Inner Mongolia (内蒙古) stretches across 1.18 million square kilometres of northern China — over twice the area of France — encompassing the world’s largest grassland system, the Gobi Desert edge, and some of China’s most dramatic seasonal landscapes. In summer, the grasslands turn so intensely green they look artificial; in winter, the temperatures drop to -40°C and the landscape becomes a study in white and grey infinity.
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Hulunbuir Grasslands (呼伦贝尔草原)
The most beautiful grassland in China — and arguably the world’s finest temperate grassland, covering 93,000 square kilometres in northeast Inner Mongolia. The grass is thick and short, growing on deep black soil; in July the flowering season turns vast areas gold, purple, and white.
Hailar (海拉尔): The base city, 3 hours from Hulunbuir Airport. From Hailar, multiple day-trip and multi-day grassland itineraries operate.
What to do:
- Yurt stays (蒙古包): Staying overnight in a traditional Mongolian yurt, with meals cooked by the hosting family — roast whole sheep (烤全羊), hand-pulled noodles, fermented mare’s milk (airag) — is the central experience. Multiple operators; book through your hotel or online. ¥200–500/person including meals.
- Horse riding: Mongolian horses, shorter and stockier than thoroughbreds, across open grassland. ¥80–150/hour; longer treks available.
- Naadam Festival (那达慕): The annual Mongolian festival of wrestling, archery, and horse racing — held in late July/early August. If your timing coincides, this is exceptional.
The best grassland area: The Morigele River (莫尔格勒河) area northwest of Hailar — the river winds through the grassland in broad meanders (nicknamed “the first curve in the world”), creating the iconic Inner Mongolia landscape image.
Ergun Wetlands (额尔古纳湿地)
On the Chinese-Russian border at Ergun, the second-largest wetland in China — a labyrinthine system of rivers, ox-bow lakes, and reed beds that hosts extraordinary migratory bird populations.
Sunrise from the viewing platform: The wetland panorama at dawn, with mist rising from the water surfaces, reed beds reflecting the sky, and the silence of a landscape without roads — one of the most atmospheric natural experiences in northern China.
Badain Jaran Desert (巴丹吉林沙漠)
In the Alxa (阿拉善) area of western Inner Mongolia — the world’s third-largest desert, featuring:
- The highest stationary dunes in the world: Up to 500 metres — the “Mu Us” dunes that produce audible low-frequency humming when wind crosses them (the “singing sands” phenomenon)
- Permanent freshwater lakes: Hundreds of blue and green lakes embedded between the dunes — an extraordinary contrast
- Temples in the desert: Ancient Lamaist monasteries built at the dune-lake intersections
Access: 4WD vehicles required; guides mandatory. Tours from Alxa Left Banner (阿拉善左旗) or Zhangye (Gansu).
Practical Tips
Best season: June–August for green grassland; September for golden autumn colours. Winter travel is for extreme weather enthusiasts.
Getting to Hulunbuir: Flights to Hulunbuir Hailar Airport (HLD) from Beijing (2.5 hrs), Shanghai (4 hrs), Hohhot (1.5 hrs).
Hohhot (呼和浩特): The regional capital — a base for shorter grassland day trips and home to the Inner Mongolia Museum (free, excellent exhibits on steppe culture and Mongolian history).
Last updated: May 2026