I've returned from Bayannur, and the impact was truly profound.

The wind has shattered the Yellow River's ice crystals, the meadows are tinged with fresh yellow-green, and April's Bayannur unfurls like a scroll in the morning light—here you'll find the majestic strength of the Yinshan Mountains, the gentleness of the Hetao Plain, and the vibrant atmosphere where nomadic civilization meets agricultural culture. Pack your bags, and I'll take you on a 3-day journey to engrave spring's romance into your memories~ 📍 Location Overview 🌍 Bayannur is located in western Inner Mongolia, backed by the Yinshan Mountains to the north and bordered by the Yellow River to the south, at the top of the Yellow River's bend, known as the "Jiangnan of the Northern Frontier." 🚗 Transportation Guide ✈️ Main transportation: Fly directly to Bayannur Tianji Airport, or fly to Hohhot/Baotou and transfer to high-speed rail (about 2 hours). 🚗 Local travel: Recommended to rent a car (the scenery along the way is stunning, with stops possible anytime), or use taxis in the city + charter vehicles (more flexible for exploring grasslands/scenic areas). 📅 3-Day Itinerary Day 1: Prelude of Mountains and Rivers · Touch Nature's Texture 🌿 Morning: Stroll through the Yellow River Hetao Cultural Tourism Area, watch the spring waters flow, listen to the gentle boat whistles, and take photos with the "Yellow River Mother" sculpture 📸. 🍴 Lunch: Try the city's time-honored "Iron Pot Braised Noodles," with chewy noodles coated in rich broth—so delicious you'll lick the plate! ⛰️ Afternoon: Drive to the Urad Grassland, encountering sheep herds scattered like pearls along the way. Upon arrival, go horseback riding (beginners can ask for guidance from herdsmen), and watch the sunset turn the grassland golden at dusk 🌇. 🏨 Accommodation: Experience a Mongolian yurt on the grassland (choose one with a private bathroom), gather around the stove at night to listen to herders' songs, and gaze at the Milky Way 🌌. Day 2: Cultural Poetry · Decode Thousand-Year Heritage 📚 Morning: Explore the Yinshan Rock Art Museum, touch the life imprints of nomadic ancestors from ten thousand years ago, where animals running in the rock art seem to transcend time 🐎. 🍲 Lunch: Try "Bayannur Niangpi" (fermented rice skin), tangy and spicy to whet your appetite, paired with a bowl of freshly boiled milk tea to cut through the richness~ 🏛️ Afternoon: Visit the ancient city ruins in Linhe District, feel the Ming and Qing Dynasty commercial prosperity among the blue bricks and gray tiles, and discover cafés with old stories around the corner ☕. 🌃 Evening: Explore "Jinchuan Night Market," taste roasted lamb leg, hand-held meat, and a string of shallot buns, experiencing the northern frontier's passion through its street food 🔥. Day 3: Healing Finale · Collect the Gentleness of Time 🌱 Morning: Visit the Yellow River Wetland Park, where reeds sprout new buds and swans glide across the lake. Capture with your camera the poetic scene of "sunset glow and solitary birds flying together" 🦢. 🍜 Lunch: Must-try "Hetao Hard Four Dishes" (crispy chicken, meatballs, stewed meat, fried meat), experiencing the warmth and hospitality of Hetao people~ 🛍️ Afternoon: Shop for souvenirs: Hetao flour, goji berries, dairy products—bring home a taste of Bayannur~ 🏨 Accommodation Guide • City Center Choice: "Hetao Street Hotel" in Linhe District, close to shopping areas and attractions, with evening walks to see Jinchuan Bridge's night view 🌉. • Grassland Special: Urad Grassland Mongolian yurt camps, choose rooms with scenic skylights for breathtaking grassland sunrise views 🌄. • Budget Option: "Bayannur International Youth Hostel," perfect for backpackers, with opportunities to share rides and form groups for more fun~ 🍽️ Food Recommendations (Personally Tested) ✅ Must-Try List: • 🌟 Bayannur Stew: Potatoes, green beans, and ribs stewed until tender, delicious with Hetao steamed buns! • 🌟 Shaomei (Dumplings): Lamb filling that bursts with juice in one bite, paired with brick tea to cut the richness, perfect for breakfast~ • 🌟 Milk Skin Rolls with Fried Rice: Sweet, soft dairy flavor + crispy fried rice, a taste of grassland cuisine~ ❌ Warning: Some small shops serve overly salty milk tea; specify your taste preference when ordering~ ✨ Bayannur's Top 3 Must-Try Experiences 1. 🚣 Float down the Yellow River on a sheepskin raft, listen to the boatman sing a mountain tune, and feel time slow down~ 2. 🐂 Learn to milk cows and make milk tofu with herdsmen, immersing yourself in the daily life of nomads~ 3. 🌌 Stargaze at Wuliangsuhai Lake, where the spring Milky Way gradually appears—capture romantic star trails with just a phone tripod~ 📌 Travel Tips • April has significant temperature variations; bring windproof jackets + light sweaters, and down jackets for mornings and evenings on the grassland; • UV rays are strong; sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats are essential; • Respect local customs, remove shoes when entering Mongolian yurts, and don't touch herders' belongings without permission~ Bayannur's spring is a poem wrapped in grassy fragrance, the sweetness of dairy lingering on your tongue, and healing scenery as far as the eye can see. This April, may you find your own northern frontier fairy tale here~ 🌿🐎