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

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Dear friends 🥰, as the late summer and early autumn breeze blows, the vast land of Chifeng looks like a spilled palette, stunning beyond words! In August and September, the temperature in Chifeng ranges between 15°C and 25°C, neither too cold nor too hot, with clear skies—perfect for going out and freeing yourself. Here you’ll find endless grasslands, mysterious and unique landforms, and plenty of mouthwatering Mongolian cuisine. Quickly grab this super practical guide and get ready to set off. If you like it, remember to like and save it💕!
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➤ Chifeng’s summer and autumn must-dos
🌟 Why visit Chifeng in August-September?
❶ The grasslands are at their best: The green carpet-like grasslands haven’t turned yellow yet, perfect for horseback riding and having fun 🐎
❷ Great weather: Avoid the summer crowds, cool and comfortable, no need to fight for photo spots 📸
❸ Food heaven: Hand-pulled meat, roasted lamb chops, dairy products galore—foodies’ paradise 🍖
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➤ Recommended highlights:
1. [Ashatu Stone Forest] (World Geological Wonder · Glacier Relics)
📍 Recommendation rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌟 Highlights: A stone castle sculpted by ancient glaciers! Strange-shaped stone pillars and walls make you feel like you’ve stepped into an alien world 👽. In August-September, wildflowers bloom everywhere, and the low-hanging clouds create amazing photo opportunities!
🕒 Opening hours: 8:00-17:30
💰 Ticket: 140 RMB (includes sightseeing bus)
✨ Magical experiences:
● Wear brightly colored clothes and shoot exotic photos among the stone forest 👗
● Wait for a grassland sunset, the golden light on the stones is breathtaking 🌄
● Listen to stories from the park guides to learn about glacier history 📚
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2. [Ulan Butong Grassland] (Classic Grassland Scenery · Film Location)
📍 Recommendation rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌟 Highlights: Filming location of the movie "Wolf Totem"! The grassland is gently rolling with herds of cattle and sheep. In August, rapeseed flowers are still blooming; in September, the autumn grass starts to yellow, creating amazing layers of color 🌼
🕒 Opening hours: All day
💰 Ticket: 120 RMB
✨ Adventure tips:
● Ride horses or take off-road vehicles across the grassland to experience Mongolian boldness 🐎
● Stay overnight in a Mongolian yurt and watch the stars and Milky Way at night 🌌
● Take a photo series in Mongolian robes and get instant praise on social media 📸
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3. [Yulong Sand Lake] (Desert Lake · Sand Play Paradise)
📍 Recommendation rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌟 Highlights: Clear lake hidden in the desert! You can walk barefoot on the sand, slide down dunes, ride camels, and even soak in the lake while watching the desert—an ice-and-fire experience 🐫
🕒 Opening hours: 8:00-18:00
💰 Ticket: 80 RMB
✨ Walking guide:
● Definitely try the desert off-road vehicle, thrilling enough to scream 🚙
● The sand dunes at dusk have the softest lines, perfect for silhouette photos 📷
● Bring sand socks to prevent hot sand from burning your feet 🦶
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4. [Dalinuoer Lake] (Bird Paradise · Plateau Pearl)
📍 Recommendation rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌟 Highlights: One of Inner Mongolia’s four famous lakes! Migratory birds start gathering in late summer and early autumn. The lake surface is like a mirror, reflecting the blue sky and white clouds, with an expansive view 🦢
🕒 Opening hours: 8:00-18:00
💰 Ticket: 70 RMB
✨ Artistic activities:
● Walk around the lake along the wooden boardwalk, the breeze is super refreshing 🚶
● Enjoy a full fish feast, the Huazi fish is incredibly fresh 🐟
● Watch the classic scene of “swans at sunset,” super romantic 🌅
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5. [Reshui Tang Hot Springs] (Millennium Hot Springs · Travel Relaxation)
📍 Recommendation rating: ⭐⭐⭐
🌟 Highlights: A genuine natural hot spring! After a day of traveling, soak in the warm spring water to relieve fatigue and feel comfortable, leaving your skin silky smooth ♨️
🕒 Opening hours: All day
💰 Ticket: Varies by hotel
✨ Wellness tips:
● Choose hotels with outdoor pools to soak under the stars at night 🌠
● Follow up with a massage after soaking for instant rejuvenation 💆
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🌸 Chifeng 3-day magical itinerary
Day 1: Grassland + Stone Forest spectacular tour
08:00 Horseback riding at Ulan Butong Grassland chasing the wind 🐎 → 12:00 Eat hand-pulled meat in a Mongolian yurt 🍖 → 14:00 Shoot photos at Ashatu Stone Forest 📸 → 19:00 Stay in Jingpeng Town and enjoy hot pot lamb 🍲
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Day 2: Desert lake wonder day
08:30 Play in the sand and ride camels at Yulong Sand Lake 🐫 → 12:00 Have a simple meal at the scenic area entrance → 15:00 Watch birds and stroll at Dalinuoer Lake 🦢 → 19:00 Stay at Reshui Tang and soak in the hot springs ♨️
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Day 3: Leisurely return
09:00 Buy local specialties in Reshui Tang Town 🍯 → 12:00 Eat Mongolian cuisine in Chifeng city to bid farewell 🍻 → 15:00 Take home some dairy tofu 🧀
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➤ Food highlights
❶ Hand-pulled meat: Lamb boiled in clear water, original flavor, dipping in chive flowers is amazing 🤤
❷ Roasted lamb chops: Crispy outside, tender inside, tearing it apart is super satisfying 🦴
❸ Dairy tofu: Can be fried or grilled, rich milky aroma 🧈
❹ Chifeng stuffed pancake: Crispy small pancake stuffed with smoked meat, locals’ favorite breakfast 🥯
❺ Beef jerky: Chewy and flavorful, perfect travel snack 🥩
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➤ Accommodation recommendations
🏕️ Grassland Mongolian yurt: Suitable for visitors wanting an immersive grassland experience, star-gazing at night is fantastic! 💖
🏨 Town hotels: More comfortable for showering and sleeping, suitable for most travelers! 🛏️
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🚗 Transportation guide
✈️ Airplane: Chifeng Yulong Airport, many cities have direct flights
🚄 High-speed rail: Chifeng Station, about 3 hours from Beijing
🚌 Within the city: Attractions are scattered, car rental or self-driving is recommended for freedom and convenience 🛵
🚗 Self-driving: From Beijing take the Daguang Expressway, about 5 hours
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💡 Summer and autumn travel tips
❶ Dressing formula: T-shirt + jacket! Big temperature difference between morning and night on the grassland, windproof jacket is a must 👚
❷ Essentials: Sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat, UV rays are strong 🕶️
❸ Respect customs: Don’t step on the threshold when entering a Mongolian yurt, respect local culture 🙏
❹ Eco-friendly travel: Take your trash with you, protect the grassland environment ♻️