Genghis Khan's Mausoleum, Inner Mongolia, China

4Andrew M 5:00 PM Sep 3, 2016

good attraction but difficult to reach
My son and I were in Hohhot to visit the Xanadu site, but due to bad weather the flight was late and we missed our train. Our next option was a day trip to Ordos to visit the Mausoleum, so we set out on the first bus to Dongsheng at 6:30am from Hohhot Long Distance Bus Station. The fare was 65 yuan. We walked 15 minutes from the Yuji Hotel on Hulunbuir North Road to find the bus station, which was to the left of the Hohhot Railway station. The bus is usually quicker than the train, but we had to change route due to road work and arrived a little late at the Dongsheng Bus Station. Note that there are two major bus stations in Dongsheng, and you may have to ask on arriving how to get to the mausoleum. The fare was 24 yuan to the Masoleum, and we thought that we would cover the 70km distance in an hour. We did not arrive at the masoleum stop until after mid-day, as we had to change buses at another bus station (for no additional cost). Make sure that you point out to the driver that you want to get off at the mausoleum, as there is no visible sign at the stop. The only landmark is a round-a-bout with a statue of a soldier on horseback with a spear in hand. From this point it is another 4km to the mausoleum, and we were lucky to get a shared taxi (with two locals) for 5 yuan each to take us the rest of the journey. By the time that we got to the mausoleum, we were hot and tired, but be warned there are no drinks vendors, so ensure that you bring snacks and water. The entry fee is 180 yuan. There is a huge chinese gate being constructed at the entrance to the site, then the statue of Genghis Khan on horseback. There are quite a few steps which lead to the complex, and there are wise words that may be read along the way. The first part of the attraction is to the right, where there is an ovoo (pronounced aahwoo) which should be circled three times clockwise in mongolian shamanistic tradition. usually a stone or an offering is placed on the ovoo for good luck. The mausoleum is straight ahead, but to the left, a five minute walk leads to a circular ceremonial area, which has three flights of steps. There are prayer mats, incense burners and other religious objects here. There are good views of the complex from here, and photos may be taken of the garden. Gift shops with cool drinks are on the left on the way to the mausoleum. Photos are not allowed inside the mausoleum. It is a temple that has three main buildings and a large area to the rear where ceremonies are held. There is no coffin, as the actual burial place of Genghis Khan remains a mystery. The center building has a huge marble statue of Genghis Khan. There was throat chanting going on, and offerings of huge amounts of sheep carcasses next to the main alter. There were tents on beautiful wooden tables inside that contained replicas of items used by Genghis Khan e.g. whip, sword etc. Many of the original items were destroyed by the Chinese during the cultural revolution. If you are disappointed at not having much photos at this point do not worry, as to the right of the mausoleum is a small prayer room and a shop which sells candles and incense. There is beautiful circular brass artwork at the entrance with a candle burning on top. Behind this is a huge room with a statue of Genghis Khan to the rear of the room. On the wall are pictures of all the great Khan's of Mongolia. To the right of Genghis are Kublai and Ogedai who were just as well known for expanding the mongol empire. To the right of this building is the Genghis Khan Sacrificial Culture Showing. Photos may be taken here, and there are beautiful exhibits of clothing, weapons, craft, ancient artifacts and musical instruments. This was a long, tiring and expensive day trip, and I would only advise this if you really are interested in this aspect of Mongol culture. As we were travelling to Mongolia the following day, I thought that this would be a good way to learn more about the culture. We ended up taking a taxi back to Dongsheng Bus Station for 120 yuan, as we were just too tired to try to figure out how to get a bus back.

5Dave M 5:00 PM Sep 30, 2019

David martin
Without a doubt the most impressive statue I have ever seen in my life at the entrance Interesting place to visit lot of history although genghis himself is not buried there not that it makes any difference Wear a hat if going in summer gets very very hot Taxi from Baotou takes around 2 hours you can get a good deal if you haggle the price Organised trip bit more expensive worth a visit just to see the statue