RoadAtlas
Inner Mongolia Grasslands — China — Scenic
East Asia

Inner Mongolia Grasslands

China

In short: Inner Mongolia Grasslands is a 1,200 km scenic road trip in China, typically driven over 7–10 days, best in Jun–Sep. Highlights: Hohhot, Xilamuren Grassland, Genghis Khan Mausoleum.

Distance
1,200 km
Duration
7–10 days
Best Season
Jun–Sep
IconicModerateScenicOff-road sections

From Hohhot's Mongolian temples across the rolling Xilamuren grasslands, past the singing sand dunes above the Yellow River, and to the Russian-flavoured border town of Manzhouli, one of the great emptiness drives of Asia where the sky is wider than the land.

~2 refuels
~4 charges
Practical notes
Grassland tracks beyond paved highways can be unmarked and soft, particularly after rain, making navigation difficult without a GPS mapping app loaded with offline maps. Fuel stations are sparse between Xilamuren and Manzhouli; fill up at every opportunity.
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Stops along the route

Hohhot — Departure — Inner Mongolia Grasslands — China
Departure
Hohhot
Inner Mongolia's capital of Mongolian temples and the Great Mosque. Try kumiss and hand-pulled lamb noodles before heading into the steppe.
Hotels
Xilinhot — City — Inner Mongolia Grasslands — China
City
Xilinhot
Gateway to the Xilingol grasslands, the most authentic steppe in Inner Mongolia. The surrounding plain hosts the region's finest nomadic festivals.
Hotels
Manzhouli — Arrival — Inner Mongolia Grasslands — China
Arrival
Manzhouli
A surreal Russian-Chinese border town of matryoshka squares and Cyrillic signs on the shore of Dalai Lake, one of Asia's most unusual frontiers.
Hotels

Things to Do

Xilamuren Grassland — Nature — Inner Mongolia Grasslands — China
Nature
Xilamuren Grassland
A vast green carpet where nomadic families still live in white gers. Horse riding and eagle demonstrations are offered to travellers each summer.
Genghis Khan Mausoleum — Landmark — Inner Mongolia Grasslands — China
Landmark
Genghis Khan Mausoleum
The ceremonial mausoleum of the world's greatest conqueror set in the Ordos Desert, remarkable regardless of whether his remains lie here.
Resonant Sand Gorge — Landmark — Inner Mongolia Grasslands — China
Landmark
Resonant Sand Gorge
Crescent of 110-m singing dunes above the Yellow River that rumble like distant thunder in the wind. Camping on the crest is permitted.
Arxan Volcanic Field — Nature — Inner Mongolia Grasslands — China
Nature
Arxan Volcanic Field
Dramatic volcanic cones, crater lakes, and lava fields on the Mongolian border, among the most geologically vivid landscapes in northern China.
Hulunbuir Grassland — Nature — Inner Mongolia Grasslands — China
Nature
Hulunbuir Grassland
Among the world's most pristine steppe. The Moerdaoga River meanders through boundless grassland where reindeer herders practise ancestral trades.
Dazhao Monastery — Historic Site — Inner Mongolia Grasslands — China
Historic Site
Dazhao Monastery
The oldest and largest temple in Hohhot, known for its impressive silver Buddha statue and murals.
Inner Mongolia Museum — Museum — Inner Mongolia Grasslands — China
Museum
Inner Mongolia Museum
Showcases the region's history, culture, and natural history, including dinosaur fossils.
Kubuqi Desert Camel Ride — Outdoor Activity — Inner Mongolia Grasslands — China
Outdoor Activity
Kubuqi Desert Camel Ride
Experience a camel ride across the vast dunes of the Kubuqi Desert, near Resonant Sand Gorge.
Hulun Lake — Nature — Inner Mongolia Grasslands — China
Nature
Hulun Lake
One of China's five largest freshwater lakes, offering bird watching and scenic boat rides.
Manzhouli Matryoshka Square — Landmark — Inner Mongolia Grasslands — China
Landmark
Manzhouli Matryoshka Square
A vibrant square featuring giant Matryoshka dolls, reflecting the city's Russian influence.

Where to Eat

Mongolian Khan Restaurant — Mongolian — Inner Mongolia Grasslands — China
Mongolian
Mongolian Khan Restaurant
Offers authentic Mongolian dishes like hand-torn mutton and milk tea in a traditional yurt setting.
Ordos Roast Lamb Restaurant — Barbecue — Inner Mongolia Grasslands — China
Barbecue
Ordos Roast Lamb Restaurant
Specializes in whole roasted lamb, a local delicacy, served with traditional side dishes.
Xilinhot Grassland Delights — Local Diner — Inner Mongolia Grasslands — China
Local Diner
Xilinhot Grassland Delights
Serves a variety of Inner Mongolian specialties, including dairy products and grilled meats.
Arxan Volcanic Hot Pot — Hot Pot — Inner Mongolia Grasslands — China
Hot Pot
Arxan Volcanic Hot Pot
Offers a unique hot pot experience using local ingredients from the volcanic region.
Manzhouli Russian Cuisine — Russian — Inner Mongolia Grasslands — China
Russian
Manzhouli Russian Cuisine
Features Russian dishes reflecting the city's border culture, such as borscht and beef stroganoff.

Explore related routes

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Frequently asked questions

How long is the Inner Mongolia Grasslands drive?

The Inner Mongolia Grasslands covers 1,200 km from start to finish.

How long does the Inner Mongolia Grasslands take to drive?

Most travellers spend 7–10 days on the Inner Mongolia Grasslands, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Inner Mongolia Grasslands?

The recommended season for the Inner Mongolia Grasslands is Jun–Sep.

Where does the Inner Mongolia Grasslands start and end?

The Inner Mongolia Grasslands runs from Hohhot to Manzhouli.

What are the main stops on the Inner Mongolia Grasslands?

The Inner Mongolia Grasslands passes through Hohhot, Xilamuren Grassland, Genghis Khan Mausoleum.

How many fuel stops are needed on the Inner Mongolia Grasslands?

Plan around 2 refuels (or about 4 EV charges) along the Inner Mongolia Grasslands, based on its 1,200 km length.

Is the Inner Mongolia Grasslands safe to drive?

Grassland tracks beyond paved highways can be unmarked and soft, particularly after rain, making navigation difficult without a GPS mapping app loaded with offline maps. Fuel stations are sparse between Xilamuren and Manzhouli; fill up at every opportunity.

What scenic tier is the Inner Mongolia Grasslands?

The Inner Mongolia Grasslands is a iconic drive — Iconic road trips that anchor a region's reputation — postcard scenery, headline highways, and the routes most travellers want to drive.