Western Inner Mongolia Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, food and drink scene, local culture, transportation options, and more in Western Inner Mongolia with our comprehensive tour guide.


Introduction to Western Inner Mongolia

Western Inner Mongolia is a breathtaking travel destination nestled in the north of China, known for its cultural rich history, stunning natural beauty, and unique local customs. From vast deserts to lush grasslands, forests, and rocky mountain terrains, the region offers an exciting mix of outdoor adventures and historical landmarks to explore.

List of Places to Visit in Western Inner Mongolia

If you’re looking to experience the best of Western Inner Mongolia, here is a list of must-visit places:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Genghis Khan Mausoleum
  • Xilamuren Grassland Cultural Tourism Zone
  • Inner Mongolia Museum
  • Five-Pagoda Temple (Wuta Si)

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

  • Kubuqi Desert
  • Huitengxile Grassland
  • Ordos City Government Park
  • Resonant Sand Bay

Hiking/Biking Routes of Western Inner Mongolia

Western Inner Mongolia offers numerous hiking and biking routes for the adventure seekers. Here are a few:

  • Genghis Khan Riding Route
  • Wulagai Mountain

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

From camel rides to hot air balloon trips and cultural tours, visitors can enjoy a wide range of fun activities in Western Inner Mongolia, including:

  • Camel riding on the vast desert
  • Hot air balloon rides over the grasslands
  • Horse riding
  • Nomad family visiting tour

Week-Long Itinerary for Western Inner Mongolia

Here is an itinerary for a week-long trip to Western Inner Mongolia:

Day Activities
Day 1 Arrival, Xilamuren Grassland
Day 2 Exploring the grassland
Day 3 Resonant Sand Bay, camel rides
Day 4 Ordos City Government Park, Five-Pagoda Temple
Day 5 Kubuqi Desert, hiking
Day 6 Genghis Khan Mausoleum, Inner Mongolia Museum
Day 7 Departure

Food and Drink Scene of Western Inner Mongolia

Western Inner Mongolia offers a unique food and drink scene, reflecting the region’s nomadic culture and influences from neighboring regions.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Mongolian Hot Pot
  • Stewed mutton
  • Milk tea with salt

Local Beverages

  • Arga, a type of fermented mare’s milk
  • Changju, a type of beer made from millet

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

Western Inner Mongolia offers various options for accommodation, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses that cater to different budgets and preferences. Here are some recommendations:

  • Shangri-La Hotel, Hohhot
  • Lidu International Hotel, Ordos
  • Jinjiang Inn Hohhot East Railway Station

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

When in Western Inner Mongolia, buy some souvenirs and local products to bring a piece of the amazing travel experience back home. Best things to buy are:

  • Mongolian blankets
  • Kombucha
  • Mongolian costumes

Local Culture and Customs of Western Inner Mongolia

Western Inner Mongolia has deep nomadic traditions and customs, with the Mongols as the largest ethnic group. Visitors should respect the local customs, including:

  • Raising the right hand when greeting people
  • Wearing a hat before entering a yurt
  • Drinking Arga when invited by locals

Best Time to Visit Western Inner Mongolia

The best time to visit Western Inner Mongolia is in the summer season (June to August), when the weather is pleasant, and the landscape is lush and green.

Do’s and Don’ts of Western Inner Mongolia

Do:

  • Follow local customs
  • Learn about the culture and traditions
  • Try local food and drinks

Don’t:

  • Wear shoes in a yurt
  • Touch or pat the head of a Mongolian person
  • Be disrespectful or rude to the locals

Safety and Health

Safety in Western Inner Mongolia

Western Inner Mongolia is generally safe for travelers, but visitors should take caution and stay vigilant, especially when walking alone in remote areas at night.

Health in Western Inner Mongolia

Visitors should inform themselves about any necessary vaccinations before traveling to Western Inner Mongolia. It is advisable to take mosquito repellent if planning on hiking and being outdoors.

Getting to Western Inner Mongolia: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Western Inner Mongolia

  • Hohhot Baita International Airport
  • Ordos Ejin Horo Airport
  • Baotou Airport

Bus Stations Near Western Inner Mongolia

  • Hohhot Bus Station
  • Dongsheng Bus Station
  • Erlenhot Bus Station

Other Options

  • Train
  • Private transfer

How to Get Around in Western Inner Mongolia

Getting around in Western Inner Mongolia can be a challenging task as the places of interest are vast and spread out. Travelers can hire tour guides, rent a car or use public transportation, such as buses or taxis.

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

Western Inner Mongolia is the perfect starting point to further explore the northern parts of China. From here, visitors can travel to Beijing, Shanxi Province, or Shaanxi Province to see the stunning Great Wall and Terracotta Warriors.

Conclusion

Western Inner Mongolia is a fascinating travel destination that travelers must put on their bucket list. With endless natural wonders, historical landmarks, unique culture, and customs, visitors can experience a genuinely immersive travel experience in the heart of China.



    Baotou
    Gegentela
    Hohhot
    Wuhai
    Xilamuren