Top 10 Things to Do in and around Hohhot – the “Green City” in Inner Mongolia

Written by Veronica | Updated October 28,2025

Hohhot is the capital city of Inner Mongolia, meaning “green city” in Mongolian. Only 2 hours away by train from Beijing, it is most famously known for the vast grasslands in and around the city. They are great getaways for those who want a break from city life.

Hohhot is also an attractive tourist destination because of its unique cultural landscape. You will distinctly feel the blend of Mongolian and Han Chinese influences in the many temples and museums. From local cuisines to traditional clothing, the Mongolian and nomadic culture will be something you’ve never experienced before.

If you’re planning your Hohhot tour, we recommend these top 10 things to do in and around Hohhot.

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• 1. Experience Traditional Mongolian Life on Gegentala Grassland
• 2. Experience the Excitement of Horse Racing Festival
• 3. Marvel at the Dazhao Temple
• 4. Take a Step Back in Time at the Inner Mongolia Museum
• 5. Treasure Hunt at the Hohhot Antique Market
• 6. Savor the Flavors of Hohhot’s Local Cuisine​​
• 7. Take a Scenic Hike at the Daqing Mountain
• 8. Admire the Five-Pagoda Temple
• 9. Visit the Hohhot Mosque and Muslim Quarter
• 10. Relax in the Hot Springs at Tumd Left Banner
• Practical Travel Tips for Visitors
• FAQs about Hohhot
• Plan Your Hohhot Grassland Tour with China Xian Tour

1. Experience Traditional Mongolian Life on Gegentala Grassland

One of the most classic things to do in Hohhot is visiting the rolling grasslands. The Gegentala Grassland is just outside of Hohhot. The boundless grassland under a clear sky will make you forget about where you come from and lose yourself in nature’s wonder.

Spend a day or two to fully experience the nomadic lifestyle. Live in a yurt, ride horses, and indulge in a delicious Mongolian barbecue under the stars.

There are other grasslands nearby Hohhot including Huitengxile Grassland and Xilamuren Grassland.

2. Experience the Excitement of Horse Racing Festival

Horse racing is one of the most loved games of the Mongolian people, an integral part of their culture. Get involved with local life by attending a horse racing festival which is held throughout the summer months. Get on the boundless grassland, keep your spirit high, and cheer with the crowd. The incredible skill and agility of both the riders and their steeds will surely impress you.

3. Marvel at the Dazhao Temple

If you’re wondering about what to see in Hohhot, Dazhao Temple is definitely worth a visit. It was built in 1580 during the Ming Dynasty, and is Hohhot’s oldest and largest Buddhist temple. Its magnificent architecture has a blend of Han Chinese and Tibetan styles.

The most impressive features at Dazhao Temple are the “Three Marvelous Treasures.” The Silver Buddha is an 8.2-foot (2.5-meter) tall silver statue of Sakyamuni Buddha. The carved dragons are on the huge golden pillars by the statue. There are also beautifully painted murals on the temple walls.

4. Take a Step Back in Time at the Inner Mongolia Museum

If you want to learn about the history of the region when you travel to Hohhot in Inner Mongolia, pay a visit to the Inner Mongolia Museum. It houses more than 100,000 sets of collections on the history of Inner Mongolia from the Stone Ages till modern times.

There are ancient artifacts from mining, fossils of plant life and dinosaurs, as well as ethnic costumes. Gaining a deeper understanding of the culture and history that have shaped Hohhot city will make your trip more meaningful.

5. Treasure Hunt at the Hohhot Antique Market

The Hohhot Antique Market will present you with plenty of eye-catching items. One of the most fun things to do in Hohhot is to dig through the stands owned by locals for Mongolian handicrafts, such as silver jewelry, leather goods, and colorful textiles. They make unique souvenirs for family and friends.

6. Savor the Flavors of Hohhot’s Local Cuisine

The vast grasslands provide excellent conditions for farming cattle and sheep. When you travel to Hohhot, make sure to try Mongolian special dishes like roasted lamb, milk tea, dumplings, and hand-pulled noodles. Shaomai, in particular, is a type of steamed dumpling filled with juicy meat.

7. Take a Scenic Hike at the Daqing Mountain

Get closer to nature and take a hike in Daqing Mountain. It is only a short drive from Hohhot, and is a National Nature Reserve with lush forests and diverse wildlife. There is a variety of hiking trails to choose from depending on your preference. The panoramic mountain view is gorgeous, especially at sunset.

8. Admire the Five-Pagoda Temple

The Five-Pagoda Temple stands out from all the other temples because of its structure. The five pagodas are built on an elevated base with one in the center and four in the corners. You can climb up to have a closer look at the pagodas and their carvings. In the back of the structure, there is also a fascinating Mongolian astronomical map.

9. Visit the Hohhot Mosque and Muslim Quarter

There is an active Muslim community in Hohhot. Visit the Hohhot Mosque and the nearby Muslim Quarter to get a taste of the local life. The mosque has beautiful architecture that mixes Islamic and Chinese styles. You are welcome to sample some halal dishes in the bustling market.

10. Relax in the Hot Springs at Tumd Left Banner

If you’re considering what to do in Hohhot that won’t take up too much energy. The perfect place is in the mountains in Tumd Left Banner. There are natural hot springs rich in minerals. You can take a day off during your trip and rejuvenate your body and mind. We can also help you with a customized tour to Hohhot in Inner Mongolia here.

√Related reading: Top 12 Things to Do in Inner Mongolia

Practical Travel Tips for Visitors

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Hohhot is May to October. And during this period, mid-July to early September will offer you the best travel experience. The scenery of the grassland is the most attractive with herds of cows and sheep dotted on the green and lush grass. And the annual Nadam Fair is held during this time, where you can enjoy traditional Mongolian sports such as horse racing, wrestling and archery. The strong ethnic atmosphere will enable you to be absorbed into local life.

Getting to and Traveling around

As the transportation hub in Mongolia, the airport, train and road system is well-developed in the city. The air routes of Hohhot Baita International Airport (HET) cover the majority of most cities in China and some international cities like Ulaanbaatar and Russia. As for trains, Hohhot East Railway Station is a high-speed train station and Hohhot Railway Station operates some normal trains and a few bullet trains.

For travel in the downtown area, metro and shared electric car or ride-hailing will be the perfect combination. Though there are only 2 subway lines in operation in Hohhot now, the system has covered the two train stations and the core areas inside the city. Shared electric car is a very popular local transportation. You can see it everywhere. If you go to the places near you, do not forget to try it. As for travel to the surrounding scenic spots, chartered bus is the most recommended and free choice.

How Many Days to Stay

Since the scenic spots in the downtown area are not far from each other, 1 – 2 days is enough to cover the essence. A classic itinerary will usually include the surrounding grasslands, deserts or volcanoes, which will need 2 – 5 days. So in total, it is advised to enjoy a stay in Hohhot for 3 – 7 days.

Recommended Hohhot tours:

4 Days Hohhot and Xilamuren Grassland Tour

7 Days Inner Mongolia Tour with Daqing Mountain Hike

FAQs about Hohhot

What is the best way to get from Beijing to Hohhot?

Undoubtedly, the high-speed train is the first choice. There are over 40 trains from Beijing to Hohhot every day. And most trains take only about 2.5 hours. So it is very convenient for travelers.

Which grasslands are the most recommended to visit near Hohhot?

If your time is limited, Chilechuan Grassland and Xilamuren Grassland are closest to the city center. For tourists seeking natural scenery and an in-depth experience, Huitengxile Grassland is famous for its unique scenery of alpine meadow and Ordos Grassland is the best place to indulge in Mongolian cultural performances.

What are the must-try Mongolian dishes in Hohhot besides roasted lamb?

For the main meals, try the hand-served mutton. The mutton with bones is boiled with clear water only, and then served with garlic chive flower sauce together. Another must-try dish is Mongolian pot tea made of freshly stir-fried rice, milk skin, and beef jerky. After pouring into the salty milk tea, it can be enjoyed. Or taste scrambled egg with goldball onion. Goldball Onion is a wild vegetable unique to Inner Mongolia. Other characteristic snacks are mutton Shumai, milk skin roll, etc.

Are there any specific local customs or etiquette I should be aware of, especially when visiting temples or grasslands?

When entering the temple, revealing clothes like shorts and vests are not permitted. And during the visit, keep quiet and ask for permission before taking photos. The first taboo for a grassland tour is not step on the threshold when entering the yurt. Other important matters include not washing hands, showering or throwing dirty items in the river and not touching the head of any kid.

Plan Your Hohhot Grassland Tour with China Xian Tour

Do you want to escape from the city bustle and immerse in the picturesque scenery of the grassland? Follow China Xian Tour to enjoy a leisurely Inner Mongolia tour with Hohhot. Our guide will take you to experience the unique folk customs. Also, you can ride a horse to explore the vast grassland. Of course, we can plan or adjust a tour based on your demands. So do not hesitate to contact us!