Inner Mongolia, Northern China
Inner Mongolia, an autonomous region of China, is a vast and diverse area characterized by sweeping grasslands, deserts, and a rich blend of Mongolian and Chinese cultures. It is famous for its nomadic traditions, unique landscapes, and ethnic Mongolian influences, offering travelers a distinctly different experience from other parts of China. Here’s a detailed guide to its attractions, food, and nightlife.
Tourist Attractions in Inner Mongolia
Hulunbuir Grasslands (呼伦贝尔大草原)
- Description: One of the most beautiful and well-preserved grasslands in the world, Hulunbuir is known for its lush greenery in summer and traditional Mongolian yurts. Visitors can experience nomadic culture, ride horses, and take in vast open landscapes.
- Highlights: Horseback riding, staying in traditional yurts, local Mongolian performances, and experiencing the grassland lifestyle.
- Entrance Fee: Free to visit the grasslands, but yurts and horseback riding may have fees (¥100-¥300 depending on the activity).
- Opening Hours: Open year-round, though summer (June-August) is the best time to visit for the green landscapes.
- How to Get There: Fly to Hailar (Hulunbuir) Airport from major Chinese cities like Beijing or take a train. From Hailar, you can take a bus or taxi to the grasslands (1–2 hours away).
Xilamuren Grassland (希拉穆仁草原)
- Description: Located closer to the provincial capital, Hohhot, Xilamuren is a famous tourist destination offering visitors the chance to experience Mongolian yurts, horse riding, and traditional Mongolian wrestling and archery.
- Highlights: Yurt accommodations, camel and horse rides, traditional Mongolian singing and wrestling performances.
- Entrance Fee: The grassland itself is free, but activities like yurt stays and horse riding cost extra (¥100-¥300).
- Opening Hours: Open all year, with summer and autumn being the best times to visit.
- How to Get There: Take a bus or taxi from Hohhot (90 km, about 1.5 hours).
Genghis Khan Mausoleum (成吉思汗陵)
- Description: This site is a memorial to the famous Mongolian emperor, Genghis Khan. Although his actual burial site is unknown, this mausoleum serves as a place to honor his legacy and influence. The site includes statues, exhibitions about his life, and Mongolian cultural performances.
- Highlights: Statues of Genghis Khan, exhibitions on his life, and Mongolian ceremonies honoring him.
- Entrance Fee: ¥120.
- Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
- How to Get There: Located near Ordos city, you can take a bus or taxi from the city center, about 50 km (1 hour) away.
Kubuqi Desert (库布齐沙漠)
- Description: Kubuqi is China’s seventh-largest desert and offers visitors a range of desert experiences, from camel rides to sandboarding and desert safaris. The Xiangshawan scenic area (Resonant Sand Gorge) is especially popular for its “singing sands,” where the dunes create a sound when the wind blows over them.
- Highlights: Sandboarding, camel riding, desert hiking, and the unique “singing sand” phenomenon.
- Entrance Fee: ¥150 for Xiangshawan Scenic Area.
- Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
- How to Get There: Located in the Dalad Banner of Ordos, you can take a bus from Baotou (2-3 hours), or join a desert tour from Hohhot or Ordos.
Hohhot City and Dazhao Temple (大召寺)
- Description: Hohhot, the capital of Inner Mongolia, is a cultural and historical hub. The Dazhao Temple is the oldest and most famous Tibetan Buddhist temple in the city, dating back to the Ming Dynasty. It houses a silver Buddha and intricate Mongolian art.
- Highlights: Tibetan architecture, religious relics, and historical exhibits.
- Entrance Fee: ¥35.
- Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
- How to Get There: The temple is located in downtown Hohhot, accessible by local bus or taxi.
Badain Jaran Desert (巴丹吉林沙漠)
- Description: Known for its spectacular dunes, some of which are over 500 meters tall, Badain Jaran Desert also features stunning saltwater lakes scattered among the dunes. It is a great place for photography and adventure tourism.
- Highlights: Tall sand dunes, hidden lakes, and desert trekking.
- Entrance Fee: ¥80-¥120, depending on activities.
- Opening Hours: Open all day, best visited from April to October.
- How to Get There: The desert can be accessed from the city of Alxa in Inner Mongolia. From there, you can join a desert tour or hire a jeep.
How to Get Around Inner Mongolia
- Flights: Major cities like Hohhot, Baotou, and Ordos have airports with flights connecting to Beijing, Shanghai, and other large cities in China.
- Trains: China’s rail network reaches most of Inner Mongolia’s major cities. High-speed trains connect Hohhot with Beijing and Baotou.
- Buses: Inner Mongolia has an extensive bus network connecting cities and tourist sites. Buses are the most affordable way to travel but can take longer than trains.
- Private Car/Taxi: Renting a car or hiring a taxi is a good option for reaching more remote areas like grasslands and deserts. However, be prepared for long distances between attractions.
Popular Local Food in Inner Mongolia
Roast Lamb (烤全羊): The iconic dish of Inner Mongolia, featuring a whole roasted lamb prepared with Mongolian spices. This dish is often served at large gatherings and festivals.
- Recommended Spot: Many restaurants in the Xilamuren and Hulunbuir grasslands serve this dish as part of a traditional Mongolian meal.
Milk Tea (奶茶): Mongolian milk tea is a savory drink made from tea, milk, and salt. It is a staple in the diet of Mongolian nomads and often served with fried dough or dumplings.
- Recommended Spot: Local restaurants in Hohhot and around the grasslands.
Shaomai (烧卖): A type of steamed dumpling filled with lamb or beef, popular in the region. The Inner Mongolian version has a distinct flavor, often with thicker dough and more intense seasonings.
- Recommended Spot: Xinhua Shaomai in Hohhot.
Mongolian Yoghurt (蒙古酸奶): A traditional fermented dairy product with a rich and tangy taste. It’s often eaten as a dessert or snack.
- Recommended Spot: Found in most local restaurants and markets.
Mutton Hotpot (羊肉火锅): Inner Mongolia is famous for its high-quality mutton, and the local hotpot is a must-try. The meat is cooked in a broth and eaten with a variety of dipping sauces.
- Recommended Spot: Hotpot restaurants in Hohhot or Baotou.
Top Nightlife Spots in Inner Mongolia
Laochenggen Bar Street (老城根酒吧街) – Hohhot
- Description: This area in Hohhot is known for its vibrant nightlife, with a variety of bars and clubs offering both live music and dance floors. It’s popular with both locals and tourists.
- How to Get There: Located in the Yuquan District, accessible by taxi or bus.
- Entrance Fee: Varies by venue, with no entrance fee for most bars.
- Happy Hours: Typically from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with discounts on beer and cocktails.
99 Bar – Hohhot
- Description: A lively bar with a laid-back atmosphere, 99 Bar serves a mix of local and Western drinks. It’s a popular hangout spot for young people and travelers.
- How to Get There: Located near Hohhot’s Central Street.
- Entrance Fee: No entrance fee.
- Happy Hours: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, with discounted drinks.
Erguna Bar District – Hulunbuir
- Description: A small but lively collection of bars located near the Erguna River in Hulunbuir. It’s a great spot to relax after a day on the grasslands.
- How to Get There: Located in the Erguna City center.
- Entrance Fee: Free entry to most bars.
- Happy Hours: Typically 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM, with drink specials.
Club TNT – Baotou
- Description: One of the most popular nightclubs in Baotou, Club TNT offers a high-energy experience with live DJs, dancing, and neon lights.
- How to Get There: Located in Kun District, Baotou.
- Entrance Fee: ¥50-¥100.
- Happy Hours: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with half-priced cocktails.
When to Visit Inner Mongolia
- Best Time: The best time to visit is from May to October, especially during the summer months when the grasslands are at their greenest, and traditional Mongolian festivals take place. Winter, though cold, offers unique experiences like ice skating and winter camel riding in the desert.
Inner Mongolia offers a rich blend of nature, history, and culture, with enough attractions to cater to adventurers and culture enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re visiting the grasslands, exploring deserts, or soaking in the vibrant culture of its cities, Inner Mongolia promises a unique travel experience.