Nei Mongol
Inner Mongolia (Nei Mongol) stretches across China’s northern frontier, offering endless grasslands, desert adventures, and authentic nomadic culture. Experience the traditional Mongolian way of life while enjoying some of the most pristine natural landscapes in China.
🌾 Hulunbuir Grasslands 呼伦贝尔大草原
Hulunbuir Grasslands, often called the most beautiful grasslands in the world, span over 100,000 square kilometers. This vast green carpet is dotted with traditional yurts, grazing sheep, and galloping horses, offering visitors a glimpse into authentic nomadic life.
Best time to visit: June to September
Activities: Horseback riding, yurt stays, grassland hiking
Experience: Sunrise and sunset on the endless plains
Wildlife: Wild horses, eagles, and various grassland birds
🏜️ Xiangshawan Desert 响沙湾
Known as the “Singing Sand Dunes,” Xiangshawan creates mysterious sounds when the wind blows across its golden slopes. This desert resort offers exciting activities combined with luxurious accommodation in the heart of the Kubuqi Desert.
Unique feature: Sand dunes that “sing” in the wind
Activities: Sandboarding, camel trekking, desert surfing
Accommodation: Desert lodges and tent camping
Best time: May-October
🏇 Naadam Festival 那达慕
The traditional Mongolian festival celebrating the “three manly sports” - horse racing, wrestling, and archery. This ancient competition showcases centuries-old traditions and offers visitors an authentic cultural experience.
When: July-August (summer Naadam)
Events: Horse racing, Mongolian wrestling, archery
Cultural shows: Traditional music, dance, and ceremonies
Food: Traditional Mongolian feast and airag (fermented mare’s milk)
🏕️ Grassland Experiences
Yurt Stays 蒙古包住宿
Sleep under the stars in traditional felt tents, experiencing nomadic hospitality and customs.
Horse Riding 骑马
Learn to ride Mongolian horses across vast grasslands with experienced local guides.
Herding Experience 牧民体验
Join local herders in their daily activities of caring for sheep, cattle, and horses.
🥩 Mongolian Cuisine
- Roasted Lamb 烤全羊 - Whole roasted lamb, the centerpiece of Mongolian feasts
- Milk Tea 奶茶 - Salty milk tea, the traditional daily beverage
- Airag 马奶酒 - Fermented mare’s milk, a traditional alcoholic beverage
- Hand-grabbed Meat 手扒肉 - Boiled mutton eaten with hands, Mongolian style
- Dairy Products 奶制品 - Various fermented dairy products unique to Mongolia
🌟 Cultural Highlights
Mongolian Throat Singing
Experience the haunting beauty of traditional throat singing performances.
Traditional Archery
Learn the ancient art of Mongolian archery using traditional bows and arrows.
Mongolian Calligraphy
Discover the unique vertical Mongolian script and traditional writing culture.
Shamanism
Learn about ancient Mongolian spiritual practices and sacred sites.
🦅 Wildlife & Nature
Rare Birds
Spot endangered species like the red-crowned crane and whooper swan.
Wild Horses
Observe Przewalski’s horses, the last truly wild horses on Earth.
Desert Landscapes
Explore diverse ecosystems from grasslands to desert oases.
🗺️ Suggested Itinerary
5-Day Mongolia Adventure:
- Day 1: Hohhot → Xilamuren Grassland
- Day 2-3: Hulunbuir Grasslands experience
- Day 4: Xiangshawan Desert activities
- Day 5: Return via Ordos → Hohhot
📋 Travel Tips
- Weather: Continental climate with extreme temperature variations
- Clothing: Layers essential; warm clothes even in summer evenings
- Sun protection: Strong UV rays at high altitude and open plains
- Respect: Follow local customs when visiting herder families
- Photography: Ask permission before photographing local people
🚗 Transportation
- By air: Hohhot Baita International Airport (main gateway)
- By train: Beijing-Hohhot high-speed rail (2.5 hours)
- Local transport: Tour buses, 4WD vehicles for grassland access
- Self-drive: Popular option with proper planning and GPS
Discover the freedom of the open grasslands where the sky meets the earth in an endless embrace of blue and green.
