in a Mongolian yurt—you can experience grassland life in one day~
🕒 Opening hours: All day
💰 Admission: Free (extra charges for activities)
✨ Magical experiences:
● Ride a bike in the morning or evening, super cool and you might encounter a flock of sheep 🐏
● Wear a Mongolian robe for photos and instantly become a grassland prince/princess on social media 👑
● Join the evening bonfire party, dance Mongolian dances, and enjoy roasted whole lamb 🔥
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2. 【Wudangzhao Monastery】(The Potala Palace on the Grassland · Tibetan Buddhism Holy Site)
📍 Recommendation rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌟 Highlights: The largest Tibetan Buddhist temple in Inner Mongolia, with white walls and golden roofs, solemn and sacred 🕍. The weather in August-September is refreshing, perfect for prayer, photo ops, and spiritual enjoyment~
🕒 Opening hours: 8:30-17:30
💰 Admission: 60 RMB
✨ Blessing tips:
● Spin prayer wheels with locals to pray for family and friends 🙏
● Capture architectural details—the golden roof against the blue sky is a perfect match 📷
● Listen to monks’ stories to learn about Tibetan Buddhism culture 📖
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3. 【Xiangshawan】(Desert Fun Island · Super Fun Sand Sliding)
📍 Recommendation rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌟 Highlights: A perfect blend of desert and grassland! The sand is fine and soft, not hot on feet in August-September. Sand sliding, camel riding, desert off-roading—so fun you won’t want to leave 🐫!
🕒 Opening hours: 8:00-18:00
💰 Admission: 130 RMB (includes basic activities)
✨ Fun guide:
● Don’t miss the desert off-road vehicle experience, thrilling enough to scream 🚙
● Watch the sunset on the sand dunes at dusk, super romantic 🌅
● Wear red or white clothes for amazing photos 👗
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4. 【Northern Weaponry City】(Military Enthusiast’s Paradise · Real Guns and Ammo Experience)
📍 Recommendation rating: ⭐⭐⭐
🌟 Highlights: See tanks, cannons, and fighter jets up close—super impressive! 📸 Great for kids’ education and for guys to relive their passion~
🕒 Opening hours: 8:30-17:30
💰 Admission: 50 RMB
✨ Hardcore activities:
● Touch real tanks and feel the power of steel 🤖
● Try simulated shooting and see how many rings you can hit 🎯
● Listen to guides explain national defense knowledge—exciting and educational 🔊
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5. 【Chunkun Mountain】(Highland Grassland · Summer Cool Oxygen Haven)
📍 Recommendation rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌟 Highlights: Baotou’s nearby “Little Xinjiang,” high altitude and very cool in summer! 🍃 Wildflowers bloom everywhere in August, and autumn colors start in September. Hiking, photography, picnics—so comfortable it feels like being in a painting~
🕒 Opening hours: 8:00-18:00
💰 Admission: 40 RMB
✨ Relaxation tips:
● Walk slowly along the wooden boardwalk, breathe in fresh oxygen 🌲
● Picnic on the grass and enjoy leisure time 🍞
● Stargaze at night—see stars you can’t find in the city here ✨
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🌸 Baotou 2-day Relaxing Itinerary
Day 1: Grassland + Cultural Experience
08:00 Horse riding and strolling at Saihan Tala Grassland 🐎 → 12:00 Eat hand-pulled meat and drink milk tea 🍵 → 14:00 Pray and take photos at Wudangzhao Monastery 📿 → 18:00 Join the grassland bonfire party 🔥
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Day 2: Desert + Hardcore Fun
08:30 Play sand and slide at Xiangshawan 🏜️ → 12:00 Eat Mongolian food at the desert restaurant 🍖 → 14:00 See tanks at Northern Weaponry City 🤖 → 17:00 Buy some beef jerky and milk tofu before heading back 🥛
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➤ Food Highlights
❶ Hand-pulled meat: Large chunks of lamb boiled in clear water, original flavor, dipping in chive flower sauce is amazing 😋
❷ Roasted lamb leg: Crispy outside, tender inside, super satisfying to tear apart 🍗
❸ Milk tea: Salty flavor, paired with fried rice and milk skin, the more you drink, the better it tastes 🥛
❹ Youmian noodles: Local specialty noodles, healthy and delicious 🍜
❺ Beef jerky: A must-have snack, chewy and flavorful the more you chew 🥩
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➤ Accommodation Recommendations
🏕️ Grassland Mongolian Yurt: Experience authentic grassland life, super romantic stargazing at night~ ✨
🏨 City Hotels: Convenient for transport and dining, suitable for those who prefer less hassle~ 🚗
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🚗 Transportation Guide
✈️ Flight: Baotou Donghe Airport, about 30 minutes by taxi to the city center 🛬
🚄 High-speed rail: Baotou Station/Baotou East Station, about 3 hours from Beijing 🚉
🚌 City: Buses and taxis are convenient; for the grassland, it’s recommended to rent a car or self-drive ~ 🚙
🚗 Self-drive: From Hohhot via Jingzang Expressway, just 2 hours away ~ 🛣️
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💡 Summer and Autumn Travel Tips
❶ Clothing guide: Big temperature difference between morning and night, short sleeves plus a jacket are most practical ~ 🧥
❷ Essentials: Sunscreen, sunglasses, moisturizing skincare—grasslands and deserts are very dry ~ 🧴
❸ Respect customs: Don’t step on the threshold when entering a Mongolian yurt, receive milk tea with both hands ~ 🙏
❹ Eco-friendly travel: Take your trash with you, protect the grassland and desert environment ~ ♻️