Written by Veronica |
Gegentala Grassland is located in Siziwang Banner on the northern foot of Daqing Mountain in Inner Mongolia, about 140 kilometers away from the north of Hohhot. Known as the cradle of Nadam, Gegentala Grassland is one of the five major grassland tourist attractions in Inner Mongolia.
Gegentala, meaning “vast and bright grassland” in Mongolian, is an ideal sightseeing and leisure summer resort for tourists both in China and abroad. Gegentala Grassland is also famous for the landing of the “Shenzhou” series of spacecraft.
Every year on theĀ 13th day of the fifthĀ month in Chinese lunar calendar, the grassland people hold the traditional Mongolian festival of worshiping the Ao Bao here. Since 1989, Gegentala Grassland has held the Inner Mongolia Tourism Nadam FestivalĀ from July 5th to July 31st every year.
Facts About Gegentala Grassland
- Location: situated in the territory of SiziwangBanner, UlanqabĀ City, Inner Mongolia, China
- Opening time: 08:00-21:00
- Ticket price: 60RMB
- Time needed: about 4 hours
Gegentala GrasslandĀ Highlights
Gegentala Grassland has been an excellent natural pasture since ancient times. It has a strong and charming grassland characteristicĀ and Mongolian ethnic customs. At the end of July every year, touristsĀ can watch traditional Mongolian ethnic activities such as horse racing, wrestlingĀ andĀ archeryĀ during the grand Nadam Grassland Tourism Festival.
On ordinary days, tourists who come to the Gegentala Grassland can personally experience the nomadic life of the Mongolian people. YouĀ can wear Mongolian robes and boots, ride Mongolian horses galloping or roaming on the grassland, or ride steady camels to enjoy the beautiful grassland sceneryĀ on the camel’s tall back. You can alsoĀ indulge in rich koumissĀ and tastingĀ hand-heldĀ meat. These local delicacies are sure to satisfy your appetite.
What to See and Do in Gegentala Grassland
Opened in 1979, Gegentala Grassland Scenic Area appeals to many people to travel to Inner MongoliaĀ with its vast fertile grassland, breathtaking prairie scenery, colorful and featured Mongolian activities, annual Naadam Festival, and high-quality service…
As a great summer resort, Gegentala Grassland currently has 300 various Mongolian yurts providing accommodation for tourists. The hotel rooms of this kind are quite spacious and furnished with beds, basic amenities and heating systems.
There is also a tour center within the Gegentala Grassland Scenic Area, which can accommodate over 1,000 people at a time.
Stepping on Gegentala Grassland, what you see are lush grass, flocks of sheep, herds of horses, soaring eagles, traditional and modern yurts, as well as the yelling of herdsmen and the singing of skylarks, which look like a dynamic painting bestowed by nature.
Other Wonderful Activties
When you first arrive at the Gegentala Grassland, you will experience a traditional welcoming ceremony – Mongolian people dressed in colorful clothingĀ will wait for you at the entrance, giving you a hada and a glass of wine.
If you like, you can go to the herders’ homes to see the real living conditions of the local Mongolians and experience their real life.
When the sun sets, seize this precious moment and enjoy the sunset as the sunlight disappears from the horizon ofĀ Gegentala Grassland.
At night, stay in a comfortable and unique yurt. Join the bonfire party,Ā and sing and dance with enthusiastic MongoliansĀ during your Inner Mongolia tours.
Try to wake up earlyĀ on the next morning, step out of your yurtĀ andĀ enjoy the beautiful sunrise on theĀ grassland, feelingĀ everything on this vast land brightĀ again.
Best Time to VisitĀ Gegentala Grassland
The best time to visit Gegentala GrasslandĀ is in summer and autumn, especially from June to September. During this period, the grassland is lush and the weather is comfortable, with an average temperature of 18ā – 21ā. This period is perfect for outdoor activities and exploring the stunning natural beauty of the grassland.
Besides, the annual Nadam Festival is usually held in late July and early August, which is the most favorable season for travelling.
GettingĀ to Gegentala Grassland
There is no direct bus from Hohhot to Gegentala Grassland. You can first take a bus from Hohhot Bus Station to Siziwang Banner, and then take a local minibus or rent a car to the Grassland.
Alternatively, you can take a taxi or drive your car from Hohhot City to Gegentala Grassland, which takes about 2.5 hours.
Attractions Nearby Gegentala Grassland
- Xilamuren Grassland: Located around 80 kilometers to the southwest of Gegentala Grassland, Xilamuren Grassland is also a popular tourist destination.
- Dazhao Temple: Situated in Hohhot, Dazhao Temple is one of the oldest and largest temples in Inner Mongolia.
- Inner Mongolia Museum: Located in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia Museumis an excellent place to learn about the history and culture of the region.
Customize your Inner Mongolia tours to Gegentala Grassland >
