Trip Overview

Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region features a long, narrow strip of land sloping from northeast to southwest. Originally the southern part of Mongolia, Inner Mongolia was settled by powerful nomadic Mongol tribes centuries ago, leaving the region with a rich ethnic and historical heritage. Here we experience the Mongolian traditional life and begin to understand the glorious past that was created by Genghis Khan and his descendants.

Encompassing vast steppes and the increasingly arid Gobi desert, this area offers a variety of natural scenery and is commonly described as one of China\'s most beautiful summertime destinations. The mushroom-like yurts, blue and bright sky, fresh air, rolling grass and the flocks and herds moving like white clouds on the remote grassland will colorfully paint our trip with numerous excitements. Also, the grand sand dunes at Resonant Sand Gorge will bring you pure experience of desert.

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival Hohhot

Upon our arrival at Hohhot, we meet our local guide and head to the Inner Mongolia Museum, which is the largest and best museum in Inner Mongolia, boasting a good selection of ethnic Mongolian artifacts, displaying to us the historical lineage of this vast grassland province. Although not arranged in the most logical of order, the museum contains a variety of interesting exhibitions that should keep you interested. The captions in the museum are unfortunately only in Chinese and Mongolian but most of the pieces pretty much speak for themselves.

The visit Dazhao Temple is the oldest building and the largest temple in Hohhot. It is also called Silver Buddha Temple (Yinfo Si) by local people for it is here that there is a rare silver statue of Sakyamuni that measures 2.5-meter-high (8.2-foot-high).

If time permits, we can pay a visit to a Mongolian Handicraft Articles Factory.

Overnight Phoenix Hotel Hohhot

(L, D)

Day 2 Xilamuren grassland

We set out for the Xilamuren grassland, the first grassland tourist attraction opened in Hohhot, known for the blue sky and white clouds, the rolling grass, the wandering flocks and herds, the passionate herdsmen and their Mongolian food. We enjoy Mongolian finger-mutton for lunch and visit a Mongolian herdsman\'s family, where as local tradition we will be treated to local dairy products. Additionally, we visit the Aobao Hill where Mongols pray for a good harvest and happy life. You may want to try a horse ride and roam across the grassland.

Late today we drive back to Hohhot.

Overnight Phoenix Hotel Hohhot 

(B, L, D)

Day 3 Resonant Sand Gorge

Today we depart Hohhot and take a long drive to Resonant Sand Gorge to experience the desert, passing the Yellow River Bridge en route. The Resonant Sand Gorge is situated at the north edge of the Kubuqi Desert. Backed by the Kubuqi Desert, the dunes assume a crescent shape with a height of 110 meters and gradient of 45 degrees. It received its name from the echoing "Shhhh" that the sand makes as you step on the surface. It is filled with many dunes trapped within steep rock walls. We take the cable car to the top. We may try camel rides, parasailing, sliding on the dunes or simply building sand castles.

In late afternoon, we drive to Erdos.

Overnight Erdous Hotel

(B, L, D)

Day 4 Erdous to Hohhot & Departure

This morning we visit Genghis Khan\'s Mausoleum. Genghis Khan unified the different tribes of the chaotic Mongolian prairie during the period stretching from the late 12th century until his death in the early 13th century.

After lunch we drive back to the airport of Hohhot City for your departure flight

Trip ends

(B, L)