Summer escape to Inner Mongolia's grasslands. Top destinations: Hohhot, Hulunbuir, Ordos. Yurt stays, horse riding, desert trips. Best: May-Sep.
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In summer, this vast northern frontier transforms into a breathtaking landscape of rolling green meadows. From sleeping in traditional Mongolian yurts beneath a sky full of stars to riding a horse across open plains, every moment on the grasslands feels like freedom.
We’ve gathered some useful travel information to help you plan your summer escape to Inner Mongolia. Keep scrolling to discover more!
1. Top destinations to visit in Inner Mongolia
Hohhot
Hohhot is the main gateway to the region and the perfect starting point for exploring nearby grasslands in Baotou and Ulanqab. The city also offers rich cultural experiences from the historic Dazhao Temple to the Inner Mongolia Museum. A visit to Hohhot is an essential part of any Inner Mongolia journey, blending culture, history and easy access to vast prairie landscapes.
Highlights: Inner Mongolia Museum, Dazhao Temple, Five Pagodas Temple, Zhaojun Museum
Best Time to Visit: May to October
Hulunbuir
Known as one of the most beautiful grasslands in China, Hulunbuir is a dream destination for nature lovers. Here, you will find endless prairies, winding rivers and peaceful border towns. Scattered Mongolian and ethnic villages along with unique architecture. A journey through Hulunbuir offers a perfect blend of untouched nature and cultural discovery in Northern China.
Highlights: Hulunbuir Grassland, Ergun Wetland, Shiwei Russian Town, Moerdaoga Forest Park, Manzhouli Matryoshka Square
Best Time to Visit: May to September
Badain Jaran Desert
Badain Jaran Desert is a paradise for adventure lovers. It is about 49,200 sq. km, offering a spectacular landscape of towering sand dunes and ancient temples. Make it a true natural wonderland for photography, hiking, camping, and off-road exploration.
Highlights: Badain Lake, Nortu Lake, Sumin Jaran Lake, Badain Jaran Temple, Bilutu Peak, Haisenchulu
Best Time to Visit: Spring, autumn, and winter
Ordos
Together with Hohhot and Baotou, Ordos forms the “Golden Triangle” of Inner Mongolia and is also known for its thriving cashmere industry. The city is deeply connected to the legacy of Genghis Khan, featuring sacred cultural sites that honor the great founder of the Mongol Empire during the Yuan Dynasty.
Beyond its rich history, Ordos is home to the vast Kubuqi Desert. This place is where modern ecological restoration meets adventure experiences such as sand activities, scenic landscapes, and desert exploration.
Highlights: Mausoleum of Genghis Khan, Yemingsha, Xiangshawan, Kangbashi District
Best Time to Visit: May to October
Baotou
Baotou is a dynamic industrial city of Inner Mongolia that also offers easy access to beautiful grassland scenery and rich cultural heritage. Just outside the city, you can enjoy the green expanse of Xilamuren Grassland. The city is also known for its important Tibetan Buddhist sites, including the sacred Wudangzhao Lamasery and Meidaizhao Monastery, where Mongolian and Buddhist cultures blend harmoniously.
Highlights: Xilamuren Grassland, Wudangzhao Lamasery, Meidaizhao Monastery, Baiyun Ebo, Saihantala Park
Best Time to Visit: May to October
2. Travel Itinerary
3. Recommended Add-On Experiences
Discover Genghis Khan’s Legacy in Ordos
Enjoy a meaningful day tour into the heart of Mongolian heritage in Ordos. Begin with a visit to the renowned Mausoleum of Genghis Khan. This sacred site offers a deeper understanding of Mongol history, traditions, and spiritual culture.
In the afternoon, take a relaxed stroll through the modern Kangbashi District, where wide boulevards and striking architecture meet cultural landmarks such as Genghis Khan Sculpture Square and Mongol Chess Square.
Discover Arxan UNESCO Global Geopark
Arxan is a UNESCO Global Geopark known for its untouched forests, crystal-clear mineral springs, volcanic landscapes, and the famous Heavenly Lake.
In 2 days, you will experience the essence of this natural wonderland. On the first day, you will explore the iconic Heavenly Lake, the scenic Three Lakes Gorge, and the serene Shitang Forest. On the second day, we will take you to visit the Azalea Lake.
Journey into the Northern Khingan Wilderness
On this full-day visit, enjoy a relaxing ride on the scenic sightseeing train as it gently winds through dense forests and river landscapes. Then continue with a refreshing walk in nature, breathing in the pure forest air and discovering the park’s beauty.
The highlight of the day is the viewpoint, where you can take in a breathtaking panorama of layered peaks stretching endlessly like waves across the Greater Khingan Mountains.
4. Travel Tips
The best time to visit Inner Mongolia: We would suggest May to September, when the weather is pleasant and the landscapes are at their most beautiful time. Spring is ideal for blooming flowers, summer is perfect for outdoor activities, and autumn offers the most stunning views across the region.
How to plan the tour in Inner Mongolia: Classic Inner Mongolia Tours typically include key destinations such as Hohhot, Baotou, and Ordos. Ideal for discovering the city’s highlights together with the nearby grasslands. For those with more time, a 1–2 day extension to the Kubuqi Desert in Ordos is a popular choice.
How to get to Inner Mongolia: The most convenient gateway is Hohhot. The fastest way is by flight to Hohhot Baita International Airport, which has direct connections from major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xi’an, and Chengdu. High-speed trains connect Hohhot with nearby major hubs, especially Beijing (around 2.5–3.5 hours).
Inner Mongolia offers a stunning mix of endless grasslands, deserts and rich nomadic culture, making it an unforgettable destination to discover. For more information or to tailor your itineraries, please contact us at [email protected] or connect via WeChat: Expatsholiday.
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