Central Inner Mongolia Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and how to get around in Central Inner Mongolia. Learn about local culture, food, and safety tips in this comprehensive travel guide.


Central Inner Mongolia is a region filled with stunning natural scenery, rich cultural heritage, and unique cuisine. This travel guide will provide you with all the information you need to plan your trip to this beautiful part of China.

Introduction to Central Inner Mongolia

Central Inner Mongolia is a province located in the northern region of China. It is renowned for its vast open grasslands, deserts, and mountains. It is a unique blend of Mongolian culture and Chinese traditions.

Central Inner Mongolia is a desirable destination for travelers interested in adventure, history, and local experiences. Whether you are interested in hiking, horse riding, or observing the traditional lifestyle of nomads, Central Inner Mongolia has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Central Inner Mongolia

Central Inner Mongolia is rich in cultural and natural attractions. Here are some must-visit destinations:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Inner Mongolia Museum: Located in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia Museum showcases the history and culture of the Inner Mongolian people. It has an impressive collection of artifacts and exhibits from the Bronze Age to modern times.

  2. Dazhao Temple: Dazhao Temple is the oldest and largest temple in Hohhot. It is famous for its spectacular painted sculptures and murals.

  3. Genghis Khan Mausoleum: Situated in the north of Inner Mongolia, the Genghis Khan Mausoleum is dedicated to the famous Mongol leader, Genghis Khan. It attracts millions of tourists each year who come to pay their respects to the great warrior.

Natural Attractions of Central Inner Mongolia: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Hulunbuir Grassland: Located in the northeast of Inner Mongolia, the Hulunbuir Grassland is the perfect place to experience the nomadic lifestyle of the Mongolian people. Visitors can sleep in a yurt, ride horses, and watch traditional performances.

  2. Xilamuren Grassland: Xilamuren is the largest grassland in Inner Mongolia, and it is only a few hours’ drive from Hohhot. Visitors can hike, horse ride, or go on a jeep tour through the grassland.

  3. Asihatu Stone Forest: Asihatu Stone Forest is a unique geological site located in the Gobi desert near Baotou. Visitors can explore the maze of limestone formations and enjoy the stunning views.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Central Inner Mongolia

Central Inner Mongolia is an ideal destination for hiking and biking enthusiasts. Here are some suggested routes:

  1. Erguna Wetlands: Located in the northeast of Inner Mongolia, Erguna Wetlands is a beautiful place to hike. Visitors can enjoy the scenery of the wetlands and see various species of birds.

  2. Yinshan Mountain Range: Yinshan Mountain Range is a paradise for mountain bikers. Visitors can ride through the mountain range and enjoy the stunning views.

  3. Xilingol Grassland: Xilingol Grassland is another great place to go hiking. Visitors can explore the grassland and see the traditional lifestyle of the Mongolian people.

Best Things to Do in Central Inner Mongolia: Activities and Tours

Central Inner Mongolia offers a wide range of activities and tours for travelers. Here are some of the best things to do in Central Inner Mongolia:

  1. Horse Riding: Horse riding is a popular activity in Central Inner Mongolia. Visitors can ride horses on the grasslands and observe the local nomadic lifestyle.

  2. Jeep Tours: Jeep tours are a great way to explore the Gobi desert and the grasslands. Visitors can ride through the beautiful scenery and experience the unique culture of Inner Mongolia.

  3. Traditional Performances: Inner Mongolia is famous for its traditional music and dance performances. Visitors can enjoy these performances and learn more about the culture of the Inner Mongolian people.

Week-Long Itinerary for Central Inner Mongolia

Here is a sample itinerary for a week-long trip to Central Inner Mongolia:

Day 1: Arrive in Hohhot, visit Inner Mongolia Museum, and Dazhao Temple.

Day 2: Travel to Xilamuren Grassland, enjoy horse riding and traditional Mongolian performances.

Day 3: Go to Asihatu Stone Forest and explore the unique geological formations.

Day 4: Hike in the Yinshan Mountain Range and experience the stunning scenery.

Day 5: Head to Hulunbuir Grassland and spend the night in a yurt.

Day 6: Go on a jeep tour of the Gobi desert and experience the local culture.

Day 7: Return to Hohhot and explore the city before departure.

Food and Drink Scene of Central Inner Mongolia

Local cuisine is an important aspect of Inner Mongolian culture. Here are some must-try dishes and beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Mongolian Hot Pot: Mongolian Hot Pot is a popular dish in Inner Mongolia. It is a soup made with lamb or beef, potatoes, carrots, and other vegetables.

  2. Milk Tea: Milk Tea is a staple of Inner Mongolian cuisine. It is made with black tea and milk and is often served with local desserts.

  3. Roast Whole Lamb: Roast Whole Lamb is a traditional Mongolian dish. The lamb is roasted over an open fire and served with various spices.

Local Beverages

  1. Mongolian Wine: Mongolian Wine is a unique beverage made from local fruits and berries. It has a sweet taste and is refreshing on a hot day.

  2. Milk Beer: Milk Beer is a popular local brew made by fermenting milk with beer yeast. It has a creamy texture and a mild flavor.

Where to Stay in Central Inner Mongolia: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Central Inner Mongolia offers a wide range of accommodation options for travelers. Here are some recommended hotels, hostels, and guesthouses:

  1. Shangri-La Hotel Hohhot: This luxury hotel is located in the heart of Hohhot and offers comfortable rooms and excellent facilities.

  2. Nomad Lodge: Nomad Lodge is a popular hostel for backpackers. It is located in the heart of Xilamuren Grassland and offers yurt accommodation.

  3. Nuomin Hotel: Nuomin Hotel is a budget option in Hohhot. It offers clean rooms and basic facilities.

What to Buy in Central Inner Mongolia: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Inner Mongolia is known for its unique handicrafts, traditional costumes, and delicious food. Here are some recommended souvenirs to bring home:

  1. Cashmere products: Cashmere products are popular in Inner Mongolia. Visitors can buy scarves, hats, and gloves made from high-quality cashmere.

  2. Mongolian boots: Mongolian boots are traditional shoes worn by nomads. They are made from high-quality leather and have a unique design.

  3. Milk candy: Milk candy is a sweet treat made from milk and sugar. It is a popular souvenir for travelers visiting Inner Mongolia.

Local Culture and Customs of Central Inner Mongolia

Inner Mongolia has a rich culture and unique customs. Visitors should respect local traditions and customs when traveling in the region. Here are some common customs to keep in mind:

  1. Greetings: Mongolians greet each other by bowing or shaking hands. It is polite to greet elders first.

  2. Dress Code: Mongolians wear traditional costumes, which include long robes and boots. Visitors should respect local attire and dress modestly.

  3. Food and Drink: Mongolians often share their food and drink with guests. It is polite to accept what is offered and show appreciation for the gesture.

Best Time to Visit Central Inner Mongolia

The best time to visit Central Inner Mongolia is from May to October. During this time, the weather is mild, and the grasslands are green.

Do’s and Don’ts of Central Inner Mongolia

Here are some do’s and don’ts when visiting Central Inner Mongolia:

Do:

  1. Respect local traditions and customs.
  2. Try local cuisine and interact with locals.
  3. Protect the environment and do not litter.

Don’t:

  1. Disrespect local culture and traditions.
  2. Dress inappropriately or show disrespect to locals.
  3. Damage natural and cultural heritage sites.

Safety and Health

Safety in Central Inner Mongolia

Central Inner Mongolia is a relatively safe destination for travelers. However, visitors should be aware of the following:

  1. Pickpocketing: Visitors should be aware of pickpocketing in crowded areas or markets.
  2. Altitude Sickness: Some areas in Inner Mongolia are at high altitude. Visitors should be aware of altitude sickness and drink plenty of water.

Health in Central Inner Mongolia

Visitors should drink bottled water and avoid tap water. It is also advisable to bring insect repellent to prevent mosquito bites.

Getting to Central Inner Mongolia: Transportation Options and Logistics

There are several ways to get to Central Inner Mongolia:

Airports Near Central Inner Mongolia

  1. Hohhot Baita International Airport: Hohhot Baita International Airport is the main airport in Inner Mongolia. It has direct flights to major cities in China.

  2. Baotou Erliban International Airport: Baotou Erliban International Airport is located in Baotou and has direct flights to major cities in China.

Bus Stations Near Central Inner Mongolia

  1. Hohhot Bus Station: Hohhot Bus Station has long-distance buses to major cities in China.

  2. Baotou Bus Station: Baotou Bus Station has long-distance buses to major cities in China.

Other Options

Visitors can also take a train to Hohhot or Baotou. High-speed trains are available from Beijing, Shanghai, and other major cities in China.

How to Get Around in Central Inner Mongolia

Visitors can travel around Central Inner Mongolia by bus, taxi, or private car. Visitors should be aware that some areas may not have public transportation and may require private tours.

Where to Go Next from Central Inner Mongolia: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Visitors can continue their journey to other parts of China or nearby countries. Here are some recommended destinations:

  1. Beijing: Beijing is a popular destination for visitors of China. It is only a few hours’ drive from Inner Mongolia.

  2. Mongolia: Visitors can go on a tour of Mongolia and experience the unique culture and scenery of the country.

Conclusion

Central Inner Mongolia is a unique destination that offers a blend of culture, adventure, and natural beauty. This comprehensive guide has provided you with all the information you need to plan your trip to Central Inner Mongolia. From must-visit attractions to local customs and traditions, Inner Mongolia has something for everyone.



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