Baotou Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Baotou with our comprehensive travel guide, including top attractions, hiking/biking routes, where to stay, what to eat, cultural customs, safety tips, transportation options, and nearby destinations.


Introduction to Baotou

Baotou is a city located in Western Inner Mongolia and is renowned for being the largest industrial city in Inner Mongolia. Despite being an industrial city, Baotou is home to natural wonders such as the stunning Saihanba National Forest Park and abundant mineral resources. This city offers visitors a unique blend of industrial and natural beauty.

List of Places to Visit in Baotou

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Inner Mongolia Museum: This museum showcases the history and culture of the Inner Mongolia region. It has exhibits related to the folk customs, geology, natural ecology, and history of Inner Mongolia.
  • Wudangzhao Monastery: This is an ancient temple complex built during the Ming Dynasty era. It is known for its stunning traditional architecture, intricate murals, and beautiful pavilions.
  • Genghis Khan’s Mausoleum: Located in the north suburb of Baotou, this mausoleum serves as a shrine for Genghis Khan, one of China’s most famous and influential historical figures.

Natural Attractions of Baotou: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Saihanba National Forest Park: This national forest park offers beautiful scenery, including pine forests, lakes, and hills. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, and fishing here.
  • Yinshan Pagoda Forest Park: This park is characterized by its beautiful pagodas and various outdoor attractions, including skiing and horse riding.
  • Hetao Terraced Fields: Located in Hetao Plain, these terraced fields offer unique views during different seasons. During the autumn harvest season, visitors can see golden farmland stretching as far as the eye can see.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Baotou

  • The Saihanba Scenic Area: This is a challenging hike, covering the beautiful Saihanba National Forest Park spanning 2-3 days. Visitors will encounter a variety of terrain throughout the journey, including mountains, forests, and wetlands.
  • The Qinglongshan Scenic Area: This area is suitable for those who prefer easier hikes, covering the beautiful Qinglongshan Scenic Area in approximately 2 hours. Visitors will encounter a beautiful mountain landscape and a magnificent waterfall.

Best Things to Do in Baotou: Activities and Tours

  • Visit the Three Lakes: The Three Lakes in Baotou are interconnected and span over 40 km. Visitors can enjoy beautiful scenery while taking a boat tour, kayaking, or fishing.
  • Horse Riding: Inner Mongolia is home to the beautiful and strong Mongolian horses. Visitors can enjoy a unique horse riding experience while enjoying beautiful scenery.
  • Hot springs: Hot springs are prevalent in Inner Mongolia, and there are many hot spring resorts throughout Baotou, offering a relaxing retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Week-Long Itinerary for Baotou

Day Itinerary
1 Visit the Inner Mongolia Museum, Wudangzhao Monastery, and Genghis Khan’s Mausoleum
2 Go hiking on the Saihanba Scenic Area
3 Visit the Qinglongshan Scenic Area and enjoy the magnificent waterfall
4 Go horseback riding and enjoy the beautiful scenery
5 Take a boat tour of the Three Lakes, enjoy a relaxing day of fishing, and experience the Mongolian culture
6 Visit the Hetao Terraced Fields and enjoy the golden farmland in the autumn
7 Relax and soak in a hot spring at a hot spring resort

Food and Drink Scene of Baotou

Must-Try Dishes

  • Roast Whole Lamb: This is a famous Inner Mongolia cuisine, and visitors can enjoy roast whole lamb, which is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
  • Milk tea: Milk tea is one of the most traditional drinks in Inner Mongolia. The tea is boiled in milk and sugar, offering a sweet and creamy taste.
  • Mung Bean Jelly: Mung Bean Jelly is a sweet snack that is popular among locals. It is made from mung bean flour and has a soft, sticky texture.

Local Beverages

  • Shou Wu Wine: A popular local wine made from Polygonum multiflorum, a plant that has been used in Chinese medicine for years. This wine is said to have many health benefits.
  • Arhorchin Milk: Arhorchin Milk is made from the milk of cows and yaks and is known for its rich and creamy taste. It is a perfect drink to try during a hot summer day in Baotou.

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

  • Shangri-La Hotel Baotou: Located in the city center of Baotou, it offers 284 spacious guestrooms and suites, as well as an array of recreational facilities, including a fitness center, a swimming pool, a spa, and a variety of restaurants.
  • Baotou Youth Hostel: This hostel offers affordable and comfortable accommodations, offering a great option for backpackers or travelers on a budget.
  • Wanda Vista Baotou: With 3 international restaurants and a range of luxury amenities, including an indoor pool and fitness center, the Wanda Vista Baotou is ideal for those looking for a luxurious and relaxing stay in Baotou.

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

  • Mongolian Knife: Mongolian knives are handmade and come in various styles and designs, making them a unique souvenir for visitors to take home.
  • Cashmere: Inner Mongolia is famous for its high-quality cashmere products, and visitors can easily find a variety of cashmere products, including scarves, hats, and sweaters, sold in Baotou markets.
  • Mongolian Bowls: Mongolian bowls are traditionally used for drinking milk tea and are made of ceramic or stone. They feature unique patterns and designs, making them an excellent souvenir to bring home.

Local Culture and Customs of Baotou

Inner Mongolia is rich in cultural traditions, and visitors should be respectful of these traditions when visiting. Mongolian costumes, songs, dancing, artwork, and cuisine all feature prominently in Inner Mongolian culture.

Best Time to Visit Baotou

Baotou’s weather is characterized by dry hot summers and cold, dry winters. Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit Baotou, with mild temperatures and beautiful scenery. Visitors may also consider attending the Nadam Festival, Inner Mongolia’s largest traditional festival, which takes place in July.

Do’s and Don’ts of Baotou

Do:

  • Respect the local customs and traditions when visiting any cultural sites, such as monasteries and museums.
  • Try local foods and drinks, as Inner Mongolia’s cuisine is unique and diverse.
  • Dress appropriately when visiting holy sites, wearing clothing that covers shoulders and knees.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter in any natural areas or parks, and respect the environment.
  • Don’t touch or disturb any wildlife in natural parks or reserves.
  • Don’t photograph any locals without permission.

Safety and Health

Safety in Baotou

Baotou is generally considered to be safe for travelers, with low crime rates. However, as with any city, it is advisable to take precautions and avoid carrying valuables in crowded areas.

Health in Baotou

Visitors may experience altitude sickness due to the high altitude of Inner Mongolia. It is essential to stay hydrated and take time to acclimate to the high altitude. Visitors should also be cautious of food safety and drink bottled water to avoid gastrointestinal problems.

Getting to Baotou: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Baotou

Baotou has only one airport, the Baotou Airport (BAV). This airport has daily direct flights to major Chinese cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.

Bus Stations Near Baotou

Baotou has three main bus stations, the Inner Mongolia Long-distance Bus Terminal, the Mongolian Town Bus Terminal, and the Baotou West Bus Station. These bus stations offer regular bus services to various destinations within Inner Mongolia, as well as to neighboring provinces.

Other Options

Visitors can also come to Baotou by train as it is well connected to cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.

How to Get Around in Baotou

Baotou has a well-connected public transportation system that includes buses, taxis, and ride-hailing services. Visitors can also rent a car or motorbike for flexible travel. Biking is also a common way to get around and can be ideal for exploring at a leisurely pace.

Where to Go Next from Baotou: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Hohhot: Hohhot is the capital city of Inner Mongolia, and it is known for its rich cultural heritage, beautiful landscapes, and unique cuisine.
  • Xilamuren Grassland: Xilamuren Grassland is a famous grassland in Inner Mongolia, known for its wide pastures, traditional Mongolian yurts, and horse-riding.
  • Beijing: Beijing, the capital city of China, can be easily accessed by plane or high-speed train from Baotou, and visitors can explore the city’s iconic landmarks such as the Great Wall and the Forbidden City.

Conclusion

Baotou is a unique and exciting travel destination in Inner Mongolia, offering a combination of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and modern urban living. Visitors to Baotou can experience Inner Mongolian culture, try delicious local cuisine, and explore the beautiful natural scenery. Plan your trip to Baotou using our comprehensive travel guide, and create unforgettable memories of your trip to this remarkable city.