Inner Mongolia's autumn, remember to come

On the 3rd, we drove from Baotou, Inner Mongolia, arriving at Milk Lake in Taipusi Banner in the afternoon. We parked in the parking lot and purchased a round-trip bus from the visitor center for 9 yuan to Milk Lake. After visiting Milk Lake, we drove to Duolun County and spent the night at a campsite there, which cost 30 yuan per car. Finding Mongolian food in Duolun County was a bit difficult, as it was overcrowded and had long lines. So we opted for a mutton hot pot restaurant, which I found a bit pricey.

On the 4th, after breakfast at Afulai, a light Mongolian restaurant in Duolun, we headed to Huizong Temple. After our visit, we headed to Jingpeng Town, Keshiketeng Banner, Chifeng City, for lunch at Yingchang Restaurant, which was excellent and affordable. After a rest, we continued our journey, retracing the Re-Akteng Line we hadn't completed the previous year. After about 40 minutes of traffic jams, we reached the highest point of Huanggang Ridge. Construction and people ignoring the rules created traffic chaos and made for a bit uncomfortable. From there, we continued to the parking lot of the Ashatu Stone Forest, where we planned to camp. I was truly moved by the journey. Camping is allowed in the scenic area parking lot, but the restrooms will be without water and electricity.

On the morning of the 5th, we didn't enter the scenic area and drove directly to Xilinhot. We rested there for the day, visited the Beizi Temple, and went to the Ethnic Style Street to eat Saiyid (this Mongolian dish is highly recommended).

On the morning of the 6th, we went to the Xilinhot morning market. The Yuanhe Jianguo Hotel is visible on the navigation. After the market, we drove along National Highway 209, passing through Abaga Banner and Sunite Left Banner. In Left Banner, we had Huhewula meat pie, and the beef and scallion pie was really good. In the afternoon, we entered Sunite Right Banner and stayed overnight in the Sunite Right Banner parking lot.

On the morning of the 7th, we drove from Sunite Right Banner to Ulanhua Town in Siziwang Banner. We then entered Wuchuan County, Hohhot, picked potatoes, and returned home via Provincial Highway 311.

The scenery along this banner journey was truly remarkable.

Post by EmmaPedersen | Oct 14, 2025