Inner Mongolia Travel

Inner Mongolia, the vast northern frontier of China, boasts magnificent natural landscapes and unique Mongolian culture. From the Hulunbuir prairie to the Xiangshawan desert, from Genghis Khan's mausoleum to the Ejina populus forest, every corner reveals its distinctive charm.

12
Prefecture-level divisions
103
County-level divisions
6
5A scenic spots
200+
Cultural heritage sites

Explore Cities & Leagues of Inner Mongolia

Inner Mongolia 5-Day Prairie & Desert Cultural Journey

Explore Hohhot's history, experience Xilamuren grassland yurt life, feel the thrill of Xiangshawan desert, savor Mongolian cuisine, and witness the grandeur of Inner Mongolia's steppe and sand dunes.

Duration
5 days / 4 nights
Destinations
Hohhot, Xilamuren, Xiangshawan
Suitable for
Nature lovers, culture explorers
Budget per person
¥2800-¥3800
01
Hohhot Cultural Tour
Inner Mongolia Museum · Dazhao Temple · Saishang Old Street
Highlights

Arrive in Hohhot, capital of Inner Mongolia. Visit the Inner Mongolia Museum to learn about prairie history and culture, explore the Tibetan Buddhist Dazhao Temple, and in the evening stroll along Saishang Old Street to taste authentic Mongolian dishes.

Attractions
Inner Mongolia Museum
Comprehensive museum showcasing Inner Mongolia's history, culture and natural resources. Learn about the development of prairie civilization.
Dazhao Temple
The earliest built lamasery in Hohhot, featuring Sino-Tibetan architecture and housing numerous cultural relics.
Saishang Old Street
Historical street with Ming-Qing style architecture. Taste specialties like hand-grabbed mutton and milk tea, shop for ethnic handicrafts.
Practical Info
Accommodation
  • Shangri-La Hohhot
  • Inner Mongolia Hotel
  • Jinjiang International Hotel
Food Recommendations
  • Gerile Amma Milk Tea House
  • Deshun Yuan Shaomai
  • Mongolian Yurt Hand-Grabbed Mutton
Tips
  • Large temperature difference between day and night; keep warm
  • Respect minority customs
  • Museum closed on Mondays; plan ahead
02
Xilamuren Grassland Experience
Horseback Riding · Nadam Performance · Yurt Stay
Highlights

Head to Xilamuren grassland, enjoy horseback riding, watch traditional Nadam performances (wrestling, horse racing, archery), taste roasted whole lamb, stay overnight in a Mongolian yurt, join a bonfire party and admire the starry sky.

Attractions
Xilamuren Grassland
Typical highland meadow, lush green in summer. Experience nomadic life.
Nadam Fair
Traditional Mongolian festival featuring the "three manly arts" – wrestling, horse racing and archery.
Yurt Experience
Stay in a traditional Mongolian yurt, experience nomadic lifestyle and join a bonfire party.
Practical Info
Tickets
  • Grassland scenic area: ¥80
  • Horseback riding: ¥150-300/hour
  • Nadam performance: ¥120
Opening Hours
  • Open all day
  • Best time: June-September
  • Nadam shows: 10:00, 15:00
Tips
  • Strong UV on grassland; use sunscreen
  • Respect herders' customs; do not trample grass
  • Yurt accommodation is basic; bring personal items
03
Xiangshawan Desert Adventure
Desert Surfing · Camel Riding · Ordos Wedding
Itinerary Highlights

Head to the Xiangshawan Scenic Area in the Kubuqi Desert to experience desert surfing cars, camel riding, watch the Ordos Wedding performance, and feel the wonderful combination of desert and grassland.

Attraction Arrangement
Xiangshawan (Singing Sand Bay)
China's largest desert tourist area, famous for its "singing" sand, offering unique desert entertainment experiences.
Desert Entertainment
Thrilling activities such as desert surfing cars, camel riding, sand sliding, experiencing the unique charm of the desert.
Ordos Wedding
A national intangible cultural heritage, experience the unique rituals of traditional Mongolian weddings.
Practical Information
Ticket Information
  • Xiangshawan Entrance Ticket: ¥130
  • Camel Riding: ¥100 per ride
  • Desert Surfing Car: ¥80 per ride
Opening Hours
  • 8:00-18:30
  • Best Time to Visit: April-October
  • Wedding Performance: 11:00, 15:00
Travel Tips
  • The desert has strong wind and sand, prepare wind and sand protection gear
  • Pay attention to sun protection and hydration
  • Protect cameras and other equipment from sand and dust
04
Genghis Khan Mausoleum & Kangbashi
Genghis Khan Mausoleum · Kangbashi New District · Ordos Museum
Itinerary Highlights

Visit the Genghis Khan Mausoleum to learn about the historical achievements of the great conqueror. Tour Ordos Kangbashi New District, visit the uniquely designed Ordos Museum, and experience the development of a modern grassland city.

Attraction Arrangement
Genghis Khan Mausoleum
A sacred site for Mongolians, the mausoleum dedicated to Genghis Khan, showcasing the glorious history of the Mongol Empire.
Kangbashi New District
A modern city on the grassland, known as "China's loneliest city" with unique architectural styles.
Ordos Museum
Shaped like a huge rock, displaying the historical culture and natural resources of the Ordos region.
Practical Information
Ticket Information
  • Genghis Khan Mausoleum: ¥120
  • Ordos Museum: Free
Recommended Cuisine
  • Ordos Roast Lamb Chops
  • Mongolian Fried Pancakes
  • Scrambled Eggs with Sand Onion
Travel Tips
  • Photography is prohibited inside the mausoleum, respect sacrificial customs
  • Kangbashi New District is large, car rental is recommended for sightseeing
  • The museum is closed on Mondays
05
Wudangzhao Monastery & Return Trip
Wudangzhao Monastery · Inner Mongolia Specialties · Return Trip
Itinerary Highlights

Visit Wudangzhao Monastery, the largest Tibetan Buddhist temple in Inner Mongolia, purchase local specialties such as beef jerky and dairy products, then head to the airport/station according to your return schedule to end the pleasant grassland trip.

Attraction Arrangement
Wudangzhao Monastery
The largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Inner Mongolia, known as the "Potala Palace on the Grassland".
Mengliang Ethnic Customs Park
Purchase Inner Mongolia specialty products and watch the production process of ethnic handicrafts.
Practical Information
Ticket Information
  • Wudangzhao Monastery: ¥60
Recommended Specialties
  • Air-Dried Beef Jerky
  • Dairy Products (Cheese, Milk Skin)
  • Mongolian Handicrafts
Return Trip Suggestions
  • Hohhot Baita Airport is about 14 km from the urban area
  • Ordos Ejin Horo Airport is about 20 km from the urban area
  • Allow sufficient time for check-in procedures
Inner Mongolia Travel Tips
Best Travel Time
  • May-October: Best season for grassland travel
  • July-August: Grasslands are greenest, climate is pleasant
  • September-October: Charming autumn scenery, golden Populus euphratica forests
Must-Try Cuisine
  • Hand-Grasped Meat (Traditional Mongolian Cuisine)
  • Roast Whole Lamb (Grassland Feast)
  • Milk Tea (Salty Mongolian Milk Tea)
  • Milk Curd (Traditional Dairy Product)
  • Naked Oat Noodles (Inner Mongolia Specialty Noodles)
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: Approximately ¥500-700
  • Accommodation: ¥300-500 per night
  • Catering: ¥100-180 per day
  • Transportation: ¥600-900
  • Total: ¥2800-3800