Best Places to Visit in Ordos: Dongsheng, Kangbashi, etc

Ordos is renowned for its sweeping deserts, vast grasslands, and rich Mongolian heritage, drawing travelers from across China and beyond. Yet while many people know Ordos for symbols like the Genghis Khan Mausoleum, the Kubuqi Desert, or its modern cityscapes, few are truly familiar with its administrative divisions or the distinct landscapes and cultural features found in each area. The following are the best places to visit in Ordos, organized by region to help you better understand the unique character of each district and banner.

Dongsheng District

Dongsheng District serves as the vibrant urban center of Ordos, offering a blend of modern leisure, cultural experiences, and family-friendly attractions. The district is home to diverse highlights such as the Jiuchenggong Grassland Manhan Cultural Tourism Area, Ordos Wildlife Park, Jilaoqingchuan Wetland Park, Triangle Park, Wanjiahui Happy World, and the Ordos Cashmere Industrial Tourism Area. With its convenient urban setting, rich cultural displays, and a wide range of entertainment options, Dongsheng stands out as one of the best places to explore in Ordos for visitors seeking an easy, well-rounded, and engaging city experience.

Kangbashi District

Kangbashi District, the new heart of Ordos, is not only the city’s emerging political and cultural center but also its financial hub and a modern destination for leisure and tourism. Known for its striking urban landscapes and beautifully planned environment, the district features major attractions such as the Ordos Museum, Wulanmulun Lake with the largest musical fountain in Asia, the Yike Aobao Grassland Blessing Site, the Junwang Mansion, and the Ordos Wedding Culture Park.

It is also home to the Grassland Silk Road Cultural Scenic Area (Kangzhen), where traditional Jin Merchant courtyards and classic Ordos-style residences are recreated, complete with workshops that showcase intangible cultural heritage. With its blend of contemporary architecture, cultural landmarks, and immersive cultural experiences, Kangbashi stands out as one of the best places to experience the modern spirit and cultural depth of Ordos.

Dalate Banner

Dalate Banner is home to the central stretch of the Kubuqi Desert and boasts the highest number of A-rated scenic areas in Ordos. Renowned for its desert eco-tourism, the banner features major attractions such as the Xiangshawan Tourist Area, the Menggenhua Wantong Eco-Tourism Area, the Yinken Tala Desert Oasis Eco-Tourism Zone, and the Shuijing Lake Resort Area.

Xiangshawan is the must-visit highlight, where visitors can ride the desert cableway for sweeping panoramic views of the golden dunes, watch herds of camels move gracefully across the sand, and enjoy cultural performances such as the Ordos Wedding Show and evening desert song-and-dance events. The area also offers a wide range of immersive desert adventures, including sandboarding, off-road driving, and other thrilling activities. Whether you are an adult or a child, you will find endless fun waiting for you here.

With its iconic landscapes and rich cultural experiences, Dalate Banner stands out as one of the best and most unforgettable places to visit in Ordos.

Zhungeer Banner

Zhungeer Banner is known for its dramatic Yellow River canyon landscapes, rich Tibetan Buddhist heritage, and serene wellness retreats. The region’s highlights include the Zhungeer Zhao Scenic Area, home to the largest monastery complex in Ordos with 24 Ming and Qing dynasty temples where traditional Buddhist events such as the Cham Dance Festival and the Lantern-Lighting Ceremony are regularly held.

Another landmark is the historic Zhungeer Prince’s Mansion, which preserves the architectural elegance and political legacy of the region’s noble families. Visitors can also explore the ancient Twelve Walled City Site, the majestic Zhungeer Yellow River Grand Canyon, and the tranquil Shuijing Lake Resort Area. With its blend of sacred culture, striking natural scenery, and peaceful leisure spaces, Zhungeer Banner stands out as one of the best places to visit in Ordos.‌

Ejin Horo Banner

Ejin Horo Banner is defined by its deep grassland traditions and remarkable historical heritage, making it one of Ordos’ most culturally significant regions. Its most iconic site is the Genghis Khan Mausoleum Scenic Area, where annual lunar-calendar sacrificial ceremonies—recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage—have been faithfully carried out for centuries. The banner is also home to the Subohan Grassland Scenic Area, a vast expanse that showcases the beauty of the steppe through horseback activities, folk performances, and immersive nomadic experiences.

Another highlight is the Junwangfu Museum, the best-preserved prince’s residence in the region, offering insight into aristocratic life and Mongolian history. Visitors can also explore the Yihe Ecological and Cultural Expo Park, a unique complex that blends Mongolian, Tibetan, and Han architectural traditions. With its rich cultural legacy, sacred traditions, and expansive grassland landscapes, Ejin Horo Banner stands out as one of the best places to visit in Ordos.

Uxin Banner

Uxin Banner is distinguished by its striking desert canyons and rich historical culture, offering visitors a landscape where nature and heritage meet. The Sala Us Tourism Area stands out for its unique desert–river ecosystem and important prehistoric archaeological sites that reveal traces of ancient human civilization. The Batuwan Tourism Area showcases magnificent desert gorges shaped by wind and water, creating dramatic scenery ideal for photography and exploration. Visitors can also enjoy the Uxin Zouma Cultural Tourism Resort, where traditional equestrian culture comes to life through horse-riding experiences and local folk performances, and the Uxin Zhao Tourism Area, an important religious site that reflects the banner’s deep spiritual roots. With its combination of natural wonders, cultural depth, and immersive desert adventures, Uxin Banner is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Ordos.

Hangjin Banner

Hangjin Banner lies at the meeting point of desert and grassland, offering visitors a rare blend of wide-open prairie scenery and pristine desert ecology.

The Ordos Grassland Tourism Area showcases the banner’s expansive steppe landscapes, traditional nomadic culture, and vibrant folk activities. The Yili Kubuqi Qixing Lake Desert Eco-Tourism Area features shimmering desert lakes set amid rolling dunes, creating one of China’s most beautiful desert wetlands and an ideal destination for ecological exploration. The Sanshenggong Water Conservancy Scenic Area highlights the remarkable harmony between human ingenuity and nature through its historic irrigation works and tranquil riverside landscapes. Together with the Hangjin Banner Comprehensive Museum, which presents the region’s ethnic history and ecological heritage, the banner offers a rich mix of nature, culture, and discovery.

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