Central Inner Mongolia 6-Day Tour: Hohhot + Huitengxile Grassland + Ulan Hada Volcano + Kubuqi Desert

Welcome to Hohhot, the capital of Inner Mongolia! After arriving at Hohhot Airport or 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 means "Blue City" in Mongolian. Located in central Inner Mongolia, it is the gateway to the Xilamuren Grassland, Huitengxile Grassland, and 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 Daqing Mountains, giving rise to the name "Blue City." Because of the many temples within the city, it is also called "Temple City." Today, it is also known as "China's Dairy Capital," home to the headquarters of Yili and Mengniu. Free Time 1. Inner Mongolia General's Yamen Museum: Visit the residence of the Suiyuan City General of the Qing Dynasty and appreciate the weight of the saying "One General's Mansion, Half the History of Blue City." 2. Qing Dynasty Princess Gulun Kejing's Mansion (closed on Mondays): Explore the residence of Emperor Kangxi's sixth daughter, 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 grilled 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 UV rays are strong. 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 Naadam festivals held in various places (usually lasting 3-7 days), giving you the chance to witness the exciting spectacles of horse racing, wrestling, and archery—the "Three Manly Skills." If you would like to participate, feel free to contact our customer service at any time. How to Arrive 1. How to fly to Hohhot: Currently, arrivals are at Hohhot Baita International Airport (HET), about 20 kilometers from the city center, with direct flights to major Chinese cities such as Beijing (1 hour 20 minutes), Shanghai (2 hours 50 minutes), Chengdu (2.5 hours), Guangzhou (3 hours 20 minutes), etc. 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. 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 Station or Hohhot Station. High-speed rail services to Hohhot are available from Beijing (2 hours 50 minutes), Datong (1 hour 28 minutes), Taiyuan (3 hours 40 minutes), Shanghai (12 hours 11 minutes), Xi'an (6 hours 35 minutes), and other places.

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 (around 120 km). [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 resort paradise. Scattered across the grassland are 99 natural lakes, which locals call the "Ninety-Nine Springs," set like sapphires on a green velvet carpet, a truly beautiful sight. This is also one of Asia's largest wind power bases, where huge white wind turbines turn slowly under 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 gets its name from the yellow wildflowers that bloom every summer and is the most essential part of Huitengxile Grassland. If it coincides with a performance time, you can first watch the wonderful live-action show "Oboo Encounter." With the grassland as its stage, this performance uses three acts—"Blessing," "Love Story," and "Reunion"—to blend shamanic rituals, morin khuur love songs, and bold Mongolian dance, vividly recreating the grand scenes of oboo worship and Naadam. It is a window into Mongolian nomadic culture. Next, it is time to fully explore Huanghua Valley. At about 2,100 meters above sea level, 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 blossoms, white birches, strange rocks, steep cliffs... it is as if nature overturned its palette here. If you do not want to walk too much, the scenic area has a sightseeing train, cable car, and shuttle bus 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 try an animal-drawn cart (at your own expense), riding a horse cart or camel cart at a leisurely pace for a special grassland flavor. 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 spread across the grassland. Dinner options: (at your own expense) If you want to experience the most authentic Mongolian feast, you can change into splendid Mongolian clothing and attend a traditional Zhamma Banquet, tasting imperial dishes such as roast whole lamb, enjoying ethnic song and dance, and experiencing the solemn 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 dance and sing with the locals, bringing the day to a perfect close. In the evening, stay in a traditional yurt and admire the brilliant starry sky over the grassland.

If you don't want to miss the most beautiful moment on the grassland, you can get up early this morning (around 4:00 AM) 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 golden hue—utterly healing. Optional Grassland Activities: (at your own expense) 1. Grassland Horse Riding: When the weather is clear, you can choose to ride a horse across the Huitengxile Grassland. Beginner Experience: A herdsman leads the horse while you ride safely within a designated area—perfect for first-time riders. Free Riding: If you are an experienced rider, you can also rent a horse and gallop freely. However, this is at your own risk and is generally not recommended for beginners. Friendly Reminder: The two riding options have different prices. Please confirm the price and duration with the herdsman before mounting the horse. 2. Visit a Herdsman's Family: Step into a local Mongolian herdsman's home and experience their nomadic daily life. Afterward, you will head to the Ulan Hada Volcanic Geopark in Ulanqab—a magical place that makes you feel as if you've set foot on Mars. It was once selected by Chinese National Geography as "China's Most Beautiful Volcano." The Ulan Hada volcanic cluster is the youngest on the southern edge of the Inner Mongolia Plateau, having erupted as recently as about 10,000 years ago. Over 30 volcanoes are scattered across 65 square kilometers of grassland, remarkably well-preserved and hailed as a natural "Volcano Museum." Standing here, you can truly feel the immense power of nature and realize how small you are. From northeast to southwest, 8 major volcanoes line up in sequence, each with its own character. Volcano No. 3 (North Refining Furnace): The only volcano with a wooden boardwalk, making it easy to reach the summit and enjoy a panoramic view of the entire volcanic cluster. It once appeared on the cover of National Geographic—that "Super Bowl"-like crater is worth pressing the shutter for. Volcano No. 4 (Black Brain Bag): The scenic area entrance is located halfway up the mountain. From here, you can gaze at Volcanoes No. 3 and No. 5 in the distance, with a wide open view. Volcano No. 5 (Central Refining Furnace): The most completely preserved, but also the hardest to climb—the surface is covered in loose gravel, the slope is steep, and going down is especially slippery. If you conquer it, you'll feel a great sense of accomplishment. Volcano No. 6 (South Refining Furnace): The mountain body is dark brown and cannot be climbed due to quarrying, but it is precisely this imperfection that makes it look especially like the Martian surface. This is the most popular spot for renting astronaut suits and taking photos—put on an astronaut suit, stand in front of the black volcano, and every snapshot looks like a "Mars landing" blockbuster. Volcanoes No. 7-8: The area between two pointed peaks is said to be a place where you can pick up agates. Why not look down and try your luck. Friendly Tips 1. Astronaut Suit Experience (optional, at your own expense): There are many stalls near Volcano No. 6 renting astronaut suits, and prices are negotiable. Remember to take plenty of photos after putting one on—this is the place with the highest density of astronauts in the world. 2. About Digging for Agates: Small agates scattered on the surface can be picked up for fun, but never bring a shovel to dig—it damages the ecosystem and you will be fined. 3. Safety First: When climbing Volcano No. 5, be sure to wear non-slip shoes and keep your center of gravity low when descending. Volcano No. 3 has a boardwalk and is suitable for all ages. 4. Best Time: Photos look best in the soft afternoon light. Under the sunset, the volcanoes glow with gold, making them especially captivating. After fully exploring the Ulan Hada volcanic cluster, you will return to the hotel to rest.

This morning, 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 over 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 the Asian Cretaceous period—the Chagannur dinosaur fossil. Standing before it, you can almost hear the footsteps of ancient times. Golden Crown of the Xiongnu King (Warring States eagle-shaped gold crown ornament): Weighing 1,934 grams, it is a treasured relic of the Xiongnu King and the "treasure of the museum" at the Inner Mongolia Museum. Painted Wooden Coffin (Liao Dynasty): Over a thousand years old, the paintings on the coffin remain vividly colored, telling of the Khitan people's views on life and death. Jun Kiln Censer (Yuan Dynasty): Because the four characters "Xiao Song Zi Zao" are inscribed on its base, it is also known as the "Xiao Song Zi Zao Censer" and is an outstanding representative of Yuan Dynasty Jun porcelain. Deer-Head Gold Step-Shake Crown (Northern Wei), Liao Dynasty Gold Mask... Each artifact is a piece of sealed-away 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 and space to experience the forests, grasslands, and deserts of Inner Mongolia. Afterward, 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, which is why 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 vividly colored after hundreds of years, all precious relics of the Ming Dynasty. In addition, the architecture of Dazhao Temple is also very impressive. It spreads out along the central axis and blends Han, Tibetan, and Mongol styles. The Han-style hip-and-gable roofs and Tibetan-style flat roofs are arranged in a pleasing mix, simple yet solemn. During 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 a memorial tablet of Emperor Kangxi, as well as imperially bestowed items such as dragon-and-phoenix peacock parasols and pearl octagonal palace lanterns. As you leave the main hall, don't forget to see the Eight Stupas of Shakyamuni in the square—eight white stupas arranged in a row, symbolizing the eight merits of the Buddha's life, and also a favorite spot for tourists to take photos. If you happen to visit 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 known as the "Cham Festival"). The temple's treasured giant thangka 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, overnight stay in Hohhot. Free Time Recommendations 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 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... Take a casual stroll and you may find a little something you like.

This morning, you will head to the Kubuqi Desert in Ordos (about 185 kilometers, approximately 2.5 hours by car) to visit the Resonant Sand Bay, known as the "Desert Disneyland"—a magical place that turns the desert into endless fun. [Kubuqi Desert] is China's seventh-largest desert. In Mongolian, it means "the string on a bow," named because it resembles a string hanging on the Yellow River. It was once called the "Sea of Death," but after generations of sand control and afforestation, the vegetation coverage has increased year by year, and it is now undergoing a transformation from a "Sea of Death" to a "Sea of Green." Today, it is one of China's most popular desert tourism destinations. And Resonant Sand Bay is the brightest pearl of the Kubuqi Desert. It is one of China's four major singing sand mountains, named because the dunes emit mysterious sounds. 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—a true "Desert Disneyland"! This is an amusement park in the desert, where thrills and joy go hand in hand. You can experience: Desert sailboats, rail bicycles, Polaris all-terrain vehicles, racing across the sea of sand High-altitude ziplining, overlooking the rolling dunes from the air Camel riding, swaying along to feel the Silk Road charm A wonderful performance at the Guolao Theater There are also the Flying Sand Tower, roller coasters, children's play areas... both adults and children can have a great time. Yuesha Island—a water park in the desert and a paradise for cultural experiences. You can: Take a sightseeing mini-train through the dunes Watch the live performance of the national intangible cultural heritage—"Ordos Wedding"—and experience Mongolian wedding customs Enjoy a Mongolian khoomei performance and listen to the heavenly sounds from the depths of the grassland Visit 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 traveling, 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 to 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 covers 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-sleeved shirts 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 for stunning dune light-and-shadow photos. At these times, the contrast is strongest, and every shot looks like a wallpaper. 6. Safety first: Do not go alone into no-man's land, and follow the safety rules of the activities. Protect the environment and take your trash with you so this desert can continue to be beautiful. After having fun to your heart's content, you will return to the hotel to rest.

This morning, you can choose to get up early (around 4 a.m.) and head to the Kubuqi Desert to enjoy the magnificent sunrise (optional). Afterward, return to Hohhot. Free-time suggestions (if time permits) 1. Dashengkui Museum Complex (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 trading firm on the "Ten Thousand Li Tea Road" founded by Shanxi merchants in the Qing Dynasty. It was once said to own "half of Guihua City" and brought commercial prosperity to Hohhot. Strolling through it, you can almost hear the bells of the camel caravans of those days. After the visit, your 6-day Central Inner Mongolia Grassland, Volcano, and Desert Tour is coming to an end. Extension suggestions 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 anytime, 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.