Inner Mongolia is a true gem of untouched landscape characterised by cultural heritage, tradition, ethnic diversity and scenic beauty. Depending on your preferences, tourist activities and sightseeing can be designed in adventurous, culinary or cultural ways for you to have the best experience on-site.
When doing research on the internet, you might find a lot of different things, starting from traditional temple culture, museum visits and outdoor activities. In this article, I would like to take you along my personal Top-3-Sightseeing Recommendations which I consider as must-do's and sees when traveling to Inner Mongolia:
My Top-3 Recommendations:
Yellow River
Let us start with the very first sightseeing spot that I consider a total must: the Yellow River. A perfect place for stunning views, photo shootings and nature strolls!
The Yellow River (“Huang He”) is the second longest river in China with a total length of over 5,400 km. The source of Huang He rises from the highlands of Tibet and is divided into three main parts: the upper reaches (Qinghai to Lanzhou), the middle reaches (Lanzhou to Zehnzhou) and the lower reaches (Zhenzhou to the Bohai Sea). It is considered the birthplace of ancient Chinese civilisation and is therefore often referred to as the “Mother River”. To this day it has a high status in economy, culture, literature and ethnology, having created the first settlements and nourished them with fertile land. For many Chinese it is therefore considered sacred.
The river is “yellow” because it carries silt (fine-grained sediments that enter the water through erosion along the banks and tributaries); this gives it its yellow-brown color. In Inner Mongolia, the river runs through the so-called “Ordos Plateau”, which is characterized by impressive rock formations and cultural relics such as remains of the Great Wall of China. The reason for the construction of the Great Wall of China was the recurring raids by Mongolian nomadic tribes that advanced into China both before and after the time of Genghis Khan.
From the plateau you have a fantastic view of the snake-like line that the river takes through the vast landscape. It's worth stopping at various stops along the road to marvel at the wonderful landscape.
Genghis Khan Mausoleum
Next up, we have a hisotrical and cultural heritage treasure: the Genghis Khan Mausoleum.
Born as “Temujin” around 1162, Genghis Khan is known for uniting the Mongol tribes and establishing an empire that stretched from Eastern Europe to the Sea of Japan, including large parts of Siberia, China, Central Asia, and the Middle East.
The mausoleum is located near the city of Ordos and is a sprawling area to explore, characterized by traditional Mongolian architecture and home to a variety of temples, halls, squares and statues, including a golden coffin, which is- unfortunately though- empty. The area is truly huge and will take some time if you want to explore every corner in peace. If you want to save yourself having to walk for miles, you do have the option of using a full-day running shuttle service.
Upon entry, visitors are greeted by an impressive horse statue on which the former ruler can be impressively admired. Built in the 1990s, the mausoleum servres as a memorial and to maintain cultural heritage. Descendants of Genghis Khan can still be found standing or sitting in some of the exhibition halls as “guardians” of cultural heritage. By this, one can also conclude that the mausoleum remains a symbol of the pride and identity of the Mongolian people to this day. Taking photos is prohibited these guarded areas. However, it is worth taking your time to study and get to know the beautifully and in-detail painted murals, relics and historical background of Temujin's life and achievements, allowing you to travel back in time. Once stepping outside of the exhibition halls, pay attention to the site's meadows, as they features a number of beautiful white Mongolian wild horses, also known as "Przewalski's horses", which are characteristic of Genghis Khan's depiction in art and literature as a sign of power.
The exact burial place of the influential fighter and conqueror remains a mystery to this day. Rumor has it that Genghis Khan was buried in a secret location that the Mongols kept secret for centuries.
A small souvenir shop invites visitors to browse camel milk and cheese, milk ice cream, traditional clothing and other souvenirs. I highly recommend trying out the 100% cow milk ice cream stick, as it is rich in flavour and creamy in texture. For an empty stomach you will also have the chance to visit the restaurant at the entrance gate to refuel your energy.
Kubuqi Desert
Last but not least, let me introduce you to my third favorite sightseeing spot in Inner Mongolia: the Kubuqi Desert. A fantastic dune landscape consisting of kilometers of golden-yellow sand, which extends over an area of approximately 18,600 square kilometers. A Prince of Persia-comparable experience, especially if you, like me, never have been to a desert before.
The incredible, seemingly untouched sandy hills of course offer several activities you can take into consideration when visiting.
How about a camel ride, sand boarding, jeep driving or a visit to a traditional Mongolian yurt?
In case you enjoy walking as much as I do, taking a stroll through the desert is also possible. However, care should be taken to carry enough water with you and to wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes. As soon as the sand gets into your shoes, you might find yourself with sand being stuck on the inside of your shoes for several weeks.
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Last but not least...
some further recommendations in the area of Ordos to consider!
Ordos Museum: If you are interested and have time to do so, I always recommend visiting at least one museum to read- and learn about local history, arts and culture. "Ordos Museum" is a recommendable place to visit with three floors taking you through the history and evolvement of Inner Mongolia.
Ordos Cultural Industrial Park: If you do not have time to visit the "Forbidden City" in Beijing, you might want to consider having a stopover in "Ordos Cultural Industrial Park", which is a lifelike replica of Beijing's sightseeing jewel. Entry is free and most likely, you will not be meeting any tourists.
Prince Jun Hotel Square: at night-time, the Prince Jun Hotel Square transforms into a beautiful light spectacle park to walk through. Illuminated trees, cheesy heart shaped squares to take picture at, colouful bows to walk through, all underpinned by accompanying music are worth a visit!
Nice Blog :)