Mongolia's Epic Frontier: Grasslands to Golden Desert
Discover Inner Mongolia's Dramatic Landscapes and Silk Road Legacy
Journey Overview
From Hohhot to Ejina: A Transformative Adventure
Embark on an extraordinary 9-day expedition through Inner Mongolia's most diverse landscapes. This carefully crafted journey takes you from the capital's cultural treasures to the vast Xilamuren Grassland, through the shifting sands of Kubuqi Desert, and culminates in the breathtaking golden forests of Ejina Banner. Experience the dramatic transition from lush grasslands to arid deserts while tracing the historic Silk Road routes that once connected civilizations.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Hohhot - Gateway to Inner Mongolia
Accommodation: Mercure Hotel ★★★★
Meals: No meals included
Arrive at Hohhot, the vibrant capital of Inner Mongolia, where our representative will greet you at the airport. Transfer to your comfortable hotel and enjoy free time to acclimate to this fascinating region where ancient Mongolian traditions meet modern Chinese culture.
Day 2: Hohhot Cultural Immersion
Accommodation: Mercure Hotel ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Begin your exploration at Zhaojun Tomb, the legendary resting place of Princess Wang Zhaojun, representing centuries of cultural exchange between Han Chinese and Mongolian civilizations. Continue to the comprehensive Inner Mongolia Museum, housing an impressive collection of artifacts that trace the region's nomadic heritage. In the afternoon, visit Dazhao Temple, Hohhot's first Lamaist temple established in 1580, renowned for its silver Buddha statue and exquisite Tibetan Buddhist architecture.
Day 3: Xilamuren Grassland Experience
Accommodation: Authentic Mongolian-style Tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Journey to the breathtaking Xilamuren Grassland, where you'll receive a traditional Mongolian welcome ceremony (Xiamajiu). Immerse yourself in nomadic life with optional horseback riding across the vast plains. Visit Honggeer Aobao for captivating ethnic performances and cultural activities. The evening features a grand Mongolian banquet where you'll dress in traditional attire and witness the spectacular "Legend of Monan" performance. Overnight in a genuine Mongolian tent beneath a spectacular star-filled sky.
Day 4: Grassland to Desert Transition
Accommodation: Desert Hotel ★★★
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Wake early for a stunning grassland sunrise before traveling to Baotou. Visit Wudang Lamasery, one of Tibet Buddhism's four great temples in China. Then embark on a remarkable journey along the Desert-crossing Highway, witnessing the dramatic landscape transformation from green grasslands to golden desert. Arrive at Kubuqi Desert, China's seventh-largest desert, where you can experience thrilling desert activities (optional) before overnighting at your desert accommodation.
Day 5: Wuliangsuhai Lake & Bayan Nur
Accommodation: Shuhe Hotel ★★★
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After a potential desert sunrise, travel to Wuliangsuhai Lake, a rare oxbow lake formed by the Yellow River's diversion. This ecological marvel creates a stunning contrast of water, reeds, and desert landscapes. Take a boat through the picturesque reed marshes before continuing to Bayan Nur, an important city along the Yellow River corridor.
Day 6: Journey to Ejina Banner
Accommodation: Tai Hao International Hotel ★★★
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Embark on a scenic full-day journey to Ejina Banner, stopping at the extraordinary Fantasy Canyon with its wind-sculpted rock formations. This geological wonder showcases nature's artistic power through colorful sandstone formations carved by centuries of erosion. Arrive in Ejina Banner in the evening, your base for exploring the legendary populus euphratica forests.
Day 7: Golden Forests of Ejina
Accommodation: Tai Hao International Hotel ★★★
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Spend the entire day exploring the Ejina Populus Euphratica Forest National Nature Reserve. During autumn, these ancient trees transform into a spectacular golden sea against the desert backdrop. The reserve's eight distinct sections offer varied photographic opportunities, from serene river reflections to dramatic desert contrasts. These resilient trees, some over 900 years old, create one of China's most breathtaking natural phenomena.
Day 8: Silk Road Heritage & Desert Oasis
Accommodation: Tai Hao International Hotel ★★★
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Visit Juyanhai Lake in the morning, a desert oasis where migratory birds forage among vast reed beds, creating an unexpected waterworld in the arid landscape. In the afternoon, explore the Heicheng Historic Site, the Silk Road's best-preserved ancient city. This archaeological treasure includes the main ruins, the hauntingly beautiful "Tomb of Populus Euphratica" forest, and additional historic sites. Conclude with a magnificent desert sunset before returning to your hotel.
Day 9: Departure from Ejina
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy a final Mongolian breakfast before transferring to the airport for your onward journey, carrying unforgettable memories of Inner Mongolia's dramatic landscapes and rich cultural heritage.