5-Day Inner Mongolia Tour from Beijing: Hohhot + Huitengxile Grassland + Kubuqi Desert

Welcome to Hohhot, the capital of Inner Mongolia! After taking a high-speed train from Beijing and arriving at Hohhot Railway Station, our driver will greet you at the exit and escort you to a carefully selected hotel in downtown Hohhot for check-in. The rest of the time is yours to arrange freely and enjoy the scenery of the "Blue City." Hohhot, meaning "Blue City" in Mongolian, sits in central Inner Mongolia and is the gateway to the Xilamuren Grassland, the Huitengxile Grassland, and the Kubuqi Desert. The city's story begins in 1581, when Altan Khan, a descendant of Genghis Khan, settled here and built city walls from the bluestone of the Daqing Mountains—hence the name "Blue City." Because of its many temples, it is also known as the "City of Temples." Today, it is also hailed as "China's Dairy Capital," home to the headquarters of both Yili and Mengniu. Free Time 1. Inner Mongolia General's Yamen Museum: Visit the residence of the Suiyuan City General from the Qing Dynasty and appreciate the weight of the saying, "One general's mansion, half the history of the Blue City." 2. Qing Dynasty Princess Gulun Kejing's Mansion (closed on Mondays): Explore the residence of the sixth daughter of Emperor Kangxi, one of the best-preserved Qing Dynasty princess mansions in China, with exquisite architecture. 3. Kuanxiangzi Ethnic Food Street: Stroll through Kuanxiangzi in the Hui District and taste authentic lamb shaomai, rich Mongolian milk tea, sizzling lamb skewers, and a variety of halal delicacies. You can also visit the nearby Hohhot Great Mosque to experience the blending of diverse cultures. Practical Tips 1. Climate and Clothing: The region has an average altitude of about 1,000–1,500 meters, with strong ultraviolet rays, so sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen are recommended. Day-night temperature differences are large, so no matter when you visit, it is advisable to bring a warm jacket and comfortable sneakers. 2. Food and Festivals: Local cuisine is mainly beef, mutton, and wheat-based foods, with rich flavors. If you visit in July or August, you will coincide with the Nadam Fair (usually lasting 3–7 days), giving you the chance to witness the exciting spectacles of horse racing, wrestling, and archery—the "Three Skills of Men." If you would like to take part, feel free to contact our customer service at any time.

This morning, you will head to Huitengxile Grassland in Ulanqab to experience the unique coolness and grandeur of that "cold plateau," about a 2.5-hour drive (roughly 120 kilometers). Huitengxile Grassland sits at over 1,800 meters above sea level and is one of the world's best-preserved typical alpine meadow grasslands. In Mongolian, "Huitengxile" means exactly "cold plateau"—even in midsummer, it is a rare summer retreat. Scattered across the grassland are 99 natural lakes, which locals call the "Ninety-Nine Springs," like sapphires set upon a green velvet carpet, a breathtaking sight. This is also one of Asia's largest wind power bases, where giant white wind turbines turn slowly beneath the blue sky, forming a stirring picture with the sea of grass, flocks of sheep, and galloping horses. Upon arrival, first visit the Huanghua Valley Scenic Area. Huanghua Valley is named for the yellow wildflowers that bloom every summer and is the finest part of Huitengxile Grassland. If you happen to catch a performance time, you can first watch the splendid live-action show "Oboo Encounter." Set on the grassland as its stage, the show unfolds through three acts—"Blessings," "Love Story," and "Reunion"—blending shamanic rituals, morin khuur love songs, and exuberant Mongolian dances to vividly recreate the grandeur of Oboo worship and the Naadam Festival. It is a window into Mongolian nomadic culture. Next comes time to fully explore Huanghua Valley. At about 2,100 meters above sea level, it is a deep ravine roughly 10 kilometers long and up to 300 meters deep at its deepest, a geological relic left by ancient glacial movement. From May to September each year, wildflowers blanket the valley—green grass, colorful blooms, white birches, curious rocks, steep cliffs... as if nature had overturned its palette here. If you prefer not to walk too much, the scenic area offers a sightseeing train, cable car, and shuttle bus (please confirm with us in advance whether the ticket includes transportation). You can leisurely ride across the sea of grass, or venture deep into the valley to look up at the strange peaks and rocks on both sides. If you want something different, you can also try an animal-drawn cart (at your own expense), swaying along in a horse or camel cart for a uniquely grassland experience. If you want even more fun, the scenic area also offers grass skiing, horseback riding, archery, feeding small animals, and other activities (at your own expense). Try one or two and let laughter fill this grassland. Dinner options: (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 imperial dishes such as roast whole lamb, enjoying ethnic song and dance, and experiencing the grand rituals of silver bowl toasts and khata 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 join locals in singing and dancing, bringing the day to a perfect close. At night, stay in a traditional Mongolian 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 the Huitengxile Grassland (optional). As the first ray of sunlight slowly rises and spills across the boundless sea of grass, the entire grassland is dyed a gentle gold—utterly soothing. Optional grassland activities: (at your own expense) 1. Horse riding on the grassland: When the weather is clear, you can choose to ride across the Huitengxile Grassland. Beginner experience: A herder leads the horse, and you ride safely within a designated area—best for first-timers. Free riding: If you are an experienced rider, you can also rent a horse and gallop freely. But this is at your own risk, and beginners are generally not advised to try it. Friendly reminder: The two riding options have different prices. Please confirm the price and riding duration with the herder before getting on the horse. 2. Visit a herder's home: Step into a local Mongolian herder's home and experience their daily nomadic life. After bidding farewell to the grassland, you will return to Hohhot and visit the Inner Mongolia Museum (closed on Mondays). Founded in 1957, the Inner Mongolia Museum 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 fossil of the Chagan Nur Dragon, the largest dinosaur of Asia's Cretaceous period. Standing before it, you can almost hear the footsteps of ancient times. The Xiongnu King's Gold Crown (the Warring States eagle-shaped gold crown ornament): Weighing 1,934 grams, it is a relic of the Xiongnu king and the Inner Mongolia Museum's "treasure of the museum." 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 "Made by Xiao Song" are inscribed on the bottom, it is also called the "Xiao Song Made 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. Friendly 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—it also has stunning dinosaur fossils and vivid natural ecology displays, taking you through time and space to experience Inner Mongolia's forests, grasslands, and deserts. Afterward, head to Dazhao Temple. Dazhao Temple (its full Tibetan name is "Dazhao Wuliang Temple") was first built in 1579 by Altan Khan, leader of the Mongolian 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 Sakyamuni 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, Dazhao Temple's architecture 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 staggered yet harmonious way, simple and solemn. In the Qing Dynasty, Emperor Kangxi once stayed here during his western campaign against Galdan, so Dazhao Temple was also honored as an "imperial temple." To this day, the temple still enshrines a memorial tablet of Emperor Kangxi, as well as imperially bestowed items such as a dragon-and-phoenix peacock umbrella and a pearl octagonal palace lantern. As you leave the main hall, don't forget to look at the Eight Stupas of Sakyamuni in 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 be here on the 15th day of the first lunar month or the 15th 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 temple's treasured giant thangka is brought out and hung high on the thangka pole, and the lamas wear masks and perform the mysterious "Chamu Dance." It is a very grand occasion. In the evening, stay overnight in Hohhot. Recommended free time activities 1. Visit more temples in Hohhot: Directly opposite Dazhao Temple is Xilitu Zhao (within walking distance, visit at your own expense), and about 1 kilometer 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 food: 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 casually, and you may just find a little treasure you like.

This morning, you will head to the Kubuqi Desert in Ordos (about 185 km, roughly a 2.5-hour drive) to explore Resonant Sand Bay, known as the "Disneyland of the Desert"—a magical place that turns the desert into a playground. [Kubuqi Desert] is China's seventh-largest desert. In Mongolian, its name means "the string on a bow," so named because it resembles a string hanging over the Yellow River. It was once called the "Sea of Death," but after generations of sand control and afforestation, vegetation coverage has increased year by year, and it is now 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. Resonant Sand Bay is the brightest pearl of the Kubuqi Desert. It is one of China's four great 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. Resonant Sand Bay is divided into two main areas with completely different styles. Xiansha Island—the true "Disneyland of the Desert"! This is an amusement park 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 great time. Yuesha Island—a water park in the desert and a paradise for cultural experiences. You can: Ride a sightseeing mini-train through the dunes Watch the live performance of the national-level intangible cultural heritage "Ordos Wedding," experiencing Mongolian wedding customs Enjoy a Mongolian khoomei performance and listen to the heavenly sounds from deep within the grasslands Browse the Mongolian costume culture exhibition and see those 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 reminder: Before your trip, please confirm with us the tickets and activities for Xiansha Island and Yuesha Island. Desert travel tips 1. Accommodation recommendations: If you want an in-depth experience, consider staying at the Lotus Hotel (five-star) or Fusha Island Hotel (yurt-themed) within the scenic area. Staying here gives you VIP access, skipping lines at some attractions, and you can also join activities such as stargazing dinners and bonfire parties. But remember to book in advance. 2. Sun protection and sand protection: The desert has strong UV rays, so sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a headscarf are essential. High-top shoes are recommended, and sand-proof gaiters are also very useful. Be sure to protect your phone and camera well—sand is the natural enemy of electronics. 3. Hydration and moisturizing: The desert is dry, so bring at least 2 liters of water per person. Lip balm and moisturizing spray can also come in handy. 4. Clothing guide: In summer, wear light long sleeves and long pants for sun protection; in winter, the temperature difference between day and night is large, so bring a down jacket. 5. Golden hours for photos: One hour after sunrise and one hour before sunset are the best times to capture stunning dune light-and-shadow shots. The contrast is strongest then, and every casual shot looks like a wallpaper. 6. Safety first: Do not go alone into no-man's lands, and follow the safety rules for activities. Protect the environment and take your trash with you so this desert can stay beautiful. After having your fill of fun, you will return to the hotel to rest.

This morning, you may choose to get up early (around 4 a.m.) and head to the Kubuqi Desert to enjoy a magnificent sunrise (optional). Afterward, go to Hohhot Railway Station and take the train back to Beijing. Suggested Free-Time Activities (if time permits) 1. Dashengkui Museum Complex (about 1.1 km from Dazhao Temple): Includes the Dashengkui Culture Museum (closed on Mondays), the Yongsheng Ceramics Museum, the Morin Khuur Museum, and more. Dashengkui was the largest trading firm on the "Ten Thousand Li Tea Road" founded by Shanxi merchants in the Qing Dynasty, once said to own "half of Guihua City," and it brought commercial prosperity to Hohhot. Strolling through it, you can almost hear the bells of the camel caravans of days gone by. With this, your 5-day Inner Mongolia tour departing from Beijing comes to an end. Suggestions for Extending Your Trip 1. You can extend your Hohhot trip to other destinations in Inner Mongolia, such as Baotou, Ordos, the Badain Jaran Desert, and Hulunbuir. If needed, just let us know and we can help arrange your 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.