Best Places to Visit in Hohhot: Hohhot City Area, Grassland Areas

Where are the best places to experience rich Tibetan Buddhist temples, Mongolian culture, and the Grand Grasslands, without needing to travel to Mongolia?

Hohhot, the capital of Inner Mongolia, is the answer—a mystical highland that fulfills your dreams of beauty. In the Old Town (Yuquan District), you can explore iconic sites like Dazhao Temple, Five-Pagoda Temple, Qinchen Park, and Xilitu Zhao. Wander through the lively Muslim Quarter. Xincheng District seamlessly blends urban convenience with cultural treasures. For a deeper immersion in the vast grasslands, explore Xilamuren Grasslands, Chilechuan Grasslands, Huitengxile Grasslandsand Gegentala Grasslands, where you can enjoy horseback riding, visit traditional Mongolian yurts, and even try your hand at making traditional Mongolian dishes.

Top 1: Old Town (Yuquan District): Rich in History and Culture

The Old Town, Hohhot’s historical and cultural soul, captivates visitors with its narrow streets, traditional architecture, and rich heritage—a striking contrast to the city’s modern developments. Here, you can explore iconic landmarks like Dazhao Temple, one of the region’s oldest and most revered Buddhist sites. Known as the “Royal Temple,” it houses intricate murals and a majestic silver Buddha statue. Nearby, the Five-Pagoda Temple (Wuta Si) stands as a testament to the city’s religious history, adorned with ancient astronomical carvings and explore Great Mosque. Don’t miss Qingcheng Park and Xilitu Zhao Temple, both offering serene escapes with lush gardens and golden-roofed prayer halls.

Approximate travel times from Xinhua Plaza to various destinations by car:

• Dazhao Temple: about 10 mins
• Five-Pagoda Temple: about 10 mins
• Xili Tuzhao Temple: about 15
• Saishang Old Street: about 12 mins
• Great Mosque: about 4 mins
• Qingcheng Park: about 5 mins

Top 2: Muslim Quarter

Wander through the lively Muslim Quarter, where the air hums with the scent of spices and sizzling street food. This vibrant area buzzes with markets, food stalls, and shops selling traditional handicrafts. Indulge in local delicacies like roasted milk skin (烤奶皮) and roasted milk tofu (烤奶豆腐), unique to Inner Mongolia’s culinary scene. See the mix of Mongolian and Islamic culture.Colorful storefronts line the streets, offering everything from Mongolian cashmere to handcrafted silver jewelry—perfect for authentic souvenirs.

Top 3: Xincheng District (New City)

As Hohhot’s modern commercial hub, Xincheng District seamlessly blends urban convenience with cultural treasures. Visit the Inner Mongolia Museum, a world-class institution showcasing dinosaur fossils, ethnic costumes, and relics from the Mongol Empire. For outdoor enthusiasts, you can hike Daqing Mountain, where trails wind through lush landscapes to reveal panoramic city views. History buffs will appreciate the Suiyuan City Wall and the General’s Office, remnants of Hohhot’s Qing Dynasty military past.

Hohhot City combines culture, nature, rich hands-on activities and adventure, making it a must-visit destination for all kinds of travelers.

Approximate travel times from Xinhua Plaza to various destinations by car:

• Inner Mongolia Museum: about 20 mins
• Wusutu National Forest Park: about 25mins
• Zhaojun's Tomb: about 25 mins

Top 4: Grassland Areas-- Must-Visit Natural Wonders in Hohhot

No trip to Hohhot is complete without experiencing the iconic grasslands. Whether it's the relatively close Chilechuan Grassland or the famous Huitengxile Grassland, both vast plains offer an immersive nomadic cultural experience.

These grasslands provide a stark contrast to urban Hohhot, offering fresh air, cultural activities, and a chance to connect with Inner Mongolia's pastoral roots. Visitors can stay in traditional Mongolian yurts (gers), learn Mongolian wrestling, ride horses, make traditional Mongolian dishes, and visit Zhaojun Tomb. The grasslands offer visitors the opportunity to experience stunning landscapes, traditional Mongolian culture, and the peaceful atmosphere that Inner Mongolia is known for.

Chilechuan Grassland

Chilechuan Grassland is located just 30–40 minutes south of downtown Hohhot, and a hidden gem that offers a more serene and off-the-beaten-path experience compared to the more popular grasslands in the region. This grassland is known for its rich historical significance, especially during the era of Genghis Khan and the Mongol Empire. Its mix of history, hands-on activities, and natural beauty makes it a top pick for families, culture lovers, and time-crunched travelers.

Rolling green plains dotted with wildflowers (best seen from June to September). The grassland borders the Dahei River, adding wetland ecosystems and birdwatching opportunities. You can enjoy family-friendly activities such as horseback riding and Mongolian folk shows. Don't miss nearby attractions like the Zhaojun Tomb, a historic site honoring Wang Zhaojun, a Han Dynasty diplomat who bridged Chinese and nomadic cultures.

Huitengxile Grassland

Huitengxile Grassland, located about 2.5 hours from Hohhot, is one of Inner Mongolia’s most beautiful and expansive grasslands. Known for its breathtaking natural beauty, the summer wildflower blooms in Yellow Flower Gully. Huitengxile offers visitors a chance to experience serene landscapes of rolling hills, vast meadows, and traditional Mongolian culture.

The grassland is especially famous for its "sea of grass" that stretches as far as the eye can see, making it an ideal place for outdoor activities such as horseback riding, archery, and photography. In the summer, the grasslands are covered with vibrant wildflowers, adding a stunning burst of color to the landscape. Visitors can stay in traditional Mongolian yurts (called "ger"), try local food, and even participate in nomadic cultural activities like Mongolian wrestling.

By exploring these areas, you’ll uncover Hohhot’s dynamic blend of past and present, urban energy, and boundless natural beauty.

Xilamuren Grassland

Xilamuren Grassland is located about 90 kilometers (roughly 1.5 hours' drive) northeast of Hohhot. Although Xilamuren Grassland officially belongs to Baotou City, it is actually closer to Hohhot, making it a convenient destination for travelers exploring Inner Mongolia’s capital. It lies in the Ordos Plateau, an area known for its vast and beautiful grasslands, offering visitors a perfect place to experience the traditional Mongolian nomadic lifestyle and stunning natural scenery.

This grassland is popular for its horseback riding, yurt stays, and Mongolian cultural activities, making it an ideal spot for travelers looking to immerse themselves in the rural beauty of Inner Mongolia. It's also one of the more accessible grasslands near Hohhot, making it a great choice for a day trip or overnight stay.

Gegentala Grassland

Gegentala Grassland is a vast and picturesque steppe ecosystem located in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China, characterized by its expansive grasslands, rolling hills, crystal-clear lakes, and diverse flora and fauna. Visitors can experience authentic nomadic culture through horseback riding, archery, and overnight stays in cozy yurts, often accompanied by lively bonfire gatherings featuring folk singing and dancing‌. The grassland’s pristine scenery—rolling green hills, wildflowers, and herds of sheep—creates a serene escape, especially during summer and autumn when the weather is mild and ideal for outdoor activities.

Customize Your Unique Hohhot Tour

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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