Sharing its northern borders with both Russia and the Republic of Mongolia, the inner Mongolia Autonomous Region is China’s widest as well as its third largest province, covering over 1.1 million square kilometers. With just 24 million inhabitants, however, it is not very populated.
Many ethnic groups live in this area such as Mongolian, Korean, Manchu, Han, Hui, Ewenki and Orogen. Inner Mongolia presents its visitors a long history, exceptional culture and unusual scenery, making this an appealing destination that is well worthwhile exploring - if a little remote.
The capital of Inner Mongolia is Hohhot, which means ‘Green City’ in Mongolian. It lies between the Yellow River and the Yinshan Mountain and has been a significant cultural hub of the region throughout its long history that dates back to 306 BC. Hohhot boasts more than 50 temples; the biggest and best-preserved is the fantastic Dazhao Temple which looks back to a history of 400 years and can be found in the Old City.
Other main draws in Hohot include the Xilituzhao Palace, the city’s largest surviving Lama temple, the unique Five-Pagoda Temple, and the magnificent white Wanbu Huayanjing Pagoda, where almost 10,000 volumes of Huayan scripture used to be kept. Located nine kilometers to the south of Hohhot and surrounded by spectacular scenery, the grassy Zhaojun Tomb commemorates a great woman who sacrificed herself for China’s unity.
A key historic site in the province is the Wudangzhao Monastery in Baotou, a huge complex that was the residence of Inner Mongolia’s highest ranking lama and is now the sole intact Tibetan Buddhist monastery in the region. Set 185kms south of Baotou, the mausoleum of Genghis Khan, the famed leader of the Mongolians, contains his buried clothes and is a further place of interest.
Aside from its various sites, Inner Mongolia is home to some relaxing landscape, above all the vast grasslands such as Gegentala, Xilamuren and Huitengxile Grassland. Here you can join diverse activities, like Mongolian wrestling, rodeo competitions, camel riding, horse races and archery, or stay with traditional families and enjoy the lovely Mongolian dancing and singing. The best time to tour the grasslands is during Nadaam, the biggest festival for Mongolians, which is held in July or August and runs for three days.
Getting There & Away
Hohhot Baita (White Pagoda) Airport handles flights to 28 domestic destinations via 26 air routes and serves international flights to Ulan Bator plus charter flights to Russia, Hong Kong and Thailand. There is an extensive rail network linking Hohhot with Beijing, Hailar, Baotou, Xian, Lanzhou, Yinchuan Shanghai, Nanjing and Ningbo. Daily buses connect Hohhot with other major cities such as Beijing, Tianjin, Baotou, Datong and Taiyuan.