Top Hohhot cultural activities and adventures

Hohhot, the capital of Inner Mongolia, offers a variety of immersive cultural experiences that allow visitors to connect with Mongolian traditions, nomadic heritage, and local craftsmanship. If you want more than just sightseeing, here are some of the best hands-on cultural activities and Outdoor adventures to try in Hohhot.

Experience Mongolian Horseback Riding

• Type: Cultural Immersion Art
• Tour Length : 1-2hour
• Location: Xilamuren Grassland, Huitengxile Grassland, Gegentala Grassland, Chilechuan Grassland,

One of the most authentic ways to experience Mongolian culture is through horseback riding on the vast grasslands. Mongols have been known as "the people on horseback" for centuries, and riding a horse across the open plains is a thrilling way to connect with their nomadic traditions. You can learn the basics of Mongolian horseback riding from experienced guides. If you want to make the experience even more perfect, rent a set of traditional Mongolian attire, saddle up, and ride across the vast and beautiful grasslands like a true Mongolian nomad.

Experience the Spirit of Naadam

Wrestling

• Type: Cultural Immersion/ History/ Art
• Tour Length : a day
• Location: Xilamuren Grassland, Gegentala Grassland and Hohhot

The Naadam Festival is more than just a sporting event; Typically held in July and August, when the grasslands are at their most beautiful. it is a living representation of Mongolian culture, history, and identity. Whether you're a culture enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or simply looking for a unique travel experience, attending Naadam offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse yourself in the traditions of the Mongolian people.

The Naadam Festival is the most significant and grand traditional event in Mongolia and Inner Mongolia, often referred to as "the Three Manly Games" as it features competitions in horse racing, wrestling, and archery. This festival is a vibrant display of Mongolian culture, bringing together local communities and travelers for an unforgettable experience.

Learn to Play the Morin Khuur

Morin Khuur

• Type: Cultural Immersion Art/History
• Tour Length : Half a day
• Location: Hohhot

The morin khuur is a traditional Mongolian stringed instrument. According to the legend, once upon a time, there was a cowboy named Suhe who took care of a lost white horse in the grassland. In the Nadam Fair then, Suhe won the horse-racing with his little white horse. However, he never thought that the rude and unreasonable chieftain would forcefully remove him off his horse. The little white horse shook off the chieftain in an attempt to find his little master—Suhe. The ruthless chieftain sent somebody to shoot the little horse die. Suhe was so grieved that he made a musical instrument with the bones of the white horse and carved a head that resembles that of the little white horse on the top of the instrument. He spent the rest of his life with the musical instrument ever after.

The morin khuur (horsehead fiddle) serves as a bridge for spreading ethnic culture. Such a beautiful legend makes it even more tempting to experience the charm of this traditional instrument. With just two strings and a single soundboard, the morin khuur produces melodies that are either soft and melodious or bold and stirring, transporting you to the vast grasslands, where you can almost smell the fresh grass and feel the warmth and hospitality of the Mongolian people.

You can spend half a day learning to play the morin khuur from a master musician, exploring bowing techniques, hand positioning, and the art of storytelling through music, letting the instrument bring ancient tales to life.

Mongolian Cheese Curd Making

• Type: Cultural Immersion/ Food
• Duration: 2 hours
• Location: Hohhot

The diet of the Mongols living in Inner Mongolia was greatly influenced by their nomadic way of life with dairy products and meat. One of the main staples of nomadic Mongols is dried milk curd also known as “qurut” or “aaruul” which is made of drained sour milk.

Cheese Curd

To make qurut, yogurt is boiled till it starts to form clumps and harden, before filtering through a cheesecloth to get milk curd. The curd is then wrapped with cloth and pressed by heavy rocks to squeeze out the liquid. Compressed curd is then cut into pieces and dried under the sun. Rich in protein and calcium, it is a common travel provision and one of the main vitamin sources for nomads. They will prepare a sufficient amount of dried cheese curds in the summer for them to push through the hushed winter. Dried cheese curds can be stored for a long period if stored properly. Light brown with a sour and milky taste, dried milk curd can either be eaten directly in solid or dissolved in a bowl of hot water.

Nowadays, with most nomads moving into city areas, it is hard to find the most traditional way of making dried milk cheese. We will visit a local in Hohhot and try our hand at making this special Mongolian staple in a new way.

Visit a Traditional Mongolian Ger

• Type: Cultural Immersion Art/Architecture
• Tour Length : Half a day
• Location: Xilamuren Grassland, Huitengxile Grassland

Step into a traditional Mongolian ger and experience the authentic nomadic lifestyle. These portable, circular tents—crafted from wooden lattices, felt, and animal skins—have sheltered Mongolian herders for centuries, embodying simplicity, adaptability, and harmony with nature. offering warmth in winter and coolness in summer. Inside, you’ll find intricately decorated furniture, a central stove, and vibrant cultural elements that reflect the rich heritage of the Mongolian people.

During your visit, you can sip freshly brewed milk tea, taste traditional dairy snacks, throat-singing performances and even listen to folk music played on the morin khuur (horsehead fiddle). Engage in warm conversations with the locals and gain insight into their customs, traditions, and way of life on the vast grasslands.

Here are some tips for visiting a traditional Mongolian ger:

• Respect the Threshold: Avoid stepping on or over the ger’s threshold, as it is considered disrespectful.
• Follow Seating Etiquette: Wait for the host to indicate where you should sit; the place of honor is usually opposite the door.
• Use Both Hands: When receiving or offering something, use both hands or your right hand with your left hand supporting your wrist.
• Move Clockwise: When inside the ger, move in a clockwise direction as a sign of respect.
• Mind Your Head: Avoid touching or leaning against the central support poles.
• Accept Offerings: If the host offers you food or drink, accept it graciously, even if you only take a small sip or bite.

Visit the Inner Mongolia Museum: The Inner Mongolia Museum is a great place to learn about the region's rich history and culture, with exhibits showcasing traditional costumes, musical instruments, and more.

Try on traditional Mongolian clothing: You can visit a local market and try on traditional Mongolian clothing, such as a deel (a type of tunic) or a fur hat.

Participate in a Mongolian wrestling match: Mongolian wrestling is a traditional sport, and you can watch or participate in a match to experience the excitement for yourself.

More activities in Inner Mongolia >>

Outdoor adventures

Hiking: The surrounding areas of Hohhot offer a variety of scenic hiking trails, including the Xilamuren Grasslands and the Xishan Forest Park. Both areas offer breathtaking views and the opportunity to experience the beauty of the natural landscapes.

Rafting: The nearby Tuole River offers an exciting rafting experience, where you can float down the river and enjoy the scenery while getting a bit of a thrill.

Kayak: Kayak in the Hasuhai National Wetland Park and explore the stunning waterways of one of Inner Mongolia’s most beautiful natural reserves.

Cycling: Hohhot and the surrounding areas have a well-developed bike path network, making it a great destination for cycling enthusiasts. You can rent a bike and explore the city and its scenic surroundings, including the Xilamuren Grasslands and the Xishan Forest Park.

Contact us about your favourite activities

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If you are interested in one of the Hohhot itineraries mentioned above, please contact us, and we will be happy to customize it and provide a quote tailored to your preferences.

Alternatively, if you would like to customize your Hohhot Tour, please visit our Inner Mongolia Tour Customized Center. We assure you that you will receive a reply within 24 working hours.

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