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

This journey takes you through China’s most diverse landscapes. Along the way, you will experience Mongolian traditions, nomadic history, and breathtaking natural wonders. This tour offers a deeply immersive and unforgettable exploration of Inner Mongolia’s beauty.

Day 1: Welcome to Inner Mongolia

Our driver will greet you at the airport or train station in Hohhot. Then we will take you to the hotel. After checking in and settling down, the rest of the day is completely yours to enjoy.

Day 2: Sunset Escape in Kubuqi Desert

After breakfast, we will head to Baotou to visit the historic Wudangzhao Monastery, a peaceful Tibetan Buddhist monastery with over 350 years of history. Continue to Yemingsha in the heart of the vast Kubuqi Desert, the seventh largest desert in China. Upon arrival, enjoy the breathtaking desert sunset. Your guide will assist with hotel check-in at your desert accommodation.

Day 3: Desert Adventure

Today, you will enjoy more unforgettable moments in the beautiful Kubuqi Desert. Early risers may choose to watch the magical desert sunrise.

After breakfast, experience an exciting off-road desert adventure ride with a professional driver, followed by a relaxing walk among the peaceful sand dunes. For guests wishing to add more fun to the day, optional activities such as sand sliding, motorbiking, and desert carting are also available at extra cost.

After your desert experience, your guide and driver will escort you back to Hohhot (approx. 3.5 hours) for your flight to Hailar, the gateway to Hulunbuir Grassland. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy a restful overnight stay.

Day 4: Grassland Wonders

Start your day on the breathtaking Hulunbuir Grassland, where endless green plains with the winding Morigele River flow. Upon arrival, you may freely explore the grassland or choose optional activities such as horseback riding, wrestling, or archery. A traditional Mongolian lunch will be served, featuring local specialties like roasted mutton and hand-pulled lamb.

In the afternoon, continue to the stunning Erguna Wetland, known as the “No.1 Wetland in Asia.” Later, we will take you to Shiwei Russian Town, a charming border settlement facing Russia across the Ergun River.

Day 5: Explore Haur River Scenic Area

Today, we will head to the peaceful Haur River Scenic Area. Enjoy the viewing platform and a light forest walk, where you may spot reindeer and learn about the traditions of the Ewenki people.

Next, drive toward Heishantou, passing through the enchanting White Birch Forest along the way. Upon arrival in Heishantou, you may choose optional horseback riding across the vast grasslands. Later, hike up Sundown Slope to enjoy a stunning sunset over the prairie.

In the evening, settle into a traditional Mongolian yurt. If the weather is nice, join a lively bonfire party with local music and dancing.

Day 6: Goodbye to Hulunbuir

We will drive back to Hailar with your guide and driver (approx. 3 hours). Upon arrival, visit the Hulunbuir National Museum to gain deeper insight into the region’s rich nomadic heritage. After the visit, you will be transferred to Hulunbuir Dongshan International Airport for your flight.

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 WhatsApp: +86 18721978867.