Travel Guide to Xilamuren Grassland Scenic Area

Hey friends, you must visit Xilamuren Grassland at least once! Located in Darhan Muminggan United Banner, Baotou City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, it's about 90 km north of Hohhot. "Xilamuren" means "Yellow River" in Mongolian, named after the Puhui Temple, a Qing Dynasty lamasery built in 1769 (the 34th year of Emperor Qianlong's reign), which earned the area the affectionate nickname "Zhaohe." While not as famous as Hulunbuir, this grassland has its own unique charm. Endless green plains meet the blue sky and white clouds, with herds of cattle and sheep grazing leisurely, while scattered yurts in the distance create a picturesque pastoral scene. Here, you can run freely across the vast grasslands, immerse yourself in the warm and hospitable Mongolian culture, and experience the poetic beauty of your dreams! 🕘【Opening Hours】 The scenic area is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and a 1-2 day visit is recommended. The best time to visit is from June to September when the grasslands are lush and the weather is pleasant. Average temperatures in July and August range from 18°C to 21°C, with cool mornings and evenings, but large daily temperature swings—don’t forget a thick jacket! Late autumn or winter brings cold weather and withered grass, making it less ideal for travel. Respect local religious beliefs and customs, such as maintaining silence in temples and entering yurts from the left side. 💴【Ticket Prices】 General admission is ¥80 per person, and children’s tickets cost ¥40. Trip.com occasionally offers discounted packages that include entry fees and grassland activities, providing better value. Recent ticket prices have remained stable. Some privately managed areas by local herders may have slightly different fees, so check Trip.com for the latest prices and reviews before your trip. ⛺【Activities】 **Cultural Performances:** Watch traditional Mongolian sports like horse racing, where swift steeds and skilled riders dazzle; wrestling matches full of strength and technique; and archery displays of precision. Don’t miss the equestrian shows with breathtaking stunts or the nightly bonfire parties, where you can dance and sing with locals around the fire. **Cultural Experiences:** Join the grand Nadam Fair to witness the "Three Manly Skills" of Mongolian men, admire the majestic white horse procession, and see traditional ox-cart displays. Participate in the solemn Oboo worship ceremony to learn its significance and make a wish. Visit herder families to try your hand at herding, milking, and making dairy products for an authentic nomadic experience. **Featured Attractions:** Explore **Puhui Temple**, a former summer retreat for the Sixth Living Buddha of Xilitu Zhao in Hohhot, with its exquisite carvings and architecture. The nearby Xilamuren River flows gently behind it. Cross the river bridge and climb **Alebinbao Hill** for panoramic grassland views. Visit **Honggeer Oboo**, the largest oboo in Xilamuren, now even more impressive after recent expansions. Nearby, the outdoor epic *Legend of Monan* reenacts heroic scenes from Genghis Khan’s era. **Suggested Itinerary:** - Morning: Visit Puhui Temple to soak in its cultural heritage. - Late morning: Hike Alebinbao Hill for sweeping grassland vistas. - Noon: Enjoy a traditional meal in a yurt and rest. - Afternoon: Watch horse racing and wrestling, then join an Oboo ceremony. - Evening: Experience herder life before attending a bonfire party. - Next morning: Catch the sunrise, then head to Honggeer Oboo and *Legend of Monan* (if interested). 🚌【Transportation】 **Trip.com Group Tour Benefits:** - Hassle-free travel: Xilamuren is remote, with complicated transport links. Our tours include professional drivers and comfortable coaches that take you directly from your departure point to the scenic area—no transfers or navigation worries. - In-depth experiences: Knowledgeable guides share insights into grassland history, culture, and attractions, enriching your visit with stories about Puhui Temple and the meanings behind cultural performances. - Well-planned itineraries: Based on visitor feedback, we optimize schedules to avoid crowds and combine Xilamuren with nearby sites like the **Inner Mongolia Museum** for a fuller trip. **Independent Travel Options:** - **Self-drive:** From Hohhot, take the Jingzang Expressway, exit at Bikqi, and follow signs to Xilamuren (~2 hours). Parking is available onsite. Plan your route in advance and check road conditions. - **Public transport:** Take a bus from Hohhot Long-Distance Bus Station (~2-3 hours). Schedules are limited, so check times early. Taxis may be needed from the drop-off point to specific sites. 👉【Nearby Recommendations】 - **Inner Mongolia Museum** (Hohhot, free entry, closed Mondays): The region’s only comprehensive museum, showcasing its history, culture, and natural wonders. - **Kubuqi Desert:** Try sandboarding and camel rides for a stark contrast to the grasslands. 🧡【Pre-Trip Prep】 - **Documents:** Bring your ID for tickets and hotels. Discount-eligible cards (e.g., student/senior) are also useful. - **Clothing:** Light, breathable clothes for June–September days, plus a thick jacket for chilly mornings/evenings. Comfortable shoes, sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), and bug spray are musts. - **Extras:** Pack water, snacks, a camera/phone with extra batteries, and learn basic Mongolian customs to blend in smoothly.