5-Day Ultimate Guide to Exploring Ulanqab and Surrounding Areas is Here

Here’s a 5-day travel itinerary for Ulanqab and nearby spots! Enjoy handcrafted Qingcheng shaomai with brick tea, experience the thrilling skiing at Mazong Mountain, shoot epic photos in astronaut suits at the volcano, ride horses on the grasslands, and camels at Xiangshawan Desert. The winter vibes are off the charts—this guide is a must-save!
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🌈 Travel Route:
This itinerary is packed, allowing you to visit many attractions within a limited time~
DAY 1: 【Snow Meets Qingcheng】Arrive in Hohhot, check in at Inner Mongolia Science and Technology Museum and Inner Mongolia Art Museum. The artistic red walls combined with snowy scenery make for stunning photo backdrops📸.
**Highlight: The perfect blend of artistic red walls and snow, creating amazing photo opportunities!**
DAY 2: Ulanhada Volcano Geological Park -> Huitengxile Grassland. After exploring volcanic geological wonders, head to the vast grasslands to soak in the natural beauty🌄.
**Volcanic adventure followed by galloping on the grasslands, capturing breathtaking natural scenery!**
DAY 3: Ride camels at Xiangshawan Desert🐪 to experience desert charm; then visit the Great Mosque to explore cultural fusion.
**Desert camel riding and cultural heritage visits, two experiences in one day!**
DAY 4: Ski at Mazong Mountain Resort⛷️, cosplay in astronaut suits plus ski gear to shoot exclusive winter photos; in the afternoon, pray at Dazhao Temple, stroll through Sai Shang Old Street to taste Qingcheng specialties, make your own shaomai, enjoy some shaomai and sip brick tea🍵.
**Skiing and cosplay combined, plus a rich food and cultural experience!**
DAY 5: Free day in Hohhot city, recommended spots include General’s Office, Inner Mongolia Art Museum, and Wang Zhaojun Museum🏛️.
**In-depth city tour covering culture and history!**
🛫 Departure Day: According to your schedule, depart from Hohhot and conclude this wonderful journey!
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Must-Visit Attractions:
🌋 Ulanhada Volcano Geological Park 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Address: Ulanhada Volcano, west side of Erguang Expressway, Chahar Rear Banner, Ulanqab City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region
⏰ Opening Hours: October 9 - October 31, 07:30-20:00
⏳ Duration: 1 day
📝 Description: A natural volcanic museum with stunning lava landforms!
🌿 Huitengxile Grassland 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Address: Central-southern part of Chahar Right Middle Banner, Ulanqab City
⏰ Opening Hours: Open all day
⏳ Duration: 1 day
📝 Description: Vast and majestic grasslands with mirror-like lakes and unique prehistoric volcanic sites~
🏯 Dazhao Temple 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Address: Dazhao Qian Street, Yuquan District, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region
⏰ Opening Hours: Not available
⏳ Duration: 2-3 hours
📝 Description: Home to the Silver Buddha and Dragon Carving masterpieces, with vivid temple murals—highly worth seeing!
🏮 Sai Shang Old Street 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Address: No. 17 Tongshun Street, Yuquan District, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region
⏰ Opening Hours: Open all day
⏳ Duration: 1-2 hours
📝 Description: Ancient architecture full of charm, with bricks and tiles hiding historical stories—very atmospheric!
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🌄 Pre-Trip Essentials: Comprehensive October Travel Checklist for Ulanqab and Surroundings
👕 Clothing: Lightweight down jacket + windbreaker essential, large temperature difference between day and night on the grasslands, fleece pants with Martin boots for warmth and slip resistance
🧢 Accessories: Sun hat + sunglasses for UV protection, magic scarf to block wind and sand, folding umbrella for sudden weather changes
📱 Electronics: Power bank on hand, camera for volcano and starry sky shots, offline maps ready (some areas have weak signal)
💊 Health: Digestive medicine for beef and mutton, motion sickness patches for long trips, sunscreen SPF50+ (strong UV on grasslands)
🎒 Practical: Thermos with hot water, foldable bucket for instant noodles, trash bags to keep grasslands clean, tissues and wet wipes handy
🪪 Documents: ID card must-have, student/elderly cards for discounts, driver’s license (for self-driving and car rental)
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Group tours in Ulanqab are super worry-free, covering all the beautiful scenery and delicious food. Everyone, go for it, don’t hesitate!😎