Yakeshi Travel Guide

Your ultimate travel guide to Yakeshi - from culturally important attractions to outdoor adventures, this comprehensive guide has it all covered.


Introduction to Yakeshi

Yakeshi is a city located in Eastern Inner Mongolia, China. It is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, outdoor adventures, and cultural heritage. The city is home to many ethnic groups, including Mongolians and Han Chinese. Yakeshi also has a rich history that dates back to the Qing Dynasty. With its stunning natural beauty and cultural significance, Yakeshi is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to China.

List of Places to Visit in Yakeshi

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Yakeshi Museum: This museum displays the history and culture of the Yakeshi region. Visitors can learn about the region’s past and the people who have inhabited it for thousands of years.

  • The Wangyedian Site: This historical site dates back to the Han Dynasty and is a must-visit for history lovers. The site has many artifacts and ruins that give visitors an insight into the lives of ancient Chinese people.

  • The Iceman Tomb: This tomb is the resting place of the famous Yakeshi Iceman, who lived during the Qing Dynasty. Visitors can see his well-preserved body and learn about his life in Yakeshi.

Natural Attractions of Yakeshi: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Hulunbuir Grasslands: These grasslands are home to many ethnic groups and are a stunning natural wonder. Visitors can camp and hike here, as well as ride horses and camels.

  • Genhe Wetlands: These wetlands are a protected area that is home to many rare species of plants and animals. Visitors can hike, birdwatch and even take a boat ride through the wetlands.

  • The Taipinggou National Forest Park: This park is located at the foot of the Greater Hinggan Mountains and is a beautiful place to hike, camp and enjoy nature.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Yakeshi

  • The Taipinggou Scenic Area: This area is perfect for hiking and biking. The trail takes visitors through mountains and valleys, and the scenery is breathtaking.

  • The Hulunbuir Grasslands: These grasslands have many trails that are perfect for hiking and biking. The trails take visitors through stunning landscapes and give them a chance to see the local wildlife.

  • The Wuliji Mountain Scenic Area: This scenic area has many hiking and biking trails that take visitors through lush forests and stunning mountain scenery.

Best Things to Do in Yakeshi: Activities and Tours

  • Horse Riding: Horseback riding is a popular activity in Yakeshi, with many companies offering tours of the grasslands.

  • Camel Riding: For a more unique experience, visitors can take a camel ride through the grasslands.

  • Visiting Local Villages: Many local villages welcome visitors and offer tours of their homes and way of life.

Week-Long Itinerary for Yakeshi

Day Activity
1 Visit the Yakeshi Museum and Wangyedian Site
2 Explore the Hulunbuir Grasslands and camp
3 Take a horseback riding tour of the grasslands
4 Visit the Genhe Wetlands and take a boat ride
5 Hike through the Taipinggou National Forest Park
6 Visit local villages and experience the local way of life
7 Take a camel ride and enjoy the scenery

Food and Drink Scene of Yakeshi

Must-Try Dishes

  • Roast Whole Lamb: This dish is a local specialty and is often served at festivals and celebrations. The lamb is roasted whole and is seasoned with local spices.

  • Milk Tea: This tea is made by boiling tea leaves with milk and sugar. It is a popular drink in Inner Mongolia and is available in many local shops and cafes.

  • Naan Bread: This bread is a staple in Inner Mongolian cuisine and is often served with meals. It is made with flour, water, and yeast and is cooked in a clay oven.

Local Beverages

  • Arki: This is a traditional Mongolian alcoholic beverage that is made from distilled milk. It has a strong taste and is often served at celebrations and festivals.

  • Baijiu: This is a Chinese alcoholic beverage that is made from grains. It has a high alcohol content and is often served as a toast at meals and celebrations.

Where to Stay in Yakeshi: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Yakeshi Mingzhu Hotel: This hotel is located in the heart of Yakeshi and has comfortable rooms and many amenities.

  • Jinxiu Lijing Hotel: This hotel is located just a few minutes’ walk from the Yakeshi Museum and has clean, comfortable rooms.

  • Guesthouse of Ewenki: This guesthouse is located in a local village and offers visitors a chance to experience the local way of life.

What to Buy in Yakeshi: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Saddle Blankets: These blankets are hand-woven and are a traditional Mongolian craft. They make a great souvenir or gift.

  • Fur Hats: These hats are made from high-quality fur and are a warm and stylish choice for winter.

  • Mongolian Calligraphy Art: This art form is unique to Inner Mongolia and makes a great souvenir. Visitors can purchase calligraphy scrolls or have a personalized piece made for them.

Local Culture and Customs of Yakeshi

  • Respect for Elders: Respect for elders is an important part of Inner Mongolian culture. Visitors are expected to show respect to older people and to greet them by their title rather than their name.

  • Hospitality: Inner Mongolians are known for their hospitality, and visitors can expect to be welcomed warmly into local homes and villages.

Best Time to Visit Yakeshi

The best time to visit Yakeshi is from May to October. During this time, the weather is mild, and the grasslands are green and alive with wildflowers. In the autumn months, the leaves on the trees turn golden, making for stunning scenery.

Do’s and Don’ts of Yakeshi

Do:

  • Respect Local Customs: Visitors should respect local customs and traditions, including respecting elders and being courteous to others.

  • Participate in Local Festivals: Yakeshi has many festivals throughout the year, and visitors should participate in them to experience local culture.

Don’t:

  • Disrespect Sacred Sites: Visitors should not damage or disrespect sacred sites such as temples or shrines.

  • Engage in Illegal Activities: Visitors should not engage in illegal activities such as drug use or theft.

Safety and Health

Safety in Yakeshi

Yakeshi is a relatively safe city, with low crime rates. Visitors should be aware of their surroundings and take precautions to avoid pickpocketing and theft.

Health in Yakeshi

Healthcare in Yakeshi is generally of a good standard. Visitors should ensure that they have adequate health insurance when traveling to China and should take precautions to avoid food-borne illnesses.

Getting to Yakeshi: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Yakeshi

The nearest airport to Yakeshi is Hailar Dongshan International Airport, located around 200km away.

Bus Stations Near Yakeshi

Yakeshi has a bus station that offers services to nearby cities and towns.

Other Options

Visitors can also take a train to Hailar or Tongliao and then take a bus or taxi to Yakeshi.

How to Get Around in Yakeshi

The best way to get around Yakeshi is by taxi. Visitors can also rent bikes or hire a car.

Where to Go Next from Yakeshi: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Hulun Lake: This is the largest lake in Inner Mongolia and is a stunning natural wonder. Visitors can swim, fish, and hike here.

  • Manzhouli: This city is located on the border with Russia and is famous for its Russian-style architecture and vibrant culture.

  • Daxing’anling Mountains: This mountain range is a beautiful place to hike, camp and enjoy nature.

Conclusion

Yakeshi is a city that has something for everyone. With its stunning natural beauty, rich culture, and outdoor adventures, Yakeshi is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to China. This comprehensive guide has covered all the important information visitors need to plan their trip to Yakeshi and make the most of their time in this beautiful city.