Things to do & places to visit in Inner Mongolia, China

Inner Mongolia #31 destination in China 2023. The average rating score is 4.17 based on 2.433 traveler reviews, of 429 attractions. Timezone: Asia/Chongqing, current date and time: Monday, April 29, 2024, 22:54.

Inner Mongolia Weather Statistics view more »

General weather summary in April

58°F - 31°F

Temperature Highs - Lows

Cold and breezy

Feels like

12%

Chance of rain

42.0 millimeters

Amount

16.0 mph

Wind speed

41%

Humidity

13.2

Daylight length

5:55 AM

Sunrise

7:10 PM

Sunset

61%

Cloud cover

Jacket

What to wear

Top things to do (19)

Top destinations in Inner Mongolia 69

See more 57 destinations »

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Badan Jaran Desert (32 reviews)
- Best Desert Experience
Deserts

Treking in Badain Jaran (a part of the Gobi desert) was an absolutely amazing experience. We had with us seven bactrian (two humps) camels that carried the tents, the water, the kerosene, pots and pens, food, etc., a guide a cook and a camelier. We trekked for four days, camping in the sand, looking at the sun going down over the dunes and then the Moon would rise to bring a discrete light on the sky and shine over the sand. We bought about six large water melons from Alashan Youqi before leaving for the desert and, at the end of a trekking day, I wouldn't think of anything better, although the cook did his best to keep us full. An then it was the desert and the blue lakes (some with sweet, some with salty water), and these tiny little bushes with white trunks and branches which looked dead, except for the deep green leaves on them. After four days of treking a jeep came up to our camping place, we said good by to the camels and the camelier and we went up and down through the desrt dunes until we got to Yinderi To (to=lake in Mongolian) from where we went up to the top of Bilutu which, at 1609m, is the highest stationary dune in the world according to wikipedia and offers fantastic views. Came down (in a quarter of the time it took us to reach the summit) and then drove close to the Badain Jaran Temple (nice Tibetan/Mongolian architecture) which unfortunatelly was closed and slept in a Mongolian yurt with a/c (!) and hot shower in the main building next to it. Our trip was flawlesly organized by Alan of Spledind China Tours, which we greately recommend. A fascinating desert and an amazing experience. See more..
4.5 Inner Mongolia Museum (159 reviews)
- Cool place
Speciality Museums

Inner Mongolia Museum should be a bit of a tip off, it’s all about Inner Mongolian history. Thankfully that means a very cool dinosaur exhibition over two floors!! The Mongolian stuff is cool to see, interesting history, they walk you through the prehistory up to …. when the area came under Chinese/Han control, weapons, pottery, clothing and housing. It’s very well done, lots of English signage too. Thinking of where you are, expect kids to be running around making too much noise. This being Inner Mongolia, they are proud of their Dinosaurs and have done a great job with the exhibition. See more..
4.5 Ming Dynasty Great Wall of Qingshui River Region (128 reviews)
- 好
Ancient Ruins

感觉还可以，一般吧！如果能够在卫生，和管理方面再改进细些会更好！最好多增加一些有特色、特点的项目和活动就更好了！！！ See more..
4.5 Hulun Buir Prairie (124 reviews)
- Amazing grassland experience
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent More than 3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

Vast grassland on gentle rolling hillocks stretching as far as eyes can see, pristine rivers snaking through virgin coniferous forest, unparalleled starry night sky, this trip had it all. We were a group of friends (6), and went around the northern region of Hulunbuir for 7 days. We hired a driver who doubled as the guide. We went during mid-June, the temperature was around 16-30 degrees, which was quite bearable. Unfortunately the flowers were not in full bloom, we were told that the flowers will cover entire hill slopes later in the season. Although the mosquitoes were still not in full force, all of us still got bitten. Our journey brought us to within 2 stone throws away from Russia (I tried, stone did not make it across the border river), and also the Mo'erdaoga, where the guide treated us to his personal stash of alcohol (Mo Mao). We also tried horse-riding and visited an elk farm. The guide was very friendly and knowledgeable about the entire tour area. We were eating at similar price to locals thanks to him, and our accommodation every night is very affordable. A special mention to the lamb in Hulunbuir, where there is absolutely no foul smell that some people disliked. It was a fantastic experience and one can adjust the comfort level according to your own budget. See more..
4.5 Arxan National Forest Park (81 reviews)
- The beautiful primeval landscapes, waters & forests of Inner Mongolia
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM State Parks • Forests

It's beautiful, Arxan. Arxan is a small city in China, with hot springs as its center. Arxan National Forest Park is a fairytale world with many kinds of natural landscapes and scenery such as Tianchi, Shitanglin, Unfrozen River, Santan Gorge and Dujuan Lake. Forget the time, still do the princess dream within us, follow the footsteps of the camera, come here. ..... See more..
4.5 Wudang Zhao Monastery (40 reviews)
- Worth the trip
Monday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Religious Sites

A Tibetan-style Lamasery in the mountains North of Baotou, this must be one of the best sites to visit in the region. The road is rough and full of unpleasantly noxious lorries, but the Lamasery is worth the trip - around 2 hours from Baotou. We employed the services of an excellent local guide, Chaolu, who also provided a driver and people-carrier. See more..
4.5 National Nature Reserve of Populus (33 reviews)
- The desert's enigmatic Populus euphratica forest
Bodies of Water

The unique scenery tells a story of hardship, and a vigorous fight for life. The leaves of the Populus euphratica were mostly gone. The strong winds had made them vanish from site. Due to the lack of water, the trees have changed shape in their fight for survival See more..
4.5 Genhe Wetland (25 reviews)
- Beautiful scenery!
Parks

The view is great but sadly, the day I went, it was very cloudy. Not the best time if you want that shot of 蓝天白云 (as the Chinese say it... Blue skies and white clouds). But beauty is beauty and that's what you get in the wetlands. Folklore has it that Genghis once rode through this place and the mark of the stomping of his horse's hoof is what created the distinct landscape. Be prepared to endure the throngs of people that crowd this place. The walkway is small for the amount of people walking through. See more..
4.5 Xilinguole Grassland Nature Reserve (24 reviews)
- Wonderful Grasslands
Monday: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas

The wonderful grasslands around Xilinhot and the Xilinguole Grassland Nature Reseve remind me so much of my home country, South Africa. Blue sky, fresh air and the feeling of being in nature makes a visit to the reserve really worthwhile.Visiting it with my Mongolian friend, Nars made it even better because he could explain to me the history and a lot about the Mongolian culture. The best time to visit the grasslands is from May-September, the weather is great and you will have a wonderful time. You can also stay overnight in a traditional Mongolian yurt, enjoy Mongolian music, food and horse milk wine! See more..
4.5 Beihu Park of Manzhouli (22 reviews)
- Great little Park in WInter Time
Monday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Parks

Right next to the 5 star Shangri-La Hotel, great fun in winter with a ice-skate ring on the lake. You can walk on the lake and if it gets cold the hotel has a great lobby with view on the lake. See more..
4.5 Neimenggu Bowuguan (Inner Mongolia Museum) (19 reviews)
- Great
Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM History Museums

This is the same as Inner Mongolia Museum. This was a really interesting place to visit. Admission is free, but is limited. There are only certain amount of free tickets in the morning, early afternoon and late afternoon. Get there soon and check it out for you will not regret it. See more..
4.5 Ergun River (18 reviews)
- Travelling backward in time
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Bodies of Water

Going to Erguna is a trip backward in time. Half of the city has still the very old stile and reminds me of my childhood in 1960 till 1970. Streets and the stile on gardens and houses is primitive, but it has some kind of charm anyway. The community is upgrading the city and the other half has a better stile and environment. When you are in Erguna you must visit the hill and see the sunrise over the Erguna river in the morning, this is very beautiful, and go to the marked in the morning. Very much people there and the streets are a live. You can find nearly everything there from food to equipment. Erguna people nearly don't speak any English, so its good to have a guide with you or someone that can support you with local language or mandarin. See more..
4.5 Wulan Butong Grassland (17 reviews)
- Autumn splendour
Neighborhoods

The majority of the grassland greenery has faded for the year. The last few dandelions are about to spread their seeds. There are only a few spots of greenery and flowers. The tranquility of a coming winter is setting in. See more..
4.5 Hulunbuir Old Town (14 reviews)
- Very interesting
Points of Interest & Landmarks

In the evenings, there is a street food market selling all sorts of foods and other trinkets. During the day the market is not present. So be sure to visit in the evening! Aside from the street market there are lots of restaurants. We've tried one street BBQ, which was very tasty offering all sorts of food and cold beer (!). The restaurants are of varying quality, and its hard to establish that by their looks, as this has little correlation with the quality of their food. When you enter the ancient city there is a pretty Chinese arch. There are also various pretty statues. At the end of the street is a large square. At night it fills with people, dancing, playing games and relaxing. There is also a temple, though we've never seen it open so can't comment. However, be aware of the smell, at some points it can be quite unpleasant. See more..
4.5 Yulong Shahu Scenic Spot (13 reviews)
- Fun in the Desert ... Hike and Ride
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Deserts

We stayed at the Chifeng Yulong Sand Lake Container SPA Hotel. Food ok ... Staff is very friendly but they don’t speak English there. Accommodation: The “full wood containers” are good ... and have an amazing view into the landscape. The “full metal jackets” seem a bit strange but could be fun too. We went there especially to ride Quads, Buggies and Jeeps ... all possible and lots of fun when you have never done it before. We skip the camel and horse riding part. Might be fun too . The country side with farms, grasslands, dessert and mountains is beautiful...driving through and hiking is great there ... many thinks in the nature can be done not only at the few touristy spots ... it’s up to you ... was a fun weekend. Improvement: Bring your own BBQ gear and cold drinks ... then you can enjoy your container or the nature best between the trips, rides and hikes ... the Chinese Expressways brings you very close ... we had a regular sedan car ... no problem... See more..
4.5 Russia Art Museum (13 reviews)
- Русская матрёшка в книге рекордов Гиннеса или Russia Art Museum
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Art Museums

Посетили в июне 2016 самый большой в мире парк (и музей под открытым небом) русской матрёшки
Он так и называется – район матрёшки.
Площадь не знаю, но в сертификате!!! (о нем чуть позже) указано.
Что на территории располагается 270 матрёшек и самая большая (высокая) в мире матрёшка.
В виде многоэтажного здания отеля (в виде матрёшки - см.фото).
Строительство не закончено, ещё всё в лесах, определить невозможно, на вид этажей 17-18.
И о главном.
Точная копия здания - которого в России уже нет – гостиница Москва.
Как известно, оно уже в Москве снесено и строится новое.
А в Китае (точнее в Манчжурии) есть.
И останется таким, каким оно и было в СССР See more..
4.5 Capital Site of Yuan-Dynasty (12 reviews)
- In Xanadu did Kublai Khan a pleasure dome decree
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Ancient Ruins

Fulfilling a lifelong fantasy to see fabled Xanadu (Shangdu) and reciting Coleridge while walking the site. The area is all in ruins but there is a haunting mystique about the place with the winds blowing across the plains and knowing the known world in the 13th century was ruled from here. Perfect for any history buff or romantic. See more..
4.5 Erlian Nation Gate (12 reviews)
- Make it a nice morning visit
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks

I didn't have much expectation, and ended up having a lot of fun seeing this place. You can rent a bike to ride inside, reasonable cost and a great workout with your family! See more..
4.5 Dinosaur Museum of Erenhot. (12 reviews)
- Something unique in the Gobi desert!
Speciality Museums

I visited the Dinosaur museum and Dinosaur gate with my Mongolian friend, Nars last week. It was really a unique experience to stand at the magnificent gate and look over the Gobi desert with hand made dinosaurs and ancient stone trees everywhere. Erenhot is a lovely place to visit on the Chinese-Mongolian border with an unique Russian, Mongolian and Chinese atmosphere and the Dinosaur Museum is a truly highlight. It has a mysterious atmosphere and you can sit there and soak in the quietness and peacefulness of the surrounding desert and let your mind wonder back to pre-historic times. You can fly directly from Beijing to Erenhot or take a train from Hohhot to Erenhot or a bus from any city in Inner Mongolia. You can also apply for a Mongolian visa at the Mongolian Consulate in Erenhot and then take a train to Ulan Bator.Erenhot will see me for sure again! See more..
4.5 Asihatu Stone Forest (11 reviews)
- Awesome Glacier Stone Forest
Monday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Geologic Formations

A magnificent creation of nature. A World Heritage Geopark, and rated a Chinese 5A Scenic Area. Formed by the erosion and movement of glaciers and ice caps. See more..
4.5 Baihua Forest Fairy Tale Forest (11 reviews)
- Very beautiful birch forests with dedicated design and decoration
Forests

You would only spend tens of minutes walking in the birch forests since you could buy a ticket for the touring car if you wish. This forest is different from what I have seen and traveled in Southern China, with varying types of trees, and also, different types of creatures such as squirrels and deers. Walking through the narrow wooden walkway I could experience a different forest. Also, some dedicated designed decorations in the park would add a bonus to the park, which is a very good place for couples to take pictures. See more..
4.0 Dazhao Temple (135 reviews)
- I've done a lot of temples!
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Religious Sites

This is one of the best maintained I have seen in China, colourful, kind of the same formula as all the others but smallish, 30 RMB (4 Euro) to get in. I only had 2 hours and managed to race around it, and the great mosque and see the 5 tower pagoda, walking, independently and get back to the hotel all with only didi to guide me. Glad I made the effort! See more..
4.0 Genghis Khan's Mausoleum (83 reviews)
- 'A Tribute Of Genghis Khan'
Monday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Historic Sites • Monuments & Statues

This is a beautiful man-made battlefield of Genghis Khan as a tribute to the great 'Mongol Hero'. Those warriors on horseback and camp-follower figures are made from cast-iron. Genghis Khan's gold yurk is his 'Supreme Command' tent carried out his routine work with his officials. Next is the Mongolian village followed by the historical museum. There are large murals on the wall depicting the life of Genghis Khan, descendents and the mongolian culture. A whole lot of weapons are being displayed which had been used by Genghis Khan during the war time. It is worth a visit. See more..
4.0 Whistling Dune Bay Tourist Scienc Spot (81 reviews)
- Awesome fun & food tasting in Inner Mongolia
Monday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Historic Walking Areas

We enjoyed this get-away from the everyday world most live in. Here the Hiramure Prairie wind was strong. There were few people around. We went great horseback and camel riding and had fun sliding down the sand hills, and more. Horseback riders and performers entertained us. See more..
4.0 Hohhot Five-Pagoda Temple (Wuta Si) (72 reviews)
- Hohhot Five-Pagoda Temple (Wuta Si)
Monday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Religious Sites

This pagoda is quite unique in Mongolia. The style is from Indian Buddhism. Although it is called the "1000-Buddha Pagoda", there are actually some 1563 carvings of Buddha on its exterior walls. Inside the Pagoda there is, sadly, nothing at all - it was all stripped-out and destroyed in the Cultural Revolution. However, the empty interior has been used to display an ancient stone-carved Mongolian Map of the Cosmos - on Buddhist principles. Another copy of it is outside, set in the walls of the Pagoda grounds. See more..
4.0 Manzhouli Nation Gate Scienc Resort (72 reviews)
- Foreigners may not cross!
Monday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks

I was only allowed to go to a certain point and could not gain further access. But, it was close enough for me to take some photos. Also at this site are the Locomotive Square and the No. 41 Boundary Marker. See more..
4.0 Russia Taowa Square (57 reviews)
- Wow
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks

This was amazing place to see in this small city . Really worth visiting if you happen to be in Manzhouli for some reason . See more..
4.0 Hohhot Mosque (Great Mosque) (54 reviews)
- Beautiful mosque, welcoming people!
Ancient Ruins • Religious Sites

This is a beautiful if small mosque. The best thing was the lovely lady at the entrance greeting everyone in English / Chinese, and welcoming them to look around the mosque, so welcoming and friendly (also FREE) . Women welcome, and no head scarf required, although I did to be polite. 15 minutes is enough, to just wander and look. FYI I managed to do the Great mosque, Dazhao temple and the 5 tower pagoda in 2 hours independently walking. They are within 1.5km of each other and I was quite time limited, so even if you only have half a day, go for it, and you get a sight of all 3. See more..
4.0 Zhaojun Tomb (43 reviews)
- A place with a love history
Monday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Monuments & Statues

A small place that some people may dont have to much interest to visit but they don't know the beauty that this tomb save，with wild flowers and grasses grow in abundance, creating a beautiful natural picture together with the towering green trees and the love of Wang Zhaojun and her husband，very recommend to visit. See more..
4.0 Kubuqi Desert (38 reviews)
- fun kubuqi desert
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Deserts

Kubuqi desert have wide 200 kilometers from east and west and 50kilometers from north to south. it was china's seven's largest desert in inner mongolia base. the tour area are resant sand gorage and gobi two parts, one is most tourists area ,another are less. you can do activities in desert like camel ridding ,and sliding and living tents at night, do babico at night watch stars will give you unforgetable ecperience . See more..