Ulanqab Grassland Travel Guide
Things to Prepare
- Documents: Bring your ID card and other necessary documents such as your student ID, senior citizen card, etc.
- Clothing: The temperature difference between day and night on the grasslands is significant. Even in summer, you need to bring long-sleeved jackets, long pants, thermal underwear, etc. Also, bring sunscreen hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, umbrellas, or raincoats.
- Toiletries: Toiletries, skincare products, portable chargers, cameras, etc.
- Medicine: Prepare cold medicine, stomach medicine, motion sickness medicine, mosquito repellent, etc.
Transportation
- External Transportation: You can fly to Ulanqab Airport, but flights are limited. Alternatively, you can take the high-speed train to Ulanqab Railway Station/Jining South Railway Station. Direct trains are available from major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu.
- Internal Transportation: Distances between attractions in Ulanqab are long, and public transportation is inconvenient. It is recommended to charter a car, carpool, or rent a car.
Recommended Attractions
- Ulanhada Volcano Geopark: There are more than ten volcanoes here. Volcano No. 3, Beiliandanlu, is an excellent place to watch the sunrise and sunset. Hiking up Volcano No. 5 is more challenging but offers stunning views. Volcano No. 6 is ideal for taking "Mars-like" photos.
- Huitengxile Grassland - Huanghua Valley: This is a famous grassland in Inner Mongolia, featuring unique canyon landscapes and rich vegetation. You can take the popular mini-train and experience horseback riding, grass sliding, and other activities.
- Gegentala Grassland: Meaning "vast and bright grassland," it is one of the closest grassland tourist attractions to Hohhot. Every August, the Nadam Fair is held here, where you can watch horse racing, wrestling, and equestrian performances.
- Hongshiya National Ecological Park: This park offers pleasant scenery and a rich religious atmosphere.
Food Recommendations
- Dairy Products: Naipizi (milk skin), cheese pie, and other dairy products offer unique flavors.
- Meat Dishes: Tender meat dishes include hand-grabbed mutton, ice-boiled mutton, iron helmet roasted meat, roasted leg of lamb, and roasted whole lamb.
- Noodles: Shaomei (steamed dumplings) are a local specialty, with thin skin and thick filling. You can also try lamb stew noodles.
- Drinks: The fragrant milk tea brewed in a large pot can be mixed with various ingredients.
Accommodation
- Ulanqab City: Various hotels and guesthouses are available, such as Holiday Inn Express, Boyuan Lanhai, and Yunduo Gacha Guesthouse.
- Near Scenic Areas: Yurts on the Huitengxile Grassland, and guesthouses near the volcanoes such as Wangshan Guesthouse and Dongli Volcano Guesthouse.
- Self-driving Camping: You can choose campsites such as Xingyu Volcano Campsite and Asiga Campsite.
Travel Itinerary
- Two-day Trip: Arrive in Ulanqab at noon on the first day, and head to Ulanhada Volcano Geopark after lunch. Camp or stay in a nearby guesthouse for the night. Visit Huitengxile Grassland - Huanghua Valley on the second day and return in the evening.
- Three-day Trip: After arriving in the city on the first day, visit city attractions such as the Ulanqab Museum. On the second day, go to Ulanhada Volcano Geopark and experience a bonfire party in the evening. On the third day, visit Gegentala Grassland, participate in grassland activities, and experience the grassland culture.