"Under 3,000 per person, ten days and nine nights exploring Hohhot + grasslands + desert! Detailed guide included

Ten days and nine nights in-depth travel guide of Hohhot, from grasslands to desert, from history to cuisine, a complete tour of Inner Mongolia!
If you have ten days and want to truly explore Inner Mongolia, Hohhot is definitely the best starting point. This city is not only the heart of Inner Mongolia but also the gateway to grasslands, deserts, history, and culture. This ten-day, nine-night in-depth travel guide of Hohhot will take you from the city to nature, from the palate to the soul, fully experiencing the charm of Inner Mongolia.
Itinerary Overview
- Day 1: Arrive in Hohhot, initial city exploration
- Day 2: City cultural tour (Dazhao Temple, Sai Shang Old Street, Inner Mongolia Museum)
- Day 3: One-day tour of Xilamuren Grassland (horse riding, Mongolian yurt, bonfire party)
- Day 4: In-depth grassland experience (herder life, dairy product making)
- Day 5: Head to Xiangshawan, experience desert scenery
- Day 6: Xiangshawan desert activities (sand sliding, camel riding, desert off-roading)
- Day 7: Return to Hohhot, rest and free activities
- Day 8: Surrounding visits (Hasuhai Lake, Lama Cave Temple)
- Day 9: Cultural immersion (Mongol-Yuan Culture Museum, Five Pagoda Temple)
- Day 10: Shopping and departure
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Day 1: Arrive in Hohhot, initial city exploration
Arrive at Hohhot Baita International Airport and check into a city hotel. In the afternoon, take a walk near Xinhua Square to feel the city atmosphere. For dinner, try shaomai or youmian noodles for a simple local flavor experience.
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Day 2: City cultural tour
In the morning, visit Dazhao Temple to experience Tibetan Buddhist culture. Have lunch at a nearby restaurant. In the afternoon, stroll through Sai Shang Old Street and shop for handicrafts. In the evening, visit the Inner Mongolia Museum to learn about Inner Mongolia’s history and ethnic customs. Dinner recommendation: hot pot lamb.
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Day 3: One-day tour of Xilamuren Grassland
After breakfast, drive to Xilamuren Grassland. Upon arrival, try horse riding and feel the vastness of the grassland. For lunch, taste Mongolian hand-pulled meat. In the afternoon, stay in a Mongolian yurt to experience herder life. In the evening, join a bonfire party and enjoy ethnic song and dance performances.
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Day 4: In-depth grassland experience
Watch the grassland sunrise early in the morning. In the morning, learn to make dairy products with herders. Enjoy a Mongolian specialty meal at noon. In the afternoon, free activities such as photography or horse riding. Rest in the yurt at night and enjoy the peaceful grassland night.
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Day 5: Head to Xiangshawan, experience desert scenery
After breakfast, leave the grassland and drive to Xiangshawan. Arrive at noon and check into a desert hotel. In the afternoon, experience desert hiking and admire the magnificent sand dunes. Enjoy dinner at the hotel and watch the desert starry sky.
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Day 6: Xiangshawan desert activities
In the morning, try sand sliding and feel the speed and excitement. Have lunch at the desert camp. In the afternoon, ride camels across the desert and experience desert off-road vehicles. Return to the hotel in the evening and enjoy the desert night view.
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Day 7: Return to Hohhot, rest and free activities
After breakfast, drive back to Hohhot. Arrive in the city at noon and enjoy free time. In the afternoon, choose to rest or shop. Dinner recommendation: try local specialty snacks.
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Day 8: Surrounding visits (Hasuhai Lake, Lama Cave Temple)
After breakfast, head to Hasuhai Lake to enjoy the lake scenery. Have lunch at a lakeside restaurant. In the afternoon, visit Lama Cave Temple to experience religious culture. Return to the city in the evening and have dinner.
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Day 9: Cultural immersion (Mongol-Yuan Culture Museum, Five Pagoda Temple)
In the morning, visit the Mongol-Yuan Culture Museum to deeply understand Mongolian history. Have lunch near the museum. In the afternoon, tour the Five Pagoda Temple and admire its unique architectural style. In the evening, pack and buy souvenirs (recommended dairy products and Mongolian clothing).
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Day 10: Shopping and departure
In the morning, visit local specialty stores to buy souvenirs. Have the last Mongolian meal in the city at noon. In the afternoon, head to the airport and conclude your pleasant trip to Hohhot.
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Practical Tips
1. Best travel time: June to September, pleasant climate, lush green grasslands.
2. Transportation: taxis or buses for city attractions; private car or group tours recommended for grasslands and desert.
3. Clothing suggestions:
- Grassland: long sleeves and pants, windproof jacket, sunscreen.
- Desert: sun hat, sunglasses, sand mask, comfortable sports shoes.
4. Ethnic customs:
- Do not step on the threshold when entering a Mongolian yurt.
- Accept a khata scarf with both hands.
- Ask for permission before taking photos of locals.
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Ten days and nine nights in-depth tour of Hohhot lets you experience Inner Mongolia’s charm from city to nature, from history to cuisine. Whether riding horses across the grasslands, strolling the desert, or savoring authentic local food, you can experience it all!"