2026 Inner Mongolia Naadam 6-Day Tour: Hohhot + Xilamuren Grassland + Kubuqi Desert + Mausoleum of Genghis Khan

Welcome to Hohhot, the capital of Inner Mongolia! Upon 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. Afterward, you are free to arrange your time and enjoy the scenery of the "Blue City." Hohhot, meaning "Blue City" in Mongolian, is located in central Inner Mongolia and serves as 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 blue stones of the Greater Khingan 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 Activities 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 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 lamb skewers, and various halal delicacies. You can also visit the nearby Hohhot Great Mosque to experience the blend of diverse cultures. Practical Tips 1. Climate and Clothing: The average altitude of the region is about 1,000-1,500 meters, and UV rays are strong. It is recommended to bring sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen. The temperature difference between day and night is significant, 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, lamb, 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), where you can witness the exciting "Three Manly Skills" of horse racing, wrestling, and archery. If you wish to participate, feel free to contact our customer service at any time. How to Get There 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 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), etc. Since some routes do not operate year-round, it is advisable to check flight schedules in advance. (Note: The under-construction Hohhot Shengle International Airport is expected to be put into use in the future, replacing Baita International Airport. Please stay updated 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.

Today, you will 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 Cretaceous dinosaur in Asia — the Tsagannor dinosaur fossil. Standing before it, you can almost hear the footsteps of ancient times. Golden Crown of the Xiongnu King (Winged Gold Crown Ornament of the Warring States Period): Weighing 1,934 grams, it is a treasured relic of the Xiongnu King and the Inner Mongolia Museum's "treasure of the museum." Painted Wooden Coffin (Liao Dynasty): Over 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" (Made by Xiao Song) are inscribed on its base, it is also known as 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... 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. Then, come to the Zhaojun Museum located on the banks of the Dahei River. Its most striking landmark is a tall, truncated-pyramid-shaped earthen mound — the legendary Tomb of Zhaojun, known locally as the "Green Tomb," named because legend says the grass on the tomb stays green year-round. Entering the museum, first visit the Xiongnu Culture Museum, the only museum in China themed on Xiongnu culture. It houses artifacts related to Xiongnu history and tells the rise and fall of this nomadic people who once roamed the grasslands. Today's protagonist is Wang Zhaojun — one of the Four Great Beauties of ancient China, a remarkable woman known by the name "Falling Wild Geese." In 33 BC, the Xiongnu Chanyu Huhanye came to Chang'an, expressing his wish for a marriage alliance with the Han Dynasty. Wang Zhaojun, a woman in Emperor Yuan of Han's harem, volunteered to marry far beyond the frontier. Legend says that on the road out of the frontier, she played the pipa, and her mournful music and breathtaking beauty made the wild geese flying overhead forget to flap their wings and fall to the ground — hence the name "Falling Wild Geese." Zhaojun's departure to the frontier brought over sixty years of peace between the Han and Xiongnu, and her life became a symbol of ethnic unity and friendship. In the core area of the museum, you will see a group of bronze statues: Wang Zhaojun and Huhanye riding side by side, as if quietly conversing. This is not only a testament to their love but also symbolizes the mutual understanding and integration of the Han and Xiongnu peoples. Afterward, head to the Dazhao Temple. The 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 known as 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 an "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 on 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 the Dazhao Temple's Buddha Thangka Festival (also known as the "Cham Festival"), when 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. 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. 3. Explore the Dashengkui Museum Complex (about 1.1 kilometers from Dazhao Temple): It includes the Dashengkui Culture Museum (closed on Mondays), Yongsheng Ceramics Museum, 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. It was once said to be "half of Guihua City," bringing commercial prosperity to Hohhot. Strolling through it, you can almost hear the bells of the camel caravans from those days.

This morning, you will take a car ride of about 2 hours to [Xilamuren Grassland] in Darhan Muminggan Joint Banner, Baotou City, to attend the grand Naadam Festival. As the grassland closest to Hohhot, Xilamuren Grassland is also one of the earliest-developed grassland scenic areas in Inner Mongolia. Here the sky is high and the land vast, the pasture is lush, making it a great summer retreat and allowing you to immerse yourself in the authentic nomadic life of the grassland. After arriving at Xilamuren Grassland, you can attend the lively Naadam opening ceremony (PS: please be sure to confirm the exact date with us in advance) and experience this grandest traditional celebration of the Mongolian people firsthand. Naadam means "game" or "entertainment" in Mongolian, and it is also known as the "Three Manly Games" (Eriin Gurvan Naadam). This is a traditional festival with a history of over a thousand years, traceable to the Xiongnu period, and during the time of Genghis Khan it became an important way to train warriors and maintain combat readiness. Mongolia's Naadam has been inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and Inner Mongolia's Naadam also carries this ancient and glorious tradition. Today, Naadam is known as the "Grassland Olympics." It is a display of strength, speed, and skill, as well as a time for nomadic people to celebrate the harvest and reunite with family. Mongolian compatriots from all directions put on festive attire and, together with travelers from afar, spend the brief but passionate summer on the grassland. You can immerse yourself in this grassland celebration, watch exciting competitions, taste local delicacies such as hand-held mutton and milk tea, and feel the warmth and boldness that rush toward you. Highlights of the Three Manly Games 1. Wrestling (Mongolian: Bökh): Mongolian wrestling has no weight classes, and one fall decides the winner; touching the ground with any part above the knee means defeat. Wrestlers wear the traditional "zodog" (leather vest) and enter the arena waving their arms in an eagle dance, as if an eagle spreading its wings. In ancient times, heroes were often selected in this way, and Mongolian nobles also often chose sons-in-law through this. 2. Horse racing (Mongolian: Morin urldaan): Unlike Western horse racing, Naadam horse racing is a long-distance endurance race (usually 10-30 kilometers), testing the endurance of the horses and the courage of the riders. Most riders are children aged 5 to 12, in order to ensure the horses' speed over long distances with the lightest weight. Watching those small figures leaning over the horses' backs and galloping past is an indescribable thrill. 3. Archery (Mongolian: Kharvaa): Archers use traditional Mongolian horn bows, with targets set 75 meters away. Men, women, young, and old can all participate. When an arrow is released, the whole crowd holds its breath—when it hits the bullseye, cheers resound across the grassland. Warm reminder: The exact dates of Naadam vary by region and year, usually around the fourth day of the sixth lunar month (July or August in the Gregorian calendar), lasting 3 to 7 days. If you are interested in participating, please be sure to confirm the exact dates and arrangements with us in advance. Afterward, head to the Honggeer Oboo Scenic Area, the largest oboo on the 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 on the oboo and looking around, you can take in the entire grassland scenery. If interested, you can watch a stunning large-scale live equestrian drama on the grassland (at your own expense). With heaven and earth as the stage, the performance truly recreates the bravery and boldness of the Mongolian people, and you will witness the exciting contests of the "Three Manly Skills"—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 the Xilamuren Grassland. Beginner experience: A herder leads the horse, and you ride safely within a designated area, most suitable for first-time visitors. 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. Warm reminder: The two riding options have different fees. Please confirm the price and riding duration with the herder before getting on the horse. 2. Visit a herder's family: Step into the home of a local Mongolian herder family and experience their daily nomadic life. 3. Join the local "Three Manly Skills": Experience horse racing, wrestling, and archery, and immerse yourself in the bold spirit of the nomadic people. Optional Dinner: (at your own expense) If you want to experience the most authentic Mongolian feast, you can change into gorgeous Mongolian attire and attend a traditional Zhamma banquet, taste imperial dishes such as roasted whole lamb, enjoy ethnic song and dance performances, and experience 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 dance and sing with locals, bringing the day to a perfect close. At night, stay in a traditional yurt and enjoy the brilliant starry sky over the grassland.

If you do not want to miss the grassland's most beautiful moment, this morning you can get up early (around 4 a.m.) and quietly wait for the sunrise on Xilamuren 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. Then, head to Wudangzhao in Baotou. This is a Tibetan Buddhist holy site hidden deep in the mountains, known as the "Potala Palace on the Grassland." [Wudangzhao] was first built during the reign of the Kangxi Emperor of the Qing Dynasty, founded under the leadership of the First Living Buddha, Awang Quri Mo. Its architectural style is mainly Tibetan, modeled after Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse, Tibet. It is the largest and best-preserved Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Inner Mongolia, covering more than 300 mu with as many as 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 (Sugchin Hall, Choyil Hall, Dongkhor Hall, Dangakhid Hall, Akhui Hall, and Lhamirin Hall) are scattered across the southern slope of the valley, stretching for 1.5 km. The halls are as white as snow with shining golden roofs, and from a distance, they truly have something of the Potala Palace's grandeur. Stepping into the halls, you will be amazed by the exquisite murals, thangkas, and Buddha statues—after hundreds of years, their colors remain vivid and their brushwork still delicate. Walking up along the mountain path, you will see rows of prayer wheels, white stupas, and mani piles along the way. You can turn the prayer wheels and make a wish just like Tibetans do. In addition, there is a special deer park at the monastery, where a group of gentle sika deer stroll leisurely among the trees. In Buddhism, deer are a symbol of auspiciousness, and getting close to them is a rare kind of fate. If you have plenty of energy and time permits, you might climb the southern mountain opposite the monastery and look down at the full view of Wudangzhao—six great halls layered one above another, golden roofs and white walls standing especially solemn under the blue sky. That kind of awe 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 dance. The scene is very grand and lively. Afterward, you will head to the Kubuqi Desert in Ordos to visit Yeming Sand deep in the desert—a place where you can truly feel the desert's tranquility and wildness. 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, you can quietly admire the brilliant desert starry sky that you would never see in the city. (Warm reminder: For tonight's accommodation, you can choose to stay overnight at a campsite or hotel in the desert. Please let us know in advance so we can arrange it properly for you.)

This morning, you can choose to get up early (around 4:00 AM) and head to the Kubuqi Desert to enjoy a magnificent sunrise (optional). [Kubuqi Desert] is China's seventh-largest desert. In Mongolian, it means "the string on a bow," named because it resembles a string hanging over the Yellow River. Once called the "Sea of Death," after generations of sand control and afforestation, vegetation coverage has increased year by year, and it is 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. Yeming Sand (Singing Sand) is a special presence in the Kubuqi Desert. It is named "Yeming Sand" because when you tread on the sand at night, it emits a sound like a bell tolling. Hailed as "singing sand," it is one of the rare representatives of the booming sand phenomenon in the world. Here, you can ride a camel and sway deep into the sea of sand, feeling the desolation and grandeur of the ancient Silk Road; you can also experience sand sliding, gliding down from high dunes with the whistling wind and singing sand in your ears; or drive an all-terrain vehicle across the dunes for a desert version of "Fast and Furious." Friendly Reminder: Please confirm the tickets and activities for Yeming Sand with us before departure. Desert Travel Tips 1. Sun Protection and Sand Protection: The desert has strong UV rays. 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—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 lightweight long-sleeved shirts and long pants for sun protection. The temperature difference between day and night in the desert is large, so even in summer, bring a jacket for the evening. 5. Golden Hours for Photos: One hour after sunrise and one hour before sunset are the best times for dramatic dune photos. The contrast of light and shadow is strongest then, and every shot looks like a wallpaper. 6. Safety First: Do not stray far from the camp alone, and follow the safety regulations for activities. Protect the environment and take your trash with you so this desert can remain beautiful. After the exciting desert adventure, you will head to the Mausoleum of Genghis Khan in Ejin Horo Banner. This is the cenotaph of Genghis Khan (1162-1227), the 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. Due to the Mongolian tradition of "secret burial," his actual burial site remains a mystery. What is enshrined in this mausoleum is the camel hair that absorbed his last breath before he passed away—in Mongolian belief, this wisp of camel hair carries his soul. For over 700 years, it has been guarded by the Darkhad people from generation to generation. Entering the mausoleum, you will see three yurt-style halls standing majestically, with golden-blue glazed tiles shining in the sunlight. The complex is built in traditional Mongolian style, consisting of the Main Hall, East Hall, West Hall, and Rear Hall, solemn and majestic, covering about 13.6 acres. Must-See Highlights of the Mausoleum of Genghis Khan 1. Main Hall: In the center is a 5-meter-tall white marble seated statue of Genghis Khan, dignified and 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 burning since the year Genghis Khan passed away, symbolizing that his spirit never dies. 3. West Hall: Displayed here are the swords, bows and arrows, saddles, and other physical items used by Genghis Khan during his lifetime, as if you can still touch the era of golden spears and iron horses. 4. Darkhad Rituals: If you are lucky enough to visit on a sacrificial day, you can witness the traditional rituals performed by the Darkhad people and feel the piety that has spanned 700 years. 5. Cultural Performances: (Optional, at your own expense) Experience traditional Mongolian dance, music, rituals, and folk customs, such as the "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 Suruk Festival"). At that time, Mongolian compatriots from all directions gather here to offer white horse milk sacrifices, praying for peace and prosperity. This ritual has been included in the national intangible cultural heritage list. Friendly Reminder: The specific dates of sacrificial activities vary slightly each year. If you need more information, feel free to contact our customer service at any time. After visiting the Mausoleum of Genghis Khan, you will head to Ordos city 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 "Warm City"—13% of the world's cashmere is produced 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 but people). Over a decade later, it has long since become lively, with museums, theaters, libraries, and Genghis Khan Square lining the streets, as well as driverless buses shuttling through the streets—a great place to experience Ordos's modern face. 2. Ulan Mulun Lake Musical Fountain: Located on the banks of the Ulan Mulun River in Kangbashi District, the main fountain can reach a height of 230 meters, claiming to be "Asia's tallest fountain." Every night from 8 to 9 PM (weather permitting), sound, light, water, and fire intertwine for an audiovisual feast not to be missed.

Today, you can leave Ordos by train or plane. Alternatively, you can return to Hohhot (280 km, 3.5 hours) and depart from there. At this point, your 6-day Inner Mongolia Naadam tour will come to an end. Extension Suggestions 1. You can extend your Hohhot trip to other destinations in Inner Mongolia, such as Baotou, Badain Jaran Desert, and Hulunbuir. If needed, please feel free to let us know, and we can assist you in arranging 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.