Mausoleum of Genghis Khan – The Legendary Founder of Mongol Empire

Written by Veronica | Updated July 28,2025

The Mausoleum of Genghis Khan is in the heart of Ordos Grassland, Yijingholuo Banner, Ordos City in Inner Mongolia, about 115 miles (185 kilometers) south of Baotou. It is a place of worship and paying tribute to the legendary founder and first great Khan of the Mongol Empire, Genghis Khan.

The Mausoleum of Genghis Khan is in fact not the burial site of Genghis Khan. He was buried secretly, left no trace to his tomb, so it has never been discovered. The mausoleum was constructed between 1954 and 1956 by the Chinese government in traditional Mongol style.

It covers an area of around 13.6 acres (5.5 hectares) with more than 2,500 halls, sutras, and monks’ houses. The Mausoleum of Genghis Khan houses a vast collection of relics and artworks about the life of the great Khan and history of Mongol Empire.

Fast Facts about Mausoleum of Genghis Khan

• Location: on Ordos Grassland, Yijingholuo Banner, Ordos City in Inner Mongolia
• Hours: 08:00-18:00 (peak season), 08:30-17:30 (off-season)
• Ticket price: 170 CNY (peak season), 150 CNY (off-season)
• Recommended visit time: half a day to a day
• Best time of the year: April to October
• Suited to: anyone interested in Genghis Khan, Mongolian history

What to See and Do at the Mausoleum of Genghis Khan

There are two major parts in the Mausoleum of Genghis Khan, the tomb complex and Donglian Scenic Area.

As you enter the attraction, you’ll see the magnificent Qizhuang Shanhe Memorial Gate. The massive gate is built in the shape of the Chinese character for mountain, 山, with an elevated statue of Genghis Khan in the center. The name and shape of the gate symbolizes the ground-breaking achievement of Genghis Khan.

Visit the Tomb Complex

The tomb complex is made up of three palaces built in Mongolian architectural style. In the three palaces, you’ll see the coffins of Genghis Khan and his wives, as well as sabers, swords, arrows, bows, and other weapons that had been used by Genghis Khan.

Explore Donglian Scenic Area

Donglian Scenic Area is a vast grassland in the Mausoleum of Genghis Khan with services like museum, theater, library, hotel, restaurants, and souvenir shops. You can also engage in traditional Mongolian sports, horse riding, archery, and wrestling.

Mongolia History and Culture Museum

Also known as Genghis Khan Cultural Heritage Museum, it is the first museum to collect, study and display the history and culture of the Mongolian ethnic group. It has a large number of Mongolian historical relics and national artifacts since the time of Genghis Khan.

The Long Scroll of Mongolian History, which is displayed in the museum, is the longest scroll in the world. With a history of 206 years, it depicts the line of Mongolian history from the birth of Genghis Khan to the withdrawal from Yuan capital and the establishment of Northern Yuan regime. It records the most glorious period in the history of Mongolian nation.

Iron Horses and Golden Hordes

Iron Horse and Golden Hordes is the world’s first large sculpture group of Genghis Khan’s army. It reconstructs the military life in ancient Mongolia. You’ll see iron sculptures of soldiers on horses with flags and weapons.

Witness Daily Sacrificial Ceremony

The Mausoleum of Genghis Khan has a daily sacrificial ceremony at 10:30am in the main palace. The ceremony involves traditions like chanting sutras, burning incense, offering food and wine, and playing traditional Mongolian music. Witness this significant part of the local worshippers’ religious practice.

Join the Naadam Festival

You must not miss the Naadam Festival if you travel to Inner Mongolia during the summer. It is a grand festival held annually sometime in July or August. There’ll be competitions and performances of Mongolian sports and arts, including horse racing, wrestling, archery, singing, dancing, and acrobatics. It is an internationally known event, attracting countless spectators every year.

Best Time to Visit the Mausoleum of Genghis Khan

The best time for an Inner Mongolia tour to the Mausoleum of Genghis Khan is between June and October, when the weather is pleasant, and the grassland is in best condition. This period marks the peak tourism season in Ordos. You can participate in traditional Mongolian activities and festivals including the famous Naadam Festival.

Getting to the Mausoleum of Genghis Khan

Get to the Mausoleum from Baotou

The Mausoleum of Genghis Khan is about 115 miles (185 kilometers) from Baotou. If you’re traveling from Baotou to visit the attraction, the easiest way is to book a taxi or hire a private driver. The drive usually takes 2.5 hours.

Or if you prefer public transportation, take a bus from Baotou Long Distance Bus Station to transfer in Dongsheng and then reach the mausoleum. The bus journey takes 3-4 hours, costs about 50 CNY each.

If you’re traveling by rail, there’s a train from Baotou Railway Station to Dongsheng Railway Station. Then take a bus or taxi.

Get to the Mausoleum from Ordos City

The Mausoleum of Genghis Khan is about 37 miles (60 kilometers) from Ordos, which makes it less than an hour drive by car or taxi. There are also buses from Ordos Bus Station or Dongsheng Bus Station to the attraction. The bus rides take about 1.5 hours, cost around 20 CNY per person.

Attractions nearby Mausoleum of Genghis Khan

• Genghis Khan Square is a large public square in the center of Ordos. There is a statue of Genghis Khan. Locals and tourists alike love the outdoor events there.
• Kubuqi Desert is famous for its landscapes, sand dunes, oases. “Kubuqi” means “string on a bow” in Mongolian. The bow is the winding Yellow River around Ordos, and the string is the sand belt. It is a popular desert among hikers.
• Xiangshawan, or the “Resonant Sand Gorge,” is a gorgeous scenic area 56 miles (90 kilometers) from Mausoleum of Genghis Khan. It’s known for a beautiful desert landscape, sand dunes, as well as desert activities like camel riding and dune buggies.

Inner Mongolia Tours to the Mausoleum of Genghis Khan

• 4 Days Inner Mongolia Grassland & Genghis Khan Legacy Tour
• 5 Days Classic Inner Mongolia Tour with Leisure Hike

We can also help you with a customized tour to the Mausoleum of Genghis Khan in Inner Mongolia.