Written by Natalia |
If you are longing for galloping on a boundless grassland, donāt hesitate to take an Inner Mongolia travel. Itās a vast and unspoiled autonomous region on the northern frontier of China, where unadorned landscapes reveal natureās most primal splendor.
Over 240,000 square kilometers of Hulunbuir GrasslandĀ stretch endlessly, the sand dunes in Badain Jaran Desert are sculpted into vivid curves by the wind, and long-live Euphrates Poplar forests turn into a golden sea each autumn…
Here you can ride a horse alongside seasoned herders, watch the starlit sky in the desert, and enjoy steamy boiled mutton and salted milk tea. Everything exudes authentic charm that is rooted from the long-standing nomadic culture and ethnic minority customs.
Not sure how to plan an Inner Mongolia trip? Please continue your reading to find the most reliable answers.
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- Why Visit Inner Mongolia?Ā Is It Worth the Trip?
- Inner Mongolia Weather and Best Time to Visit
- Top Attractions and Best Places to Visit in Inner Mongolia
- Top Experiences and Activities in Inner Mongolia
- How to Get to and Travel Around Inner MongoliaĀ
- Inner Mongolia Itinerary: How Many Days Are Enough?
- Accommodation in Inner Mongolia: Where to Stay
- What to Pack for an Inner MongoliaĀ Tour
- Travel Tips for Inner Mongolia
- Plan Your Inner Mongolia Adventure with China Xian Tour
Why Visit Inner Mongolia?Ā Is It Worth the Trip?
Inner Mongolia is definitely an ideal travel destination that has unparalleled charm. Its core appeal is far more than the grasslands, but also lies in many other aspects less-known to the crowds.
What to expect during an Inner Mongolia travel?
- World-class grasslands.
- Mysterious deserts.
- Profound nomadic culture of Mongolian flavor.
- Unique interactive experiences: watch horse riding and wrestling races, try sheep shearing, cookmilk tea, enjoy Mongolian music and dance performances…
- Characteristic accommodation: traditional Mongolian yurts.
- Mouthwatering food: instant-boiled mutton, roast lamb, and various milk products…
Inner Mongolia Weather and Best Time to Visit
Inner Mongolia is featured by four distinctive seasons. Itās dry and has a low rainfall throughout the year. You can expect frequent sunny days in any season. The perceived temperature varies greatly between day and night. Summer is short and cool while winter is long and cold.
Many will ask when is theĀ best time to visit Inner Mongolia. Actually, if you want to travel weather-wise, summer from June to August is the top pick. During this time, the grasses are the greenest and the weather is amazingly comfortable. The NaadamĀ Fair, the grandest event in Inner Mongolia, annually takes place in July or August, making your trip more rewarding.
Autumn in Inner Mongolia is also very enchanting. When the poplar forests gradually turn golden, many enthusiastic photographers will come here to capture the splendid scenes with their cameras.
Top Attractions and Best Places to Visit in Inner Mongolia
Hulunbuir Grassland ā The Soul of Inner Mongolia
Anytime we plan an Inner Mongolia trip, the Hulunbuir GrasslandĀ cannot be omitted. Why? Itās not only one of the most representative Inner Mongolia grasslands, but also a symbol of freedom and romance. The vast boundless greenness offers a retreat from the bustling modern life. Rivers meander through the grassland quietly.
What you can expect is close contact with Mother Nature and pure herdsmen. Stretch yourself on the gentle soft meadow, under the brilliant blue sky scattered with clouds. What a cozy experience!
Meanwhile, the grassland gives you an opportunity to experience the excitement of life on horseback. You can participate in wrestling, archery and horse races, just like an ancient warrior!
A casual stroll along the riverbanks is also relaxing to admire the tranquility and beauty of nature.
Recommended Hulunbuir Grassland Tour
Hohhot ā Capital of Culture and Religion
As the capital city, Hohhot is always the first stop to explore Inner Mongolia. The word Hohhot is adopted from Mongolian and literally means Green City. The Xilamuren Grassland is merely 1.5 hoursāĀ drive.
Owning a history of over 2,400 years, Hohhot also boasts influential historical sites including Zhaojun Tomb and Dazhao Temple, a Tibetan Buddhist temple famous for the silver Buddha, intricate dragon carvings, and murals. After the cultural tour, treat your stomach at the Sai Shang Old Street, a Qing-dynasty-style street filled with snack stalls and shops.
Kubuqi Desert ā Camel Rides and Sand Dunes
Listed as the 7thĀ largest desert in China, KubiqiĀ is not a forgotten sea of land, but a green miracle witnessing how humans have turned one-third of the golden dunes into lush oases.
You can drive on the worldās longest desert highway to appreciate the undulating sand dunes. Many also choose to experience desert safaris by camel rides, just like ancient Silk Road traders.
If you want to hear the singing of sands, visit Xiangshawan, aka Resonant Dune Bay. As you slide down the towering dunes or when the wind blows the sands, the dunes emit a deep humming sound. The thunderous natural echos are often compared to a natural symphony. In the Seven-Star Lake, you can see the extraordinary sight of desert, oasis, and lake coexisting while learning about Chinaās achievements in sand control.
Xilamuren Grassland ā Yurt Stays and Horse Riding
XilamurenĀ is the closest grassland from Hohhot, the gateway to Inner Mongolia. It is easily accessible but not overly touristy. The grasses might be not as lush as you imagine, yet it perfectly embodies the essence of grassland culture.
When in Rome, do as the Romans do. In the morning, follow the herders on motorcycles or horses to drive the cattle and sheep, milk the cows by hand and learn to make milk curd.
In the late afternoon, gather dried cow dung and make a fire with it; and in the evening, sit in front of the yurt, listening to the herders tell grassland stories while watching the sunset dye the flocks of sheep into golden.
Night on grassland is always quiet and starry. You can sleep in a comfortable improved yurt. One day trip to experience the carefree nomadic life finally ends.
Recommended tour
Arxan National Forest Park ā Volcanic Landscapes and Lakes
This is the largest volcanic lava landscape of China as well as a geopark acknowledged by the UNESCO. Stepping into this park, you will find black basalt that has cooled for millions of years beneath your feet. The Shitang Forest is as desolate and magnificent as the surface of the moon.
At the volcanic craters, rainwater gathers to form dozens of pools and lakes, like big drops of blue tears of the earth. Among them, the most eye-catching is the Heavenly Pool. One needs to climb 998 steps to see its true appearance – this solemn ceremony itself is a pilgrimage to nature.
The hot spring clusters make Arxan an appealing winter resort. The Halaha River keeps flowing vibrantly, even in the harsh winter of -30Ā°C. Mist rises over the water surface, and crystal clear rime condenses on both banks, creating a dreamlike kingdom of ice.
Badain Jaran Desert ā Extreme Natural Curves Sculpted by Nature
Badain Jaran DesertĀ lies in Alxa League and ranks as the worldās 4thĀ desert in terms of area. Compared with Kubuqi Desert, it is more like an ultimate challenge for real adventurers, shutterbugs, and those who seeking natural wonders.
Here wind cuts blade-like sand ridges and smooth rolling sand dunes, like a magic hand. What makes Badain Jaran one of the best places to visit in Inner Mongolia is the Bilutu Peak. Being the tallest stationary sandy peak in the world, Bilutu is hailed as the Desert Everest. At its summit, you can see colorful lakes scattered in the desert. They present dreamy colors such as blue, pink, and milky white due to different mineral contents.
Ejina ā Annual Resplendent Populus Euphratica Forest
Speaking of seasonal attractions in Inner Mongolia, the Populus Euphratica Forest in EjinaĀ is always on the list. Each year from September 25 to October 20, tourists will throng to Ejina to participate in this visual feast. The core charm lies in the everlasting legend of poplar forests.
Itās said that they can keep alive for 1,000 years, do not collapse for 1,000 years after death and do not decay for another 1,000 years after collapsing.
The travel is a pilgrimage that requires favorable timing and location. In Erdaoqiao and Sidaoqiao, the living golden trees shine brightly, forming a pastoral oil painting with the blue sky and their reflections in the water.
While in Heicheng, the withered poplar trees stand in the desert in weird postures, showcasing the tenacity of life. The silhouettes are ideal materials for terrific photos.
Recommended tour with Badain Jaran Desert and Ejina
Xilingol ā A Blend of Natural Wonders and Nomadic Culture
Xilingol League owns the largest natural grassland in China. In summer, the vast grasslands are filled with greenery and the winding Ulagai River outlines the beautiful curves of Jiuqu Bay.
In winter, it transforms into a paradise of ice and snow. The most unforgettable experience is to attend the grand Naadam Fair on Xilingol Grassland and watch the thrilling races of horse riding, wrestling and archery. You can also dress in the traditional Mongolian costumes and participate in the bonfire parties.
Nevertheless, Xilingol is not merely about grassland. You can also pay a visit to the Site of Xanadu, the palace for the emperor to escape summer heat and handle with state affairs during the Yuan Dynasty.
Top Experiences and Activities in Inner Mongolia
- Grassland Tours:Horse riding / galloping; self-driving through grassland roads; yurt stay; hiking; grass sliding…
- Desert Treks:Camel trekking; hiking; off-road jeep tours across the desert; sand boarding; stargazing; camping…
- Adventures to Forests, Volcanoes, and Lakes:hiking; observing diverse landforms; hot spring baths; taking in autumn colors; watching birds in wetlands; capturing sunrise and sunset moments at lakeside…
- Cultural Experiences:Local family visit; milking cows; feeding lambs; boiling milk tea; learning Mongolian; wearing Mongolian robes to take photos; listening to horse-head fiddle and long tune folk song performances; attending Naadam Fair…
How to Get to and Travel Around Inner Mongolia
How to Get to
Considering the vast area of Inner Mongolia (about three times to the area of France) and the scattered scenic spots, selecting the best way to travel is essential for planning a trip to Inner Mongolia. First, fly to a major city in China, and then transfer to your base city by train or flight.
Flights:
Flying to Inner Mongolia is the most time-saving way to get there, but you need to first decide which city to land at. Choose Hailar for the eastern grasslands in Hulunbuir, Hohhot for the central region, and Ordos or Yinchuan for the western desert.
Daily flights to Hohhot Baita Airport from major cities like Beijing (1h15min), Shanghai (2.5h), and Xiāan (1.5h) are frequent and fast. If going to Hailar, you may need to take a stopover, so the travel length might be longer, but itās still very convenient.
Trains:
Beijing is conveniently connected with Hohhot by high speed trains for a ride of only 2-2.5 hours. Actually Taiyuan, Xiāan and Shanghai also have high speed train to Hohhot and Baotou. But itās not that recommended if you depart from Shanghai as the train ride is too long.
There are night sleeper trains from cities like Beijing, Harbin, and Shenyang that go directly to Hohhot, Hailar, and Baotou, suitable for travelers who have plenty of time and want to experience the “grassland train”.
If you plan to visit Arxan, do not miss Arxan Railway Station. Despite its small scale, the station in Japanese style is a web star known as the most beautiful railway station in China.
How to Travel Around
Travelling around Inner MongoliaĀ by public transportation can be challenging due to its vast area and the long distance between each scenic spots. Local long-distance buses mainly shuttle between major cities, so they might not meet your demands. The commonest way to travel around is self-driving. Rent a chauffeured car if you are not familiar with road conditions or travelling to remote areas. Below is a table showing the comparisons.
Route |
Distance |
Self-driving/Car Renting |
Train |
Flight |
Hohhot ā Hulunbuir (Hailar) |
1,800km |
Not practical. |
24-30 hours for a night sleeper train; CNY 400-500 |
2 hours; CNY 1,000-1,800 during peak season, CNY 500-800 during off season |
Hohhot ā Ordos (Xiangshawan) |
200km |
2.5-3 hours; CNY 200-400 per person |
None. |
None. |
Hailar ā Manzhouli |
200km |
2.5-3 hours; CNY 600-800 for a single-way trip |
2-2.5 hours for a normal speed train; CNY 30 |
None. |
Hailar ā Arzan |
300km |
4-5 hours; CNY 800-1,000 for a whole day trip |
4-5 hours for a normal speed train; CNY 50 |
None. |
Yinchuan ā Alxa (Badain Jaran Desert) |
120km |
1.5-2 hours;CNY 500-800 for a single-way trip |
None. |
None. |
In fact, theĀ most hassle-free and cost-efficient way is joining a guided Inner Mongolia tour. We will have everything prearranged for you to guarantee a smooth trip at an affordable price.
Inner Mongolia Itinerary: How Many Days Are Enough?
If you ask me how many days to spend in Inner Mongolia, I would say at least 3-4 days. But this is only for a quick glance of the essence. A classic in-depth exploration may take 7-10 days.
3ā4 days: Hohhot City Tour + Grassland + Desert
For tourists on a rushed schedule, 3-4 days are enough for a tour around the top attractions in Hohhot and its nearby Xilamuren Grassland and Kubuqi Desert.
Day 1: Inner Mongolia Museum – Dazhao Temple – Sai Shang Old Street
Day 2: Xilamuren Grassland
Day 3: Return to Hohhot – Kubuqi Desert – Xiangshawan
Day 4: Return to Hohhot in the afternoon
Recommended Tour
6ā9Ā days: Fulfil the Hulunbuir Loop Line
The relatively long time allows you to complete the loop line starting from Hailar. On this way, you will pass by the grasslands, forests, wetlands, and Sino-Russian border.
Day 1: Hailar – Hulunbuir National Museum
Day 2: Moergel River – Ergun Wetland – Genhe City
Day 3: Aoluguya Reindeer Tribe – Mordaoga National Forest Park – Shiwei
Day 4: Border Highway – Heishantou
Day 5: Visit a Herder’s Family – Horseback Riding – Manzhouli
Day 6: Manzhouli Border Gate – Matryoshka Doll Square – Hulun Lake
Day 7: New Barag Prairie – Arxan National Forest Park
Day 8: Camel Hump Lake – Azalea Lake – Return to Hailar
Recommended Tour
10+ days: Extend Your Trip to Xilingol & Chifeng
On the basis of the 8-day Inner Mongolia itinerary above, add a few days to explore Xilingol & Chifeng.
Day 9 & Day 10: Drive from Arxan to Xilinhot, appreciate Wulagai Grassland on the way
Day 11 & Day 12: Explore Heshigeten Global Geopark
Day 13: Leave from Chifeng Airport
Must-Try Inner Mongolia Food
Inner Mongolia cuisine centers around beef, mutton, and dairy products, with rich and thick flavors that reflect the characteristics of nomadic life. Itās a paradise for meat lovers. Lamb and beef appear on almost every restaurantās menu.
The must-eat dishes are:
- Roasted whole lamb:A ceremonial dish with crispy skin and tender meat, usually requiring booking.
- Salty milk tea:A daily necessity for local nomads. Boiled brick tea with milk, salt, stir-fried rice, and milk skin.
- Hand-pulledlamb:Ā Stewed lamb served together with leek flower dipping sauce.
- Dairy snacks:fermented milk tofu, chewy and slightly sour; crispy milk skin, often paired with tea.
Please follow traditional dining etiquetteĀ to not offend others. Take your seat according to the hostās arrangement. If someone serves you food, please accept it with both hands. Leave a little tea in your bowl. Do not drink it all.
Accommodation in Inner Mongolia: Where to Stay
During an Inner Mongolia trip, you will experience different styles of accommodation. This makes your tour more unique and worthwhile. In major cities like Hohhot, Baotou, Chifeng and Hailar, you can expect standard city hotels.
While visiting the grasslands, the traditional yurts are the most common options. Nowadays, the yurts have been improved greatly and are usually equipped with a separate bathroom and air conditioner. However, in the hinterland of deserts, the accommodation condition is not ideal because separate bathrooms are rare.
If you travel to Sino-Russian borders in Manzhouli and Ergun, you may stay in the wood houses of Russian style.
Booking tips:
- Please book a yurt in advance if your travel is in July and August.
- Confirm if there is a separate bathroom, hotel water supply, air conditioning when booking a yurt.
What to Pack for an Inner MongoliaĀ Tour
- Essentials: layered clothes, sunscreen, power bank,tripods,Ā travel insurance.
- A pair of high top sand-proof shoes and a pair of lightweight shoes.
- Windproof facial mask and headgear.
- Plastic bags for electronic devices.
- If travelling in summer, bring mosquito repellent and anti-itching lotion. Consider using mosquito nets for Mongolian yurt stay.
- Take small amounts of cash in the event that mobile payments are not available.
Travel Tips for Inner Mongolia
- Respect local Mongolian customs.Do not step on the threshold. Donāt waste food. If someone toasts to you, itās impolite to refuse. If you cannot drink, please use tea instead.
- Bring cash or use WeChat Pay/Alipay.WeChat Pay and Alipay are mostly accepted, but cash is also necessary. In some remote areas, it might be used.
- Learn simple Chinese phrases.It can help to avoid misunderstandings.
- Avoid visiting during major sandstorms or heavy snow.Try to schedule your trip in summer and autumn to avoid the sandstorm in spring and heavy snow in winter. They may badly impact your travel experience.
Plan Your Inner Mongolia Adventure with China Xian Tour
Canāt wait to embark on your Inner Mongolia adventure tour? The grasslands, deserts, and hospitable nomads are always waiting for your arrival. Book an Inner Mongolia tour from China Xian Tour, you will enjoy a trip as smooth as you expect. Our professional travel consultants will offer you a wonderful quote according to your requirements.
