Inner Mongolia is a large region along the northern border of China. It is best known for being home to some of the greatest grasslands on our planet. Many travel to Inner Mongolia to witness the beauty of the endless green plains. Other areas are covered in vast deserts, some of the largest and most stunning in China.
Apart from the natural wonders, Inner Mongolia is also renowned for its fascinating nomadic culture and history. There’re ancient temples and historical sites to explore as well as areas with Russian influences along the border. If you’re looking to experience life on the grasslands on your China tour, here is a list of the top 12 things to do in Inner Mongolia.
1. Hulunbuir Grassland: China’s Largest Grassland in Hulunbuir
Definitely one of the best things to do in Inner Mongolia is visiting Hulunbuir Grassland. It is one of the four largest grasslands in the world and the largest in China. It is called “the Purest Prairie” because it is one of the most pristine and well-preserved grasslands in the world.
Being six times the size of Beijing, the vast green plain has over 3,000 rivers and 500 lakes scattering across it. The immense area has nurtured a variety of wildlife, which has earned Hulunbuir Grassland the title of “the Grass Kingdom.” If you’re a passionate birdwatcher, make sure to bring your binoculars, as numerous bird species can be found here.
2. Naadam Festival: The Grandest Event on Grassland
Naadam Festival is the biggest event of the year for people of Inner Mongolia. It is an annual celebration of Mongolian culture that includes traditional sports, music, and dance. “Naadam” in Mongolian means “three games,” which are the main events of the festival, wrestling, horse racing, and archery.
Naadam Festival has over 2,000 years of history. It was originally held in preparation of war. Different regions in Inner Mongolia hold the event during different times, generally between June and August. For your reference, Hulunbuir Grassland usually hosts it in mid-July, and Xilamuren Grassland typically does in late July or early August.
If your Inner Mongolia tour happens to be in the summer, Naadam Festival is certainly the best cultural experience. Learn about local traditions, history and immerse yourself in the excitement of the sports. It is undeniably one of the best things to do in Inner Mongolia.
3. The Nomadic Life: Yurts, Horse Riding, & Food
To have the most authentic and memorable experience in Inner Mongolia, immerse yourself in the local nomadic life. You can stay with a local family in a Mongolian yurt on the grassland. These cozy, round tents are traditional Mongolian housing with comprehensive infrastructure. You can participate in their daily activities and join a bonfire party at night.
Riding a horse is a classic thing to do in Inner Mongolia. Stroll about the grassland on horseback and take in the fresh air. Another important part of the nomadic life is their local cuisine. Try famous dishes like roasted whole sheep, mutton hot pot, and hand-grab mutton with Mongolian milk tea.
Recommended Hulunbuir Grassland Tours:
- 4 Days Inner Mongolia Naadam Festival & Hulunbuir Tour
- 5 Days Inner Mongolia Hulunbuir Grassland Tour
4. Dazhao Temple: The Center of Buddhist Culture in Hohhot
If you’re wondering what to do in Inner Mongolia other than visiting the grasslands, seeing the region’s cultural landscapes is a good idea. Dazhao Temple is the oldest and largest Buddhist temple in Hohhot, built in 1580 during Ming Dynasty. Aside from its magnificent architecture, it houses a large amount of wood carvings, murals, and precious relics, including a 2.5-meter-tall silver statue of Sakyamuni Buddha.
5. Mausoleum of Genghis Khan: The Legendary Founder of Mongol Empire in Ordos
Mausoleum of Genghis Khan is a massive complex in Ordos, dedicated to the legendary founder of the Mongol Empire. Visiting it in person is surely one of the top things to do in Inner Mongolia. Walk through its numerous halls to learn about the life and legacy of Genghis Khan through various exhibits and statues.
6. Badain Jaran Desert: China’s Most Beautiful Desert in Ejin Banner
Badain Jaran Desert is the third largest desert in China, spanning across three provinces, Gansu, Ningxia, and Inner Mongolia. It is a subsection of the Gobi Desert. It’s most famous for its “five wonders,” sandy peaks, singing dunes, desert lakes, clear springs, and ancient temples. These amazing wonders have intrigued travelers, photographer, scientists from all over the world.
In 2005, National Geographic named it the most beautiful desert in China. You can climb up the sand dunes, see the colorful desert lakes, go on a camel trek, or rent an SUV to explore the vast area. These are all some of the most popular things to do in Inner Mongolia.
Recommended Badain Jaran Desert Tours:
- 3 Days Badain Jaran Desert Tour: Yurt Camp & Jeep Safari
- 6 Days Ejin Banner & Badain Jaran Desert Tour
7. Xilamuren Grassland: The Classic Inner Mongolia Grassland Experience in Baotou
Xilamuren Grassland in Baotou was the first grassland in Inner Mongolia to be developed into a tourism attraction, so it has the best facilities amongst all the grasslands in the area. It is also the closest grassland to Hohhot, only 50 miles (80 kilometers) north of it making transportation around a lot easier. You can go on horseback rides, stay in a yurt, and experience the nomadic lifestyle.
From June to September is the best time to visit Inner Mongolia and Xilamuren Grassland, because the weather is nice, and the temperature is mild, perfect for outdoor activities.
Summer and early autumn seasons are when grasslands are the greenest with beautiful wildflowers. In August and September, the grass on Xilamuren Grassland turns golden as the weather gets cooler. The golden grass creates a different but equally amazing landscape perfect for photography.
8. Wudangzhao Monastery: A Sacred Lamasery on the Grassland in Baotou
You never have to wonder about what to see in Inner Mongolia, because it has such a rich cultural heritage. Not far from Xilamuren Grassland, you’ll find Wudangzhao Monastery, one of the four famous Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in China and the largest in Inner Mongolia. It’s known as “the Potala Palace on the Grassland” because of its size and magnificent architecture.
With more than 2,500 halls, Wudangzhao Monastery has prayer halls, academic centers, living quarters with white walls and golden roofs. You can observe the local religious life and admire Buddhist arts that adorn the walls.
Recommended Inner Mongolia Baotou Tours:
9. Kubuqi Desert: Try Adventurous Desert Activities in Ordos
Kubuqi Desert is the seventh largest desert in China. It is better developed for tourism with hiking trails and camel riding. You can sandboard down the dunes, watch the unforgettable desert sunset, join a bonfire party, and see the stars in the night sky.
Recommended Kubuqi Desert and Ordos Tours:
10. Ejina Populus Euphratica Forest: Find China’s Most Beautiful Fall in Ejin Banner
Ejina Populus Euphratica Forest is one of the top three largest Euphrates poplar or desert poplar forests in the world. It is said to have the most beautiful fall in China with the whole area brightened up with golden leaves.
Populus Euphratica is the oldest poplar species ever found. Among thousands of them here, some are more than 1,000 years old. They are also called “heroes in the desert” because they are remarkably resilient in the harsh desert environment.
Recommended Ejin Banner Tours:
11. Aoluguya Reindeer Village: Home to the Ewenki Reindeer Tribe in Hulunbuir
Aoluguya Reindeer Village is home to the Ewenki people, the only “reindeer tribe” in China, also called the “last hunting tribe.” For centuries, Ewenki people have lived in the dense forests by hunting and raising reindeers. They’re still practicing many of their traditions and ways of life today. At the village, interact with the reindeers and learn about the fascinating culture of the Ewenki people.
12. Inner Mongolia Museum: Discover Grassland Culture in Hohhot
There’re plenty of things to do in Hohhot, the capital city of Inner Mongolia, and one of the most rewarding experiences is at the Inner Mongolia Museum. Founded in 1957, this is a comprehensive museum on the rich history and culture of Mongolian people. It houses over 44,000 cultural relics, including artifacts from the ancient Silk Road and dinosaur fossils.
Recommended Inner Mongolia Hohhot Tours:
