China is among the countries with the largest areas of grasslands in the world. In fact, grasslands take up about 40% of China’s total area. If you want to admire the beauty of grasslands, you should definitely travel to Hohhot in Inner Mongolia.
Huitengxile Grassland is one of the world’s three largest alpine meadows in Inner Mongolia. Its meadows, streams, and rolling hills will certainly amaze you.
Fast Facts about Huitengxile Grassland
- Location: in Chahar Right Middle Banner, Ulanqab, Inner Mongolia; about 68 miles (110 km) from Hohhot and 115 miles (185 km) from Baotou
- Hours: 08:30-18:00
- Ticket price: the grassland is free to visit, but some activities may cost a fee
- Recommended visit time: from half a day to two days
- Best time of the year: June to September
- Suited to: nature lovers, photographers, and anyone who wishes to experience Inner Mongolia culture
Overview of Huitengxile Grassland
Huitengxile in Mongolian, means “the cold plateau.” The grassland has an average altitude of over 5,900 feet (1,800 meters). It is considered one of the world’s top-preserved alpine meadows, along with the Alps and the Andes. It is also massive in size, spanning over 60,000 hectares (148,000 acres). With 99 natural lakes, it has a fabulous contrast of green and blue.
Huitengxile Grassland is the ideal spot for photographers and nature lovers particularly from June to September when the wildflowers are in bloom, adding exciting colors to the green grass. You will find incredible natural landscapes at the Yellow Flowers Valley, the Shencong Ditch, One-Mirror Sky, Goddess Cave, and the Huitengxile Wind Power Plant.
Apart from the nature wonders, you can also get a taste of Mongolian culture and traditions, such as horse riding, archery, wrestling, bonfire parties, and the Nadam Fair.
What to See and Do in Huitengxile Grassland
1. Vast Natural Grassland
Hop on a horseback ride, a sightseeing train, or a cable car to take in the gorgeous view of the boundless grassland. If you’re the more adventurous type, try grass skiing down the hills.
2. Yellow Flowers Valley
Huitengxile Grassland is a remnant of ancient glaciation that was subsequently elevated by a crust fracture. As a result, it is home to many impressive geological wonders.
The Yellow Flowers Valley is one of the most popular attractions on the grassland stretching over 6 miles (10 kilometers). It is a gorgeous geo-park where you can find amazing rock formations. There are plenty of strange rocks of different shapes, as well as steep cliffs and sharp peaks.
3. 99 Natural Lakes
The 99 natural lakes on Huitengxile Grassland are often referred to as the “mirrors on grassland.” There are in fact even more than 99 lakes on the grassland. Some of them have vivid names like Swan Goose Lake and Horsetail Lake.
4. Unique Mongolian Culture
Take part in activities such as horse racing, wrestling, archery, local ethnic weddings, the Aobao festival, and bonfire parties. All these activities take place on the grassland. You can experience firsthand the close relationship between the life of the locals and nature.
Best Time to Visit Huitengxile Grassland
The best time for Hohhot tours to Huitengxile Grassland is between June and September when the grassland is a green carpet decorated with yellow wildflowers.
The average temperature of these months is about 64°F (18°C). However, there can be a quite noticeable difference between day and night temperatures. The minimum temperature can drop to 50°F (10°C). It’s a good idea to bring a jacket to stay warm at night.
Another thing you might want to consider is the Naadam Festival, the biggest festival of the Mongolians. The festival usually falls in July or August (the fourth day of the sixth lunar month). “Naadam” in Mongolian means “games.” The most famous games of the festival are the “Three Games of Men,” Mongolian wrestling, horse racing, and archery.
If you’re lucky enough to visit Huitengxile Grassland during the festival, you can watch and cheer for the game events with the locals on the grass.
How to Get to Huitengxile Grassland
By Car: The easiest way to reach Huitengxile Grassland is by car, which takes about 2-3 hours from Hohhot or Baotou.
By Bus: There are regular buses from Hohhot or Baotou to Huitengxile Grassland. Bus rides usually take 3-4 hours.
By Train: Take a train to Xilinhot Railway Station first, then hire a car or taxi to the grassland. It takes about half an hour.
Attractions nearby Huitengxile Grassland
- Xilamuren Grassland is another gorgeous grassland in Inner Mongolia known for its landscape and Mongolian culture.
- Genghis Khan Mausoleum in Ordos city, is the resting place of the legendary Mongol ruler, Genghis Khan. Make the pilgrimage to admire the life of the great ruler. Learn about Mongolian history and nomadic culture at Mongolia History and Culture Museum.
- Kubuqi Desert is famous for its landscapes, sand dunes, oases. “Kubuqi” means “string on a bow” in Mongolian. The bow is the winding Yellow River around Ordos, and the string is the sand belt. It is a popular desert among hikers.
