The Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, bordering to the north with both the Republic of Mongolia and Russia, is the widest province in China (by its latitude). It is the third largest Chinese province (a little bigger than Egypt) but not very populated. Many ethnic groups are living in this area including Mongolian, Daur, Oroqen, Ewenki, Hui, Han, Korea and Manchu. It is about 500 kilometers from Beijing, and the over night train or one hour flight will bring us there. It is the home of Genghis Khan and his descendants, who united most part of Asia in 13 century.

Hohhot is the capital of Inner Mongolia. By Chinese standards, Hohhot has a short history. In 1557, when the Mongolian prince, Altan Khan, ordered the construction of a large Tibetan-Buddhist complex, he had his own agenda. (In a historical twist, his workforce was made up of captured Han Chinese artisans and Han peasants forced into corvee labor.) Completion of such a complex would legitimize his rule over the southern Mongolian tribes and secure the recognition of the Ming Empire. By 1579, Da Zhao Temple, which still survives, was completed, and by 1590 the town of Hohhot (in Mandarin Huhehaote, or simply Hu Shi) had sprung up around it.

From the beginning, the city was both Mongolian and Han Chinese, and though the ratio has fluctuated wildly over 4 centuries, the population has always been culturally mixed. In the 19th century, the Hui (Chinese Muslims) became the third-largest ethnic group in the city.

The grassland and desert are the highlights of Inner Mongolia tour. Vast grasslands, including the Xilamuren Grassland, Gegentala Grassland and Huitengxile Grassland are all good places for a grassland experience. The mushroom-like yurts, clear blue sky, fresh air, rolling grass and the flocks and herds moving like white clouds on the remote grassland, all contribute to make the scenery a very relaxing one. While visiting Inner Mongolia you may try different activities such as Mongolian wrestling, horse & camel riding, rodeo competitions, archery, visiting traditional families and enjoying the graceful Mongolian singing and dancing. You can also visit deserts in Inner Mongolia. The deserts are located in the western part of the province: the most famous and visited ones are the Badain Jaran Desert, Tengger Desert and Kubuqi Desert. Early autumn (from the middle of August to the end of September) is the best time to explore the desert as the temperatures are very temperate.

Nadam Fair of the Mongolian

Every year between July and August, there is Nadam Fair on the grassland. Nadam means 'entertainment or game' in Mongolian. Nadam Fair is the annual traditional pageant for Mongolians held in summer during which period the grass is green and the livestock stout and strong. In history, Nadam Fair was held for large-scale sacrificial activities and to pray for blessings from Manito. Now, activities like wrestling, horseracing, and archery (the three skills all Mongolian men should master) are the primary role of the fair. Besides, track and field sports, tug-of-war, basketball and volleyball matches are relatively new additions making the fair even more interesting. The fair finishes with a bonfire party during the night when the young people singing and dancing.

Suggested itinerary:

Day 1: Take the night train K89 or K263 (soft sleeper, about 10 hours 22:00-08:00 next day), from Beijing to Hohhot, the capital of the Inner Mongolia.

Day 2: Arrive at Huhhot in the morning. Our guide and driver will meet us at railway station. After breakfast, we drive to the Xilamuren Grassland by private coach. There will be a greeting ceremony by local Mongolians. Enjoy watching wrestling and horse racing, Mongolian singing and dancing. Mongolian lunch with barbeque and local snacks. Visit Mongolian family and Aobao hill. Enjoy beautiful scenery by horse. Join a bonfire party. Overnight at Deluxe Mongolian Yurt. Mongolian style lunch and dinner. B, L, D

Day 3: Watch grassland sunrise in the morning, enjoy the beautiful landscape and free time to ride the horse around. . Back to Hohhot. Visit the Meidai Temple, which is a castle, a Yellow Hat Sect Buddhist temple and a town at the same time, with 500 years history. Visit Hohhot Museum to see dinosaur and mammoth fossils, and get to know Mongolian culture and history. Transfer to Baotou, the economic capital of Inner Mongolia. Overnight in Baotou in the best local hotel: Shen Hua International Hotel. B, L, D

Day 4: In the morning drive to Resonant Sand Gorge in Kubuqi Desert. Pass by Yellow River (cradle of Chinese civilization), and the modern wind power plant. Arrive at the desert; take cable car to the top. Enjoy riding camel on desert. Enjoy sliding down the desert slope, with noises made by the sands, hence the name Resonant Sand. At the end of the day transfer to railway station for the night train. You will be back to Beijing next morning.

Notice:

1.In Inner Mongolia, the difference in temperature between day and night is huge. Warm clothing is necessary. June, July, August and September is the best time.

2.In Inner Mongolia, it is very dry and sunny. Keep hydrated and carry moisturizing lotion and sun cream for skin.

3.On the train, there is public bathroom. In the yurt, there is private bathroom. You should bring your own washing supplies (you can purchase in the city).