Xilingol League Travel

Inner Mongolia Xilingol — the core area of China's most beautiful grasslands, a perfect combination of border and grassland customs. Tour Xilinhot, visit Erenhot, explore Ul Gai, and experience authentic nomadic life.

180,000 km²
Grassland Area
2
Border Ports
50+
Intangible Heritage Items
Horse Capital of China
City Reputation

Xilingol League Travel by District, City and Banner

Xilinhot City

League Government Seat

Beizi TempleXilin Nine BendsPingdingshan Volcano Group
Erenhot City

Border Port City

National Gate Scenic AreaDinosaur GeoparkYilin Relay Station Ruins
Abaga Banner

Grassland Secret Realm

Hongger GaoleAbaga Volcano GroupBeligutai Cultural Park
Sonid Left Banner

Desert Steppe Area

Baoder Stone ForestChagan Oboo TempleSonid Grassland
Sonid Right Banner

Camel Culture Area

Wenduer AlshanSaihantala Hot SpringSonid Prince Mansion
East Ujimqin Banner

Core Grassland Area

Ejin Nur Salt LakeNailingolUliyasitai Mountain
West Ujimqin Banner

Nomadic Culture Area

Mongol Khan CityUlan WutaiNomadic Tribe
Taibus Banner

Farming-Pastoral Transition Zone

Imperial Horse RanchStone Strip MountainGongbolag Grassland
Xianghuang Banner

Chahar Culture Area

Hongger ObooHayin Hairwa TempleXianghuang Banner Grassland
Zhengxiangbai Banner

Sandy Grassland Area

Mingantu PlanetariumHunsandak Sandy LandStar Glitter Grassland
Zhenglan Banner

Yuan Culture Core Area

Shangdu Yuan Dynasty SiteGolden Lotus GrasslandSmall Zagestai Nur
Duolun County

Lake and Forest Area

Duolun LakeGirl LakeHuizong Temple
Ul Gai Management Area

Grassland Wetland Reserve

Ul Gai LakeNine Bend RiverBuling Spring

Xilingol League Four Days Three Nights Grassland Border Deep Tour

Grassland metropolis + border port + wetland secret realm + nomadic culture, experience the purest Mongolian customs

Duration
4 Days 3 Nights
Main Destinations
Xilinhot, Erenhot, Ul Gai, West Ujimqin
Suitable For
Grassland lovers, culture explorers, photography enthusiasts, border travelers
Budget per person
¥1500-¥3500
01
Grassland Metropolis
Xilinhot City Tour
Highlights

Explore a modern city on the grassland

Attractions
Beizi Temple
One of the four major temples in Inner Mongolia, built during the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty. A Gelug sect Tibetan Buddhist temple, known as the "Forbidden City of the Grassland."
Xilin Nine Bends
The winding course of the Xilin River across the grassland, forming a landscape of nine bends and eighteen turns. Known as the "Milky Way of the Grassland," it is a paradise for photography enthusiasts.
Practical Information
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Xilinhot city hotel
  • Grassland Mongolian yurt experience
  • Specialty homestay
Food Recommendations
  • Hand-Grabbed Mutton
  • Milk Tea with Fried Rice
  • Blood Sausage and Meat Sausage
Travel Tips
  • Respect religious site regulations
  • Large temperature difference on grassland, pack clothing
  • Buy local dairy products
02
Border Exploration
Erenhot City Tour
Highlights

Experience the unique charm of the China-Mongolia border

Attractions
Erenhot National Gate Scenic Area
An important port on the China-Mongolia border, offering a distant view of Zamyn-Uud city in Mongolia. The scenic area features iconic buildings such as the National Gate and boundary markers, serving as a patriotic education base.
Erenhot Dinosaur Geopark
A geopark characterized by dinosaur fossil burial sites, known as the "Dinosaur Graveyard," displaying multiple complete dinosaur fossil skeletons.
Practical Information
Featured Experiences
  • Border duty-free shopping
  • Mongolia day trip (requires prior formalities)
  • Dinosaur fossil excavation experience
Important Notes
  • Bring original ID card
  • Comply with border management regulations
  • Photography of military facilities prohibited
03
Wetland Wonders
Ul Gai Management Area Tour
Highlights

Explore the wetland wonders on the grassland

Attractions
Ul Gai Nine Bend River
The winding course of the Ul Gai River across the grassland, like a silver hada scarf draped over the green prairie. An excellent photography location for enthusiasts.
Buling Spring Tourist Area
A grassland scenic area centered around a natural spring. The spring water never freezes all year round, surrounded by lush water and grass, making it a rare wetland landscape on the grassland.
Practical Information
Experience Suggestions
  • Bring binoculars for wetland bird watching
  • Wear waterproof shoes for grassland hiking
  • Taste wild fish feast
Environmental Tips
  • Protect the wetland ecological environment
  • Do not litter
  • Do not disturb wildlife
04
Nomadic Experience
West Ujimqin Grassland
Highlights

Full day immersive grassland nomadic life

Attractions
Mongol Khan City Scenic Area
National 4A-level tourist attraction, recreating the appearance of the Mongol Khanate during Genghis Khan's era. Visitors can experience traditional nomadic activities such as horse riding and archery.
Nomadic Tribe
An experience zone authentically showcasing Mongolian nomadic life. Visitors can participate in traditional production activities such as cow milking and making milk tofu.
Practical Information
Featured Activities
  • Horse riding across the grassland
  • Mongolian costume experience
  • Bonfire party
Important Notes
  • Follow instructions while horse riding
  • Protect the grassland environment
  • Respect herder customs
Return Advice
  • Purchase grassland specialty products
  • Allow sufficient return travel time

Must-try Foods in Xilingol League

Hand-Grabbed Mutton

A traditional Mongolian delicacy made from grassland lamb, boiled in plain water and eaten by hand. Pure and unadulterated flavor embodies the essence of grassland food culture.

Erenhot Russian-Mongolian Cuisine

Border cuisine blending Russian and Mongolian characteristics, including borscht, grilled meat skewers and other specialty dishes, reflecting the multicultural nature of the port city.

Ul Gai Wild Fish Feast

Made from wild fish species unique to Ul Gai Lake, prepared using traditional methods. Fresh and delicious, it is a special delicacy of the grassland wetland.

Xilingol League Travel Tips
Best Travel Time
  • Jun-Aug: Most beautiful grassland season
  • July: During Nadam Fair
  • Sep-Oct: Charming autumn scenery
Border Travel Tips
  • Bring ID card for National Gate Scenic Area
  • Mongolia day trip requires prior formalities
  • Comply with border management regulations
Grassland Travel Essentials
  • Sunscreen and sunglasses
  • Windproof jacket
  • Comfortable hiking shoes
  • Camera and spare batteries
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: Beizi Temple 30 yuan + National Gate 50 yuan + Mongol Khan City 80 yuan ≈ 160 yuan
  • Accommodation: 400-1200 yuan/night (yurt experience more expensive)
  • Meals: 100-300 yuan/day
  • Transportation: about 1000 yuan (large distances between attractions)
  • Experience activities: Horse riding 200-500 yuan/time
  • Total: 1500-3500 yuan