Once the rulers of the world’s largest nation, Mongolians were known as nomadic tribes masterful in military science. The Mongolian empire rose to its peak throughout the 13th century, governing all of China and stretching the kingdom to the Middle East and Eastern Europe. Nowadays, there are two parts of Mongolia; one is an independent country and another is Inner Mongolia, which is an autonomous region of China.

Besides Tibet, Inner Mongolia is another extraordinary place in China where the mystique of stunning grasslands, the Gobi desert, the energetic Naadam festival and the Mongolian way of life are the main draw for tourism. It offers a different kind of travel experience rarely found in other Chinese cities. Most travelers enjoy a visit to Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, a horse or camel ride on the green pastures, traditional Mongolian dance and an overnight stay in a yurt, a Mongolian style tent. An off the beaten track itinerary may include a one-day trip to the desert. However, the more adventurous travelers may try to tread the desert in winter where they can witness snow on sand dunes.

Time to visit
Inner Mongolia has extreme weather. The best time to visit this northern province is summer that begins from June to September. Winter (from December to April) is long and cold. Accompanied with blizzards, the temperature often dips below the freezing point at night. Even though the weather in summer (from June August) is more pleasant, the difference of the temperature between days and nights can be drastic. Warm clothing is necessary when you visit this region.

Hohhot
The capital city of Hohhot is a gateway to attractions in Inner Mongolia. The city is relatively modern but it has a few historical places worth a visit. The first one is the Five-Pagoda Temple or locally Wuta Si in Chinese language. The temple has a mix of architectural style with five multi-tier Chinese style pagodas erected on a square-shaped Indian style structure. It is famous for 1,563 intricate carvings of Buddha on its exterior walls and the stone-carved Mongolian map of cosmos based on Buddhist belief. Another place is Wang Zhaojun Tomb. This monument, situated on a one hundred feet hill, was built in commemoration of a Han beauty who married with a Xiongnu emperor (33 BC). She is believed to contribute to the good relationship between the Han Dynasty and the Xiongnu Empire and save the two countries from war for 60 years.

Besides cultural attractions, Hohhot is a hub of transportation to Inner Mongolia’s grasslands. From here, travelers can choose from a one-day tour to Xilamuren pasture or a three-day camping trip to Gegentala or Huitengxile grasslands or even the desert. The travel programs usually include a stop at a herdsman’s family and overnight stays in a Mongolian style tent or yurt. The best time to visit the grassland is summer (from May to September) when the grass is green and the weather is warmer. However, warm cloths or windbreakers are still needed since the strong chilly wind can pick up during the day.

Summer is not the only best time to see the picturesque grass fields. This is the time when the fun and energetic festival of Naadam festival takes place. The festival, which is celebrated in both Inner Mongolia and Outer Mongolia on different dates, features a variety of traditional games, sport competitions and cultural performances such as horse racing, archery, wrestling and folk dances. Winners of the competitions received gifts in form of livestock such as goats, camels and horses. In Inner Mongolia, the event is held annually between July and August, depending on the time when the grass is at its greenest. The festivities are organized at the outskirt of Hohhot.

Baotou
One hundred and fifty kilometres (93 miles) west of Hohhot is an industrial town of Baotou. The town may not possess scenic tourist attractions but it provides an easy access for travellers who want to venture into the Gobi desert. The nearest and most accessible strip of the Gobi is a sand dune filled gorge named Resonant Sand Gorge, about 60 kilometres south of Baotou town. In addition to climbing up and down the sand dune gorge, travellers can witness the way of life of nomadic tribes or spend a few hours roaming the desert on horseback or camelback.

Other significant cultural attractions worth a visit are Wudangzhao Monastery and Genghis Khan’s Mausoleum. The former is a large 18th century religious complex built in a typical Tibetan style of white wall and flat roof. Surrounded by lush green hills, the 20-hectare monastery was once a residence of more than 1,200 Buddhist monks of the Yellow Hat Sect (Gelukpa). Even though there is no monk living in the monastery, Wudangzhao houses a large collection of Buddhist art in the lamasery such as sculptures and mural paintings. It is the only Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Inner Mongolia that is well preserved. The latter is a mausoleum built in memorial to Genghis Khan, a Mongolian king (13th century) who once extended his empire from south China to the Caspian Sea. Situated about 50 kilometres southwest of Baotou, the main part of this monument is comprised of three connecting Yurt structures that hold exhibition of a white jade statue of Genghis Khan, mural paintings that depict his life and replica of his accessories and clothing.