East Inner Mongolia Tours
East Inner Mongolia: Including Xilingol League, Chifeng, and Tongliao (2 cities and 1 league).
East Inner Mongolia is one of the central areas of the nomadic culture in China with great impact on the formation of Chinese civilization. The vast place was once inhabited successively by many northern ethnic groups including Donghu, Turki, Xianbei, Qidan (Khitan), Nvzhen (the Jurchen) and Mongols.
In ancient time, Xilingol used to the domain of Huns, group of nomadic (roaming) herdsmen, warlike people. In Yuan Dynasty (1271 - 1368), Kublai Khan built his summer capital known as Xanadu （Shangdu ) here in Zhenglan Qi within today's Xilingol. Marco Polo (1254-1324), the great traveler, marveled the summer palace and described "the greatest palace that ever was".
Chifeng is the birthplace of Khitan of the Liao Dynasty (916-1125). In 916, Emperor Taizu of Liao unified each Khitan tribes and established the powerful minority Liao Dynasty in northern China confronting with Song Dynasty (960-1276). Liao Dynasty created a great culture of the horseback ethnic groups, an important historical period in the history of the China's reunification and development.
Xilingol Grassland is one of the five largest natural pastures in the world. It consists of marshlands, grasslands, sand dunes, and wetlands, with over 1,200 plants growing on the grasslands. Gong Geer Grassland in Keshiketeng Qi (Hexigten Banner) of Chifeng is reputed as the"Natural Garden" epitomized by the boundless pasture, numerous flowers, clear waters and roaming hordes, a picturesque grassland.
East Inner Mongolia is also an eye-opener for us to glimpse the unique Geology and geomorphology. Asihatu Stone Forest erects in the spacious grassland, resembling an ancient castle with stones and rocks of queer shapes shooting high. Dalinur Lake (Dali Lake) Nature Reserve provides a birdlife sanctuary for more than 100 kinds of birds, from swans and white-naped cranes to the great bustard. Baiyin'aobao Nature Reserve has the rare sandy spruce forest in the world with the titles of "Sand Miracle", "Life Gene Base, and "Living Fossil".
East Inner Mongolia
Inner Mongolia Map
| Top East Inner Mongolia Tours | When to Visit | Get There and Around |
| Top 10 Attractions | Where to Stay | East Inner Mongolia Food |
| What to Buy | Questions and Answers |
Top East Inner Mongolia Tour
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 Destination: Beijing, Taipusi Qi, Zhenglan Qi, Xanadu and Duolun Duration: 3 Days Tour Type: Private (Loop Road Trip) Best Travel Time: July - August Tour Code: ETIM-03 Price: Starting from US$ 305 p/p |
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Destination: Beijing,Duolun,Zhenglan Qi, Xanadu and Taipusi Qi Duration: 4 Days Tour Type: Private Tour Best Time to Go: July - August Tour Code: ETIM-04 Price: Starting from US$ 399 p/p Customizable: Yes |
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Destination: West Wuzhumuqin Grassland (Xilingol Grassland), Asihatu Stone Forest, Dalinur Lake (Dali Lake) Nature Reserve, Xanadu （Shangdu ). Mountain Resort and Potala Palace in Chengde Duration: 6 Days Tour Type: Private Tour Best Time to Go: July - August Tour Code: ETIM-01 Price: Starting from US$ 745 p/p Customizable: Yes |
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Destination: Gong Geer Grassland in Keshiketeng Qi, Dalinur Lake (Dali Lake) Nature Reserve, Baiyin'aobao Nature Reserve, Asihatu Stone Forest Duration: 4 Days Tour Type: Private Tour Best Time to Go: July - August Tour Code: ETIM-02 Price: Starting from US$ 305 p/p Customizable: Yes |
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East Inner Mongolia Travel Information
Most-read Travel Articles on East Inner Mongolia
| Xi Wuzhumuqin Grassland | Asihatu Stone Forest | Shangdu Travel Guide | Duolun Travel Guide |
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| Wulanbutong Grassland | Dalinur Lake | Gong Geer Grassland | Top 10 Attractions in Chifeng |
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When to Visit
Xilingol has the temperate continental climate with average elevation of 1023m. Xilingol's climate features longer sunny day period, less rainy days and big temperature difference between day and night. The frost-free growing season lasts between 90 days and 140 days and its rainy season fllas at July-Sepember months. January is the coldest month with average termperature at -17℃ and July is the hottest month with average temperature at 25℃.
Chifeng has the temperate half drought continental monsoon climate with distinct four seasons. Chifeng's spring is dry and blustery; the summer is hot and rainy; the temperature in autumn falls quickly with frost coming earlier and the winter is long and cold with average temperature between O℃ and -7℃. It has frost free period of 12-135 days.
July and August are the best months to travel Xilingol and Chifeng.
Get There and Around
Travel By FlightBoth Xilinhot and Chifeng have airports connecting to the major cities in China like Beijing and Shanghai. Chifeng's flight is not so developed with quite limited flights. There are daily flights between Beijing and Xilinhot. But there are only three flights per week Between Beijing and Chifeng. Hohhot and Chifeng are linked by daily fights.
Xilinhot Airport Enquiry: 0479 - 8200935
Chifeng Airport Enquiry: 0476 - 8333188
Travel By Train
It is more convenient to travel to Chifeng by train with much developed train network. There is no direct railway linking Beijing and Xilinhot. But Xilinhot has the train line going to Hohhot. There is a train running between Hohhot and Erlianhot. Chifeng is linked to the outside world by numerous trains going to Beijing, Chengde, Baotou and Wulanhot.
Chifeng Train Station Enquiry: 0476 - 2222222
Travel By Road
Xilinhot and Chifeng have a wide road network with many national highways passing through line National Highway No.111, 101, 207, 303 and 306. Both Xilinhot and Hohhot have directlong-distance buses running to Beijing, Tianjin, Shijiazhuang, Hohhot and etc.
Xilinhot Long-distance Bus Station Enquiry: 0479 - 8223592
Add: Nadam Street, Xilinhot, Xilingol
Buses from Xilinhot to Hohhot (682km), Beijing Xizhimen Bus Station (669km), Tianjin (816km), Shijiazhuang (945km), Shenyang (983km), Chifeng (440km), Zhenglanqi (235km), Xiwu Zhu Muqin Qi (154km) and Keshiketeng Qi
Chifeng Long-distance Bus Station Enquiry: 0476 - 8334251
Add: Opposite Chifeng Railway Station, Hongshan District, Chifeng
Buses from Chifeng to Beijing (510km), Shijiazhuang(794km), Shenyang (488km), Dalian (701km), Jingpeng Town Keshiketeng Qi(265km), Xilinhot (270km), Ningcheng (337km).
Ningcheng County (Tianyi Town) Bus Station enquiry: 0476 - 4222425
Buses from Ningcheng to Beijing （400km), Shijiazhuang (700km), Tianjin (450km), Chengde (220km), Chifeng 120km).
Zhenglanqi Long-distance Bus Station Enquiry: 0479 - 4223044
Buses from Zhenglanqi (Xilingol) to Beijing (498km), Hohhot(478km), Xilinhot (235km), Zhangjiakou (238km).
Duolun County Long-distance Bus Station Enquiry: 0479 - 4523235
Buses from Duolun to Beijing (384km), Hohhot (540km), Zhangjiakou (286km), Chengde (279km), Chifeng (309km) and Tianjin(650km).
Top 10 Attractions in East Inner Mongolia
West Wuzhumuqin Grassland (Xilingol Grassland): West Wuzhumuqin Grassland is located in East Wuzhumuqin Banner (Qi), typical of the temperate grassland in China, the best preserved pasture in the Xilingol Grassland. It consists of marshlands, grasslands, sand dunes, and wetlands, which is reputed as the grassland paradise and most beautiful grassland in the northern China. The local herders are good at training the Wuzhumuqin horses.
Wuzhumuqin horses have a long history. The legend goes that Genghis Khan's famous Guard regiment used the Wuzhumuqin horses galloping along the west expedition.
West Wuzhumuqin Nomadic Tribe: The nomadic tribe is the preserved pasture of the West Wuzhumuqin Grassland, which is the central part of Xilingol Grassland. The Nomadic Tribe Area is very large, the size of over 100 Tiananmen Squares in Beijing. In the nomadic tribe, you have the opportunity to experience the nomadic culture and the pristine grassland scene. You will appreciate the meadow grass, the desert-steppe aand the forest, a transition belt from the meadow grass to the forest.
Genghis Khan Cultural Plaza: It is a national 4-A class attraction, a replica of a splendid and luxury palace of ancient mongolian style, which is located in the heart of West Wuzhumuqin Grassland. It is a paradise for travelers to stay overnight to experience the 13th mythical palace life of the ancient Mongolian world. It boasts over 100 yurts including 60 deluxe yurts, accommodating 350 people per night. Its huge dining hall can entertain 1000 people at the same time. It offer a small-scale Naadam Performance of horse racing,wrestling during the day and a exciting bonfire party in the evening.
Beizi Temple: Beizi Temple is one of the four most famous monasteries in Inner Mongolia in the north of the city of Xilinhot with an area of 12,000 square km. It was originally built 1741 and took its name after the name of the Banner (Qi) where it used to be located. Beizi Temple has five halls - One for Administration, two for Living Buddhas, one for Medicine and one for Astronomy and Math. There are over a dozen of small halls, stupa, and over 2000 living rooms for lamas. Beizi Temple is built with exquisite carvings, paintings and ornate scrollwork. All the the buddha statues have vivid expressions against a backdrop of mural paintings.
Xanadu （Shangdu): In June 2012, Shangdu was listed a World Heritage Site. Shangdu was the summer capital of Kublai Khan's Yuan Dynasty (1271 - 1368) in China. In the ruins of Shangdu, people have discovered a stunning civilization, a masterpiece featuring the multi-culture combination. It was an eco city built by herdsmen and the first city built by Yuan Dynasty incorporating multi civilizations. The city, originally named Kaiping, in 1264 it was renamed Shangdu. In 1369 Shangdu was taken over by the Ming army and put to the torch. Today, only ruins remain, circled by a grassy mound that was once the city wall.
Gong Geer Grassland in Keshiketeng Qi (Hexigten): Located 35km to the west of the county seat of Keshiketeng Qi, the Gong Geer Grassland is reputed as the"Natural Garden" epitomized by the boundless pasture, numerous flowers, clear waters and roaming hordes, a picturesque grassland. Its south is linked to Dalinur Lake (Dali Lake) Nature Reserve. Gong Geer Grassland has numerous lakes of various sizes. It is an important wetland in China.
Asihatu Stone Forest: Asihatu Stone Forest is a geological park integrating stone forest, grassland and forest. It is located at the northeast of the Keshiketeng Banner of Chifeng. Asihatu granite is a rare stone forest landform. Asihatu Stone Forest is the result of years of erosion by wind and sand, it looks like an ancient castle, towers, bamboo shoots, pillars, lions, gates, Buddha or fairies. The whole Asihatu Stone Forest tourist district is teeming with towering trees, flowers, green grass and mushrooms with birds flirting and deer running. Asihatu Stone Forest serves as scientific study, sightseeing, leisure and holiday making, entertainment.
Dalinur Lake (Dali Lake) Nature Reserve: Established as Dali Nur National Nature Reserve in 1997. Dali Nur is the second largest lake in Inner Mongolia, one of the three swan lakes in China with other two being Bayinbuluk Lake in Xinjiang and Panyang Lake in Jiangxi. The nature reserve has an area of 1200 square km aimed at protecting rare birds and their habitat such as lakes, wetland, grassland, deserts and forest.
Baiyin'aobao National Nature Reserve: Located in Keshiketeng Qi and linked to Gong Geer Grassland, it is a beautiful nature reserve mainly for protecting the sandy spruce forest rare in the world. The sandy spruce trees look like pagodas with red trucks and green leaves, ever-green trees. "Baiyin Aobao" means "weathy mountains", a holy place for local herders for sacrificial activities.
Erlianhot Dinosaur Museum: Erlianhot is a booming border town between Mongolia and China's Inner Mongolia. It is home to some of the earliest discoveries of dinosaur fossils in Asia. It is reputed as the "Home of Dinosaurs". It was a large habitat for dinosaurs in some 70 million years ago. Erlianhot Dinosaur Museum is located in the city center of Erlianhot.
Where to Stay
Hotels in XilinhotYuanhe Jianguo Hotel: No.6 Nanjing Road, Xilinhot
Shengli Business Hotel: 500m West of Xilin Square, Xilinhot
Xiling Hotel: No.66 Xilin Main Street, Xilinhot
Bihai Express Hotel: No.109 Beizimiao Street, Xilinhot
Hotels in Chifeng
Jiu Tian International Hotel: Xing'an Street, Chifeng
Chi Feng Hotel: No.32 Zhaowuda Road, Hongshan District, Chifeng
Yu Long State Guest Hotel: No.9 Yulong Street,New City District, Chifeng
Huasheng Hotel: Liudao Street, Lindong Town, Chifeng
Hotels in Erlianhot
Tiedao Hotel: Next to Erlianhot Railway Station
Yuandu Hotel: Shangdu Town, Zhenglanqi Tel:0479 - 4227222
Hotels in Tongliao
Tongliao Hotel: 30 Lamulun Avenue, Keerqin District, Tongliao Tel: 0475 - 8280002
Hotels in Duolun
Duolun Hotel: 0479 - 4522209
Hotels in Zhenglanqi
Jinjiang Hotel: Opposite to the Zhenglanqi Long-distance Bus Station.
Stay in Yurts
Basically there are two kinds of yurts: normal traditional yurts and deluxe yurts.
1.Normal traditional yurts:
These kinds of yurts are simple, more in traditional Mongolian style. It is made of hide supported by rod and easily taken apart. But it doesn't offer bath and toilet facitlities. So for those who stay in a traditional yurt, they have to use the public toilet and bath room, a little unconvenient for modern people. But still many people prefer these kinds of yurts as a kind of grassland experience.
2. Deluxe Yurts:
Deluxe yurts have almost the same fuctions and facilities as hotels. They look like yurt outside. But inside the yurts, they are just like the standard rooms of hotels - washing room, air-conditioned, bath room, refrigerate, tea tabble, desk and more.
East Inner Mongolia Food
People living in the grassland tend to be simple and hospitable. The people in Xiligol and Chifeng live close to the northeast China has a personality of openness and straightness. They eat the main food including flour, meat(sheep and beef) and milk.
Many local restaurants have their doors wide open with smiling faces. You just sit down for a cup of milk tea and enjoy local flavors like dried beef and Roasted Gigot and many more. You may eat the Roasted Whole Sheep and fish feast at Duolun County.
Xinjiang food is also very polular here and in Erlianhot there are over 10 Xinjiang food restaurants. Comparatively, the food prices in Erlianhot are much higher than other places.
What to Buy
Balin Stone in Chifeng is one of the most famous chop stones in China with other three being Shoushan Stone n Fujian, Qingtian Stone and Changhua Stone in Zhejiang. The Balin Stone is named after Banlin You Qi. The precious stones are discovered about one thousand years ago. Balin Youqi has set up a Precious Stone House to accommodate these valuable stones.
Chifeng is also well known for its artistic tapestry, which is regarded as the best of the top five tapestries in China. For years, Chifeng tapestry has been exported to many western countries. The wild almonds in West Wuzhumuqin, Duolun and Zhenglanqi are the local special products. The wild yellow flowers grown in the West Wuzhumuqin Grassland are healthy food after dried up and also good for drinks.
Questions & Answers:
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