Inner Mongolia Best 5-Day Tour: Hohhot + Baotou + Ordos (Grassland + Desert + Genghis Khan Culture)

Welcome to Hohhot, the capital of Inner Mongolia! After arriving at Hohhot Airport or Railway Station (before 12:00 noon), our driver will meet you at the exit and escort you to downtown Hohhot. After resting, in the afternoon head to the Inner Mongolia Museum (closed on Mondays). [Inner Mongolia Museum] was founded in 1957 and is a national first-class museum with a collection of more than 150,000 items. Like a three-dimensional "encyclopedia," it tells the story of this plateau from prehistoric times to the modern era. Here you will see: Dinosaur fossils: The largest dinosaur of Asia's Cretaceous period—the Chagan Nur dinosaur fossil. Standing before it, you can almost hear the footsteps of ancient times. The Xiongnu King's Gold Crown (Warring States eagle-shaped gold crown ornament): Weighing 1,934 grams, it is a relic of the Xiongnu king and the museum's "treasure of the collection." Painted wooden coffin (Liao Dynasty): More than a thousand years old, the paintings on the coffin are still vividly colored, telling of the Khitan people's views on life and death. Jun kiln incense burner (Yuan Dynasty): Because the four characters "Xiao Song Zi Zao" are inscribed on the bottom, it is also called the "Xiao Song Zi Zao incense burner" and is an outstanding representative of Yuan Dynasty Jun porcelain. Deer-head gold buyao crown (Northern Wei), Liao Dynasty gold mask... every artifact is a piece of sealed history. Warm reminder: If the Inner Mongolia Museum is closed or its exhibition halls are being adjusted, we will arrange a visit to the Inner Mongolia Natural History Museum—which also has stunning dinosaur fossils and vivid natural ecology displays, taking you through time to appreciate Inner Mongolia's forests, grasslands, and deserts. Then, head to Dazhao Temple. [Dazhao Temple] (full Tibetan name "Dazhao Wuliang Temple") was first built in 1579 by Altan Khan, leader of the Mongol Tumed tribe. It is the earliest Tibetan Buddhist temple in Hohhot and the largest Tibetan Buddhist holy site in Inner Mongolia. The temple enshrines a statue of Shakyamuni Buddha cast from 30,000 taels of pure silver, so it is also called the "Silver Buddha Temple." This silver Buddha, together with the coiled dragon pillars in the hall and the Ming Dynasty murals, are known as the "Three Wonders of Dazhao"—the silver Buddha is kind and solemn, the dragon carvings are lifelike, and the murals remain vividly colored after hundreds of years. All are precious Ming Dynasty relics. In addition, the architecture of Dazhao Temple is also very impressive. It spreads out along the central axis and blends Han, Tibetan, and Mongolian styles. The Han-style hip-and-gable roofs and Tibetan-style flat roofs are arranged in a harmonious mix, simple yet solemn. In the Qing Dynasty, Emperor Kangxi stayed here during his western campaign against Galdan, so Dazhao Temple was also honored as the "Imperial Temple." To this day, the temple still enshrines Emperor Kangxi's memorial tablet, as well as imperially bestowed items such as dragon-and-phoenix peacock parasols and pearl octagonal palace lanterns. After leaving the main hall, don't forget to see the Eight Stupas of Shakyamuni on the square—eight white stupas lined up in a row, symbolizing the eight merits of the Buddha's life, and also a favorite spot for visitors to take photos. If you happen to come on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month or the fifteenth day of the sixth lunar month, that is a rare stroke of luck. These two days are Dazhao Temple's Buddha Thangka Unveiling Festival (also called the "Chamu Festival"). The huge thangka treasured in the temple is brought out and hung high on the thangka pole, and lamas wear masks and perform the mysterious "Chamu dance." The scene is very grand. Free-time recommendations 1. Visit more temples in Hohhot: Opposite Dazhao Temple is Xilitu Zhao (within walking distance, visit at your own expense), and about 1 km to the east is the Five Pagoda Temple Museum (closed on Mondays). If you have enough time, you can visit them as well. 2. Explore Hohhot's cuisine: Next to Dazhao Temple, Saishang Old Street and Tongshun Lane are two old streets full of lively local flavor. Among the Ming- and Qing-style buildings are many local snacks and handicrafts—grilled milk tofu, yogurt cakes, Mongolian knives, leather paintings... wander around and you may just find a little treasure you like. How to get there 1. How to fly to Hohhot: At present, arrivals are at Hohhot Baita International Airport (HET), about 20 km from downtown. There are direct flights from major Chinese cities such as Beijing (1 hour 20 minutes), Shanghai (2 hours 50 minutes), Chengdu (2.5 hours), Guangzhou (3 hours 20 minutes), and others. Since some routes do not operate year-round, it is recommended to check flight schedules in advance before traveling. (Note: The under-construction Hohhot Shengle International Airport is expected to be put into use in the future and will replace Baita International Airport then. Please keep an eye on the latest updates before traveling.) 2. How to take the high-speed rail to Hohhot: You can take the high-speed rail to Hohhot East Railway Station or Hohhot Railway Station. There are high-speed rail services to Hohhot from places such as Beijing (2 hours 50 minutes), Datong (1 hour 28 minutes), Taiyuan (3 hours 40 minutes), Shanghai (12 hours 11 minutes), and Xi'an (6 hours 35 minutes).

This morning, you will depart from Hohhot and drive about 2 hours to [Xilamuren Grassland] in Darhan Muminggan Joint Banner, Baotou City, to experience authentic Mongolian nomadic life. Along the way, you will cross the Daqing Mountains—part of the famous Yinshan Range, which since ancient times has been a natural dividing line between farming and nomadic cultures. It is also a favorite spot for locals to hike on weekends and escape the noise of the city. Upon arriving at Xilamuren Grassland, the warm and hospitable Mongolian herders will offer you a traditional welcome ceremony, presenting a horse-riding toast and a hada, so you can feel the warmth of the grassland right away. As the grassland closest to Hohhot, Xilamuren is also one of the earliest-developed grassland scenic areas in Inner Mongolia. With vast skies, broad land, and lush pastures, it is a great summer retreat and lets you immerse yourself in authentic grassland nomadic life. Afterward, head to Hongge'er Oboo Scenic Area, the largest oboo on Xilamuren Grassland, with a history of several hundred years. You can follow in the footsteps of locals and experience the traditional ritual of walking around the oboo to pray—in the hearts of Mongolians, the oboo is a sacred place where people worship heaven and earth and make wishes. Standing atop the oboo and looking around, you can take in the entire grassland scenery. If interested, you can watch a breathtaking large-scale live-action equestrian drama on the grassland. With heaven and earth as its stage, the performance vividly recreates the bravery and boldness of the Mongolians, and you will witness exciting contests of the "Three Skills of Men"—horse racing, wrestling, and archery. Optional Grassland Activities: (at your own expense) 1. Grassland Horseback Riding: When the weather is clear, you can choose to ride across Xilamuren Grassland. Beginner Experience: A herder leads the horse while you ride safely within a designated area, best for first-time visitors. Free Riding: If you are skilled, you can also rent a horse and ride freely. However, this is at your own risk and is generally not recommended for beginners. Warm reminder: The two riding options have different fees. Please confirm the price and riding duration with the herder before mounting. 2. Visit a Herder's Home: Step into a local Mongolian herder's home and experience their daily nomadic life. Optional Dinner: (at your own expense) If you want to experience the most authentic Mongolian feast, you can change into splendid Mongolian attire and join a traditional Zhamma Banquet, tasting court dishes such as whole roast lamb, enjoying ethnic song and dance, and experiencing the grand rituals of silver-bowl toasts and hada blessings. After dinner, a lively bonfire party begins. Accompanied by the melodious sound of the morin khuur, you can enjoy wonderful Mongolian song and dance performances and sing and dance with locals, bringing the day to a perfect close. At night, stay in a traditional yurt and admire the brilliant starry sky over the grassland.

If you don't want to miss the grassland's most beautiful moment, you can get up early this morning (around 4 a.m.) and quietly wait for the sunrise on Xilamuren Grassland (optional). As the first rays of sunlight slowly rise and spill across the boundless sea of grass, the entire grassland is bathed in a gentle golden glow—deeply soothing. After bidding farewell to the grassland, you will head to Wudangzhao in Baotou (about 160-180 kilometers away, roughly a 3-hour drive), a holy site of Tibetan Buddhism hidden deep in the mountains, known as the "Potala Palace on the Grassland." Wudangzhao was first built during the reign of Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty, founded by the First Living Buddha, Awang Quri Mo. Its architecture is mainly Tibetan in style, modeled after Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse, Tibet. It is the largest and best-preserved Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Inner Mongolia, covering over 300 mu with more than 2,500 rooms. At its peak, it housed over a thousand monks and was once the residence of the most powerful lama in Inner Mongolia. The entire monastery has no traditional central axis; its six main halls (Sugqin Hall, Choyil Hall, Dongkor Hall, Dangakhid Hall, Akhui Hall, and Lamimrin Hall) are scattered across the southern slope of the valley, stretching for 1.5 kilometers. The halls are snow-white with gleaming golden roofs, and from afar, they truly possess something of the Potala Palace's grandeur. Stepping inside the halls, you will be awed by the exquisite murals, thangkas, and Buddhist statues—after centuries, their colors remain vivid and their brushwork delicate. Walking up the mountain path, you'll pass rows of prayer wheels, white stupas, and mani piles. You can spin the prayer wheels like Tibetans and make a wish. The monastery also has a special deer park, where a group of gentle sika deer stroll leisurely among the trees. In Buddhism, deer are auspicious symbols, and getting close to them is a rare stroke of fate. If you have the energy and time permits, consider climbing South Mountain opposite the monastery to overlook the full panorama of Wudangzhao—six great halls layered one above the other, golden roofs and white walls standing solemnly against the blue sky. That awe-inspiring sight cannot be captured in photos. If you happen to visit between the 25th day of the seventh lunar month and the 1st day of the eighth lunar month, you can also catch the monastery's annual Mani Dharma Assembly, when monks hold rituals such as displaying the great Buddha, chanting sutras, and performing Cham dances—a grand and lively occasion. After visiting Wudangzhao, you will head to Baotou city for the night (about 70 kilometers away, roughly a 1-hour drive). Baotou means "place with deer" in Mongolian, hence its nickname "Deer City." Nestled against the Yin Mountains and beside the Yellow River, it is Inner Mongolia's largest industrial city. Rich in iron ore and rare earth resources, it is also known as the "Steel City of the Grassland" and "Rare Earth Capital." Leisure Recommendations 1. Northern Weapons City (at your own expense): If you are interested in military affairs, this is worth a visit. The park displays various decommissioned real equipment—tanks, artillery, fighter jets, missiles... most of which you can touch with your own hands, a rare experience. Rest well in Baotou tonight. Tomorrow you will head to Xiangshawan in the Kubuqi Desert to begin a true desert adventure. Desert Travel Tips 1. Sun and Sand Protection: The desert has strong ultraviolet rays. Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a headscarf are essential. High-top shoes are recommended, and sand guards are also very useful. Be sure to protect your phone and camera—sand is the natural enemy of electronics. 2. Hydration and Moisturizing: The desert is dry; bring at least 2 liters of water per person. Lip balm and moisturizing spray can also come in handy. 3. Clothing Guide: In summer, wear light long sleeves and long pants for sun protection; in winter, temperatures vary greatly between day and night, so bring a down jacket. 4. Safety First: Do not venture into no-man's lands alone, and follow safety regulations for activities. Protect the environment and carry out your trash to keep this desert beautiful.

Rise early today and head to the Kubuqi Desert in Ordos to explore Yinku Sand Bay (opens around 8:30), known as the "Disneyland of the Desert"—a magical place that turns the desert into a playground, about 50 km from Baotou, roughly a 1–1.5 hour drive. After lunch, you will visit the Mausoleum of Genghis Khan (about 120 km away, roughly a 2-hour drive; the scenic area closes at 17:00). It is recommended to arrive before 15:00 to allow ample time for your visit. Warm tip: This itinerary only allocates half a day for desert activities. If you would like to spend a full day at Yinku Sand Bay, we suggest adding half a day on Day 5 to visit the Mausoleum of Genghis Khan. [Kubuqi Desert] is China's seventh-largest desert. In Mongolian, its name means "the string on a bow," so called because it resembles a string hanging across the Yellow River. Once known as the "Sea of Death," after generations of sand control and afforestation, its vegetation coverage has increased year by year, and it is undergoing a transformation from a "Sea of Death" into a "Sea of Green." Today, it is one of China's most popular desert tourism destinations. Yinku Sand Bay is the brightest pearl of the Kubuqi Desert. It is one of China's four famous singing sand mountains, named for the mysterious sounds the dunes emit. The sand here can "sing"—as for how it sings, you'll have to come and listen for yourself. Yinku Sand Bay is divided into two main areas with completely different styles. Xiansha Island—the true "Disneyland of the Desert"! This is a playground in the desert, where thrills and joy go hand in hand. You can experience: Desert sailboats, rail bicycles, and Polaris all-terrain vehicles, racing across the sea of sand A high-altitude zipline, overlooking the rolling dunes from the air Camel riding, swaying along to feel the charm of the Silk Road A wonderful performance at the Guolao Theater There are also the Flying Sand Tower, roller coasters, a children's play area... both adults and kids can have a blast. Yuesha Island—a water park in the desert and a paradise for cultural experiences. You can: Ride a sightseeing mini-train weaving between the dunes Watch the live performance of the national-level intangible cultural heritage "Ordos Wedding" and experience Mongolian wedding customs Enjoy a Mongolian khoomei performance and listen to heavenly sounds from the depths of the grasslands Stroll through the Mongolian Costume Culture Exhibition and admire the gorgeous ethnic costumes If you come in summer, you can also cool off in the water park, with a sand sculpture park and children's play area nearby. Warm tip: Before traveling, please confirm with us the tickets and activities for Xiansha Island and Yuesha Island. Bidding farewell to the desert, you will head to the [Mausoleum of Genghis Khan] in Ejin Horo Banner. This is the cenotaph of Genghis Khan (1162–1227), founder of the Mongol Empire, and the most sacred hall in the hearts of the Mongolian people. Genghis Khan, the legendary figure who unified the Mongol tribes and extended the empire's territory from the Pacific to the Mediterranean, is still admired by countless people today. Because Mongolians traditionally practiced secret burial, his true burial site remains a mystery to this day. What is enshrined in this mausoleum is the camel hair that absorbed his last breath before he passed away—in Mongolian belief, this tuft of camel hair carries his soul. For over seven hundred years, it has been guarded by the Darhad people from generation to generation. Entering the mausoleum grounds, you will see three yurt-style halls standing majestically, their golden-blue glazed tiles shining in the sunlight. The complex is built in traditional Mongolian style and consists of the main hall, east hall, west hall, and rear hall. Solemn and dignified, it covers about 13.6 acres. Unmissable highlights of the Mausoleum of Genghis Khan 1. Main Hall: In the center stands a 5-meter-tall white marble seated statue of Genghis Khan, majestic yet benevolent. The murals in the hall depict the legendary stories of his life. 2. Eternal Flame: The sacred fire in front of the main hall is said to have been lit in the year Genghis Khan passed away and has burned ever since, symbolizing that his spirit never dies. 3. West Hall: On display are swords, bows and arrows, saddles, and other items Genghis Khan used during his lifetime, as if you can still touch that era of golden spears and iron horses. 4. Darhad Rituals: If you are lucky enough to visit on a sacrificial day, you can witness traditional rituals performed by the Darhad people and feel a devotion that spans seven hundred years. 5. Cultural Performances: (Optional, at your own expense) Experience traditional Mongolian dance, music, rituals, and folk customs, such as "Ordos Wedding" and "Swan Goose." If you happen to visit around the 21st day of the third lunar month, you can also catch the grandest spring ceremony of the year (also called the "Chagan Suluk Sacrifice"). At that time, Mongolian compatriots from all directions gather here to make offerings with white mare's milk and pray for peace and prosperity. This ritual has been included in the national-level intangible cultural heritage list. Warm tip: The exact dates of sacrificial activities vary slightly each year. If you would like to know more, feel free to contact our customer service at any time. After visiting the Mausoleum of Genghis Khan, you will head to downtown Ordos for the night. Ordos is located on the Ordos Plateau within the great bend of the Yellow River. It is a city that prospered from coal and is warmed by cashmere, known as the "City of Warmth"—13% of the world's cashmere comes from here, and Albas white goat cashmere is of world-class quality. Great places for leisure 1. Kangbashi New District: In 2010, Time magazine jokingly called it a "ghost city" (it has everything except people). More than a decade later, it has long since become lively, with museums, theaters, libraries, and Genghis Khan Square lining the streets, plus driverless buses shuttling through the streets. It is a great place to experience Ordos's modern face. 2. Ulan Mulun Lake Music Fountain: Located by the Ulan Mulun River in Kangbashi District, the main fountain can reach up to 230 meters, billed as "Asia's tallest fountain." Every night from 8 to 9 PM (weather permitting), sound, light, water, and fire intertwine in an audiovisual feast not to be missed.

Today, you can leave Ordos by train or plane. Or you can return to Hohhot (280 km, 3.5 hours) and depart from there. Free-time suggestions (if time permits) 1. Dashengkui Museum Group (about 1.1 km from Dazhao Temple): It includes the Dashengkui Culture Museum (closed on Mondays), Yongsheng Ceramics Museum, Morin Khuur Museum, and others. Dashengkui was the largest business firm on the "Ten Thousand Li Tea Road" founded by Shanxi merchants in the Qing Dynasty. It was once said to have "half of Guihua City," bringing commercial prosperity to Hohhot. Strolling through it, you can almost hear the bells of the camel caravans of those years. With this, your 5-day Inner Mongolia Genghis Khan Cultural Journey is coming to an end. Suggestions for extending the itinerary 1. You can extend your Hohhot trip to other destinations in Inner Mongolia, such as Baotou, Ordos, Badain Jaran Desert, and Hulunbuir. If needed, please let us know at any time, and we can help you arrange the itinerary. 2. You can also extend your Inner Mongolia trip to other destinations in China, such as Beijing, Shanxi, Gansu, Ningxia, Xi'an, Luoyang, Chengdu, and Shanghai.