Bordered by Outer Mongolia and Russia, Inner Mongolia became China’s first autonomous region in 1947 and now claims some 24 million people, with a large Han Chinese majority followed by native Mongols. The capital is Hohhot, the largest city Baotou, natural resources fuel a booming industry and there’s even a space centre.
But on an area covering 12% of China, there’s plenty to enthral adventurous travellers, from the Gobi desert and Mongolian grasslands dotted with yurts to Buddhist temples and memorials to Genghis Khan, founder of the Mongol Empire.
Top 10 Things to Do, Follow the Trail of Genghis Khan
- Visit the Genghis Khan Mausoleum in Ejn Horo, a monument of national importance and heritage centre with ceremonies honouring Genghis Khan, dance, drama and other cultural attractions.
- Discover the Genghis Khan Temple in Xing district, a blend of Han, Mongolian and Tibetan architecture. There’s a statue of Genghis Khan in the main hall with his four sons at his side.
- Head for Khan Town in West Ujimqin where 60 yurts recreate a Mongolian Palace. It’s a great place to watch traditional sports and folk artists, enjoy the fabulous costumes and tasty food.
Explore the Natural World, Gobi Desert and Grasslands in Inner Mongolia
- Join a camel safari in the Gobi desert or head for the ‘resonant sand gorge’ near Erdos to slide down a 90 metre high dune, with a 45º gradient. Desert surfing is also available.
- See the amazing granite rocks of the Stone Forest in Hexigten, take a dip in the hot springs of Arshan City or discover Poplar Island in the Yellow River. Inner Mongolia has over 1000 rivers and streams and as many lakes where one can canoe, swim and see the locals fish through the ice in winter.
- Enjoy the vast open spaces of the Mongolian grasslands. Stay in a yurt, watch archery and horse races or join the nomads herding sheep, goats or reindeer in some parts. Popular areas include Huhnor, the ‘place with the blue lake’, Xilamuren and Gegentala where the traditional Nadam Fair, or ‘frolicking’ fair, is held at the end of July.
Discover Buddhist Temples in Mongolia, Northern China
- In Hohhot, see the Five Pagoda Temple with its wall inscriptions and gilded Buddhas.
- Marvel at murals, dragon sculpture and Silver Buddha in Dazhao, the ‘Great Temple’.
- Take a look at Xilituzhao, built in the 16th century for the third Dalai Lama, with golden roofs, gleaming walls and marble.
- Near Baotou, explore the Wudang Lamasery, an impressive monastery framed by mountains, willows and babbling stream. Built under Qing Emperor Kangxi, it is modelled on Tashilhunbu in Tibet and boasts halls, apartments for Living Buddhas and over 2500 rooms.
Solange Hando - I am a travel writer, editor and photographer, contributing to a range of publications in the UK and worldwide.
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