Inner Mongolia Adventure 6-Day Tour: Hohhot + Ulanqab + Ordos (Hiking + Desert Camping)

Welcome to Hohhot, the capital of Inner Mongolia! After arriving at Hohhot Airport or Railway Station, our driver will meet you at the exit and escort you to a carefully selected hotel in downtown Hohhot for check-in. After that, you can arrange your time freely and enjoy the scenery of the "Blue City." Hohhot means "Blue City" in Mongolian. Located in central Inner Mongolia, it is the gateway to Xilamuren Grassland, Huitengxile Grassland, and the Kubuqi Desert. The city's story begins in 1581—Altan Khan, a descendant of Genghis Khan, settled here and built city walls from the bluestone of the Greater Khingan Mountains, which is how the name "Blue City" came about. Because of the many temples in the city, it is also called "Temple City." Today, it is also known as "China's Dairy Capital," as the headquarters of Yili and Mengniu are both located here. Free time 1. Inner Mongolia General's Yamen Museum: Visit the residence of the Suiyuan City General in the Qing Dynasty and appreciate the weight of the saying, "One general's mansion, half of Blue City's history." 2. Qing Dynasty Princess Gulun Kejing's Mansion (closed on Mondays): Explore the mansion of the sixth daughter of Emperor Kangxi. This is one of the best-preserved Qing Dynasty princess mansions in China, and the architecture is exquisite. 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 various halal delicacies. You can also visit the nearby Hohhot Mosque (Great Mosque) and experience the blending of diverse cultures. Practical tips 1. Climate and clothing: The average altitude of the region is about 1,000–1,500 meters, and the ultraviolet rays are strong, so it is recommended to bring sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen. The temperature difference between day and night is 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 fairs held in various places (usually lasting 3–7 days), giving you the chance to witness the exciting spectacle of the "three manly skills": horse racing, wrestling, and archery. If you would like to take part, feel free to contact our customer service at any time. How to arrive 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 more. Since some routes do not operate year-round, it is recommended to check flight schedules in advance before traveling. (Note: The Hohhot Shengle International Airport currently under construction is expected to be put into use in the future and will replace Baita International Airport. 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 head to the Huitengxile Grasslands in Ulanqab to feel the unique coolness and grandeur of that "cold plateau." The drive takes about 2.5 hours (around 120 km). [Huitengxile Grasslands] is more than 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, this is a rare summer resort paradise. Scattered across the grasslands are 99 natural lakes, which locals call the "Ninety-Nine Springs," like sapphires inlaid on a green velvet carpet, a feast for the eyes. This is also one of Asia's largest wind power bases. Huge white wind turbines slowly turn under the blue sky, forming a stirring picture with the sea of grass, flocks of sheep, and fine horses. After arriving, first visit the Huanghua Valley Scenic Area. Huanghua Valley is named for the yellow wildflowers that bloom every summer and is the most essential part of the Huitengxile Grasslands. If it happens to be performance time, you can first watch a wonderful live performance of "Meeting at the Oboo." This performance uses the grasslands as its stage and, through three acts—"Blessing," "Love Story," and "Reunion"—blends shamanic rituals, morin khuur love songs, and bold Mongolian dance, vividly recreating the grand occasions of oboo worship and the Naadam. It is a window into Mongolian nomadic culture. Next, it is time to fully explore Huanghua Valley. At an altitude of about 2,100 meters, it is a deep valley about 10 km long and up to 300 meters deep at its deepest point, a geological relic left by ancient glacial movement. From May to September each year, wildflowers cover the valley—green grass, colorful flowers, white birches, strange rocks, steep cliffs... it is as if nature overturned its palette here. If you do not want to walk too much, there are sightseeing mini-trains, cable cars, and sightseeing vehicles in the scenic area to save you steps (please confirm with us in advance whether the ticket includes transportation). You can slowly travel across the sea of grass, or go deep into the valley bottom and look up at the strange peaks and rocks on both sides. If you want something different, you can also experience animal-drawn carts (at your own expense), swaying along in a horse cart or camel cart for a special taste of the grasslands. If you want even more fun, the scenic area also has grass sliding, horseback riding, archery, feeding small animals, and various other activities (at your own expense). Try one or two and let laughter spread across the grasslands. Optional dinner: (at your own expense) If you want to experience the most authentic Mongolian feast, you can change into gorgeous Mongolian clothing and attend a traditional Zhama 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 also sing and dance with the locals, bringing the day to a perfect close. In the evening, stay in a traditional yurt and enjoy the brilliant starry sky over the grasslands.

If you don't want to miss the most beautiful moment on the grassland, this morning you can get up early (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 over the boundless sea of grass, the entire grassland is dyed a gentle gold—deeply soothing. Optional Grassland Activities: (at your own expense) 1. Grassland Horseback Riding: When the weather is clear, you can choose to ride across Huitengxile 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. Afterward, you will return to Hohhot to visit the place locals love most on weekends—the Daqing Mountains National Hiking and Fitness Trail. The Daqing Mountains belong to the famous Yinshan Range and have since ancient times been a natural dividing line between farming civilization and nomadic culture. This trail is 100 km long with multiple entrances, and you can choose to walk the most essential section. Climbing slowly along the trail, you pass through stretches of birch forest, with soft dirt-and-stone paths underfoot and the sound of wind and birds in your ears. The trail is densely vegetated, dotted with valleys, rock walls, and wildflowers, and you may occasionally encounter squirrels out sunbathing. If you are in good shape, you can climb all the way to the summit of Pingding Mountain at 1,966 meters. Standing there and gazing into the distance, you can take in the magnificent panorama of the Yinshan Range and truly feel the vastness and desolation behind the line, "If only the Flying General of Longcheng were still here, he would not let the nomad horses cross the Yinshan Mountains." At night, stay overnight in Hohhot.

This morning, you will head to the Kubuqi Desert in Ordos (about 185 km, roughly a 2.5-hour drive) to visit Yeming Sand, which lies deep in the heart of the desert—a place where you can truly feel the desert's tranquility and wildness. [Kubuqi Desert] is China's seventh-largest desert. In Mongolian, its name means "the string on a bow," so called because it looks like a string hanging over the Yellow River. It was once known as 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. Yeming Sand is a special presence within the Kubuqi Desert. It gets its name because when you tread on the sand at night, it emits a booming sound like a bell, earning it the title of "singing sand" and making it one of the world's rare representatives of the booming sand phenomenon. Upon arrival, the exciting desert adventure begins. You can ride a camel and sway deep into the sea of sand, experiencing the desolation and grandeur of the ancient Silk Road; you can also try sand sledding, sliding down from a high dune with the wind roaring and the sand booming in your ears; or drive an all-terrain vehicle across the dunes for a desert version of "Fast & Furious." In the evening, you can find a high dune to sit on and quietly wait for the breathtaking desert sunset. When the setting sun dyes the entire desert golden-red, the ridges of the dunes become strikingly distinct in the interplay of light and shadow—breathtakingly beautiful. In the evening, after enjoying a delicious barbecue dinner, check in at a campsite deep in the desert and admire the brilliant desert starry sky that you would never see in the city. Warm reminder: Before departure, please confirm the tickets and activities for Yeming Sand with us. Desert Travel Tips 1. 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—sand is the natural enemy of electronics. 2. 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. 3. Clothing guide: In summer, wear light, long-sleeved shirts and long pants for sun protection; the desert has a large temperature difference between day and night, so even in summer, bring a jacket for the evening. 4. 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. At these times, the contrast is strongest, and every casual shot looks like a wallpaper. 5. Safety first: Do not stray far from the camp alone, and follow the safety rules for activities. Protect the environment and take your trash with you so this desert can stay beautiful.

This morning, you can choose to get up early (around 4 AM) and head to the Kubuqi Desert to enjoy a magnificent sunrise (optional). Afterward, return to Hohhot and visit the Inner Mongolia Museum (closed on Mondays). [Inner Mongolia Museum], founded in 1957, 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 Cretaceous dinosaur in Asia. Standing before it, it feels as if you can hear ancient footsteps. 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 vivid, telling of the Khitan people's views on life and death. Jun ware 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 tip: 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 benevolent and solemn, the dragon carvings are lifelike, and the murals remain vivid after hundreds of years, all 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 staggered yet harmonious way, simple and dignified. In the Qing Dynasty, Emperor Kangxi 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 see the Eight Stupas of Shakyamuni on the square—eight white stupas in a row, symbolizing the eight merits of the Buddha's life and a favorite spot for visitors to take photos. If you happen to visit 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 Festival (also called the "Cham 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 "Cham Dance." The scene is very grand. In the evening, stay overnight in Hohhot. Recommended free-time activities 1. Visit more temples in Hohhot: Opposite Dazhao Temple is Xilitu Zhao (within walking distance, visit at your own expense), and about 1 km 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 and you may just find a little treasure you like.

This morning, you can freely explore the scenery of Hohhot. Our driver will pick you up at the hotel at the agreed time and take you to the airport or railway station for your next destination. 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 6-day Inner Mongolia Hiking and Camping Adventure comes 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.