Urad Central Banner Prairie Geology Deep Experience
Urad Central Banner, Bayannur City, Inner Mongolia — a hidden realm where prairie blends with geological wonders. A 2-day 1-night itinerary fusing religious culture, geological wonders and nomadic life experience.
23,000 km²
Total Area
Millennium Temple
Xire Temple
Geological Wonder
Prairie Stone Forest
Nomadic Culture
Tonghetai Ranch
Urad Central Banner Two-Day One-Night Prairie Geology Tour
Religious culture + geological wonders + ranch experience, feel the unique charm of the prairie hidden realm
Duration
2 Days / 1 Night
Main Destinations
Xire Temple, Prairie Stone Forest, Wind-Eroded Glacial Potholes, Tonghetai Ranch
Suitable For
Geology enthusiasts, culture explorers, photographers, nature experience seekers
Budget per Person
¥500 - ¥850
01
Culture & Geology
Xire Temple + Prairie Stone Forest
Highlights
Religious pilgrimage and geological wonders
Attractions
Xire Temple
An important Gelug sect Tibetan Buddhist temple, first built during the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty. Three main halls and 108 pagodas remain, making it a significant religious site in western Inner Mongolia.
Prairie Stone Forest
A unique landform created by wind erosion. Stone pillar clusters stretch for 5 kilometers, with the tallest reaching 20 meters, known as the "Devil's City on the Prairie."
Practical Information
Visit Tips
- Keep quiet inside the temple
- Wear non-slip shoes in the stone forest area
- Capture the light and shadow of the stone forest at dusk
Accommodation Recommendations
- Herder's Yurt Homestay
- Hailiutu Town Hotel
- Prairie Star Camp
02
Geology & Ranch
Wind-Eroded Glacial Potholes + Tonghetai Ranch
Highlights
Geological investigation and ranch life
Attractions
Wind-Eroded Glacial Pothole Geopark
Quaternary glacial remnants, featuring hundreds of wind-eroded potholes. The largest pothole measures 8 meters in diameter, serving as an important geological site for studying ancient climates.
Tonghetai Ranch
A traditional nomadic culture experience base. Participate in herding, milking, cheese making and other pastoral activities, experiencing Mongolian nomadic lifestyle.
Practical Information
Experience Suggestions
- Do not climb in the pothole area
- Wear casual clothes for ranch activities
- Learn to make milk tofu
Return Preparation
- Purchase air-dried beef jerky
- Allow ample time for return trip
Must-Try Foods in Urad Central Banner
Hand-Grabbed Lamb (Shou Pa Rou)
A traditional Mongolian delicacy made with premium prairie lamb boiled in plain water, served with wild chive flower sauce. Tender meat with authentic flavor.
Milk Skin (Nai Pi Zi)
A traditional Mongolian dairy product, the fat layer congealed from boiling milk. Rich in nutrition, can be eaten directly or paired with fried rice and milk tea.
Urad Central Banner Travel Tips
Best Season
- June-September: Best travel season
- July-August: Prairie greenery period
- September: Clear autumn weather
Special Reminders
- Respect religious customs
- Protect geological relics
- Follow guidance during ranch activities
Transportation
- Self-driving or charter recommended
- 1-2 hour drive from banner government to attractions
- Complex prairie road conditions; prepare navigation