Xilamuren Grassland, or Xilamulun Grassland, is one of the most beautiful and vast grasslands in Baotou, Inner Mongolia. It is also the closest grassland to Hohhot, the capital city of Inner Mongolia, only 50 miles (80 kilometers) north of it.
Xilamuren Grassland 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. During your Inner Mongolia tour, experience the nomadic lifestyle with beautiful scenery and outdoor activities.
Fast Facts about Xilamuren Grassland
- Location: Xilamuren Town, Baotou city in Inner Mongolia
- Hours: 08:00-18:00
- Ticket price: CNY 120
- Recommended visit time: 1 or 2 days
- Best time of the year: June to September
- Suited to: nature lovers, anyone interested in Mongolian traditions like horseback riding
What to See and Do on Xilamuren Grassland
Horseback Riding
The vast Xilamuren Grassland can be a long hike, why not take a horseback ride? You can rent horses and ride through the grassland while taking in the fresh air and beautiful scenery. You’ll see pieces of the Mongolian daily life like yurts and animals.
Mongolian Yurt Stay
Spend a night in a Mongolian yurt on Xilamuren Grassland like a nomad. The yurts are comfortable and have everything you need, including a private bathroom. You also get to join the evening activities if you’re staying overnight, like a Mongolian dinner or bonfire parties.
Cultural Performances
There are many cultural performances on Xilamuren Grassland like singing and dancing shows. If you’re lucky enough to travel to Baotou in Inner Mongolia during Naadam Festival, you’ll see the intense “three games of men,” horse racing, wrestling, and archery.
Local Cuisine
The vast Xilamuren Grassland provides the excellent condition for farming cattle and sheep. Make sure you try Mongolian special dishes such as roasted lamb, dairy products, and Mongolian hot pot.
Jeep Tour
You’ll be surprised to find sand dunes and lakes in the remote areas of Xilamuren Grassland. The best way to get to these places is to hop on a Jeep tour with a local guide.
Best Time to Visit Xilamuren Grassland
From June to September is the best time frame to visit Xilamuren Grassland, because the weather is nice, and the temperature is mild, perfect for outdoor activities. Summer and early autumn seasons in Inner Mongolia are also the time when grasslands are the greenest with beautiful wildflowers.
July and August are when the Naadam Festival is usually held. Make sure you don’t miss the biggest event in Mongolian culture.
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.
It is important to note that the temperature on Xilamuren Grassland tends to vary greatly between day and night. So pack appropriately according to the weather and include a warm jacket for the evenings.
Getting to Xilamuren Grassland
- By Bus: A bus ride from Hohhot Bus Station to Xilamuren Grassland will take about 2 hours.
- By Car: Hire a private drive or a taxi from Hohhot to Xilamuren Grassland tourism center. It takes only an hour and a half.
- By Train: First take a train from Hohhot Railway Station to Baotou. Then take a bus or taxi to Xilamuren Grassland.
Attractions nearby Xilamuren Grassland
- Gegentala Grasslandis another grassland worth visiting in the area. It is about 90 miles (145 kilometers) northwest of Xilamuren Grassland.
- Dazhao Templeis Hohhot’s oldest and largest Buddhist temple. It is famous for “Three Marvelous Treasures”: Silver Buddha, carved dragons, painted murals.
- Hohhotis the capital city of Inner Mongolia known for its unique culture and scenery. You’ll find attractions including Inner Mongolia Museum, Hohhot Antique Market, and Hohhot Mosque.
Inner Mongolia Tours to Xilamuren Grassland
- 4 Days Hohhot and Xilamuren Grassland Tour
- 7 Days Inner Mongolia Tour with Daqing Mountain Hike
- 3 Days Inner Mongolia Grassland and Desert Tour
