Inner Mongolia Grasslands
China
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.
Explore on the interactive map →Stops along the route
- Hohhot
Inner Mongolia's capital of Mongolian temples and the Great Mosque. Try kumiss and hand-pulled lamb noodles before heading into the steppe.
- 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
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
Crescent of 110-m singing dunes above the Yellow River that rumble like distant thunder in the wind. Camping on the crest is permitted.
- Xilinhot
Gateway to the Xilingol grasslands, the most authentic steppe in Inner Mongolia. The surrounding plain hosts the region's finest nomadic festivals.
- 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
Among the world's most pristine steppe. The Moerdaoga River meanders through boundless grassland where reindeer herders practise ancestral trades.
- 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.
Where to Eat
- Mongolian Khan RestaurantMongolian
Offers authentic Mongolian dishes like hand-torn mutton and milk tea in a traditional yurt setting.
- Ordos Roast Lamb RestaurantBarbecue
Specializes in whole roasted lamb, a local delicacy, served with traditional side dishes.
- Xilinhot Grassland DelightsLocal Diner
Serves a variety of Inner Mongolian specialties, including dairy products and grilled meats.
- Arxan Volcanic Hot PotHot Pot
Offers a unique hot pot experience using local ingredients from the volcanic region.
- Manzhouli Russian CuisineRussian
Features Russian dishes reflecting the city's border culture, such as borscht and beef stroganoff.
Things to Do
- Dazhao MonasteryHistoric Site
The oldest and largest temple in Hohhot, known for its impressive silver Buddha statue and murals.
- Inner Mongolia MuseumMuseum
Showcases the region's history, culture, and natural history, including dinosaur fossils.
- Kubuqi Desert Camel RideOutdoor Activity
Experience a camel ride across the vast dunes of the Kubuqi Desert, near Resonant Sand Gorge.
- Hulun LakeNature
One of China's five largest freshwater lakes, offering bird watching and scenic boat rides.
- Manzhouli Matryoshka SquareLandmark
A vibrant square featuring giant Matryoshka dolls, reflecting the city's Russian influence.
Travel advisory
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.