Inner Mongolia's Hidden 'Martian Secret Land'! Dahongshan in Siziwang Banner, Awe-Inspiring to the Point of Speechlessness!

Crimson mountains layer upon layer, as if the earth's veins are pulsating. This is not the American West, nor the surface of Mars, but the stunning secret land of Dahongshan in Inner Mongolia's Siziwang Banner. The moment I set foot on Dahongshan, it felt as if I had traveled to another planet. Before my eyes lay a vast expanse of crimson mountains, eroded by billions of years of wind and rain, forming layered ravines of various shapes. From brick red to ochre red, and even local bluish-gray, the colors blend in layers, like a painting meticulously crafted by nature with its most brilliant hues. --- 01 Geographical Marvel: Mars on Earth Dahongshan, also known as Naomugeng Mountain, is located in Siziwang Banner, Ulanqab City, Inner Mongolia. It is a Gobi grassland plateau cliff, approximately 8 kilometers long from north to south, 5 kilometers wide from east to west, with its highest point reaching about 1120 meters above sea level. The mountain body is a Tertiary standard stratigraphic section, holding significant research value in geology. Due to its reddish sandy soil, it resembles a red mountain when viewed from below, appearing incredibly majestic and spectacular whether seen from afar or up close. Most astonishing are the bizarre peaks and valleys formed by millions of years of wind and rain erosion. Some resemble giant whales emerging from the sea, others massive scallops, some are strikingly similar to large crocodiles lurking on a wall, and still others like turtles rushing to shore. Each landscape is incredibly lifelike, making one marvel at the uncanny workmanship of nature. 02 Best Experience: A Visual Feast Where Time and Space Intersect The best time to visit Dahongshan is autumn, when the climate is cool and pleasant. During sunrise and sunset, the mountains glow even more orange-red and dazzling under the sunlight, creating a strong visual impact. Standing on the mountaintop and looking down, the crisscrossing Danxia landform resembles the earth's veins. The vastness and grandeur evoke the sentiment from Su Shi's writing: "like a mayfly between heaven and earth, a tiny grain in the vast ocean." Here, you can experience the wonderful feeling of being disconnected from the world for 4 hours. This place is desolate and free of light pollution, making it an excellent spot for stargazing. As night falls, looking up reveals the vast, shifting Milky Way, and the boundless starry sky makes you forget all worries. 03 Practical Guide: Your Complete Guide to the Secret Land Transportation: Only accessible by self-driving. Set your navigation to "Dahongshan, Siziwang Banner, Ulanqab City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region." From Sonid Right Banner, it's about 100 kilometers of asphalt road, taking a little over 1 hour. Important Tip: Mobile phone signal starts to disappear 60 kilometers before the destination, so be sure to download offline maps in advance. Make sure to fill up your gas tank before departing, as there are no gas stations or charging piles along the way. Route Selection: The asphalt road extends all the way to the entrance of Dahongshan, while the mountain itself has flat, unpaved roads. Follow the tire tracks inward: at the first fork, go left; at the second fork, also choose the left one. Continue along the edge, and you'll see a small path leading down into the slopes of Dahongshan. Accommodation Recommendation: The nearest town is Sonid Right Banner. We recommend staying at Zhengda Hotel in Sonid Right Banner (pet-friendly), priced at about 120 yuan/room. 04 Special Experiences: Unmissable Highlights Shenzhou No. 1 Most Beautiful Highway: On August 8, 2025, a 171-kilometer-long "Shenzhou No. 1 Most Beautiful Highway" will officially open. This highway starts 4 kilometers south of Gegentala and ends at Dahongshan. The highway winds through attractions such as Dorbod Grassland, Gegentala Tourist Area, Xilamuren Temple, and the main landing site of the Shenzhou series spacecraft. It also includes a 66-kilometer "Rainbow Road" with 9 characteristic scenic check-in points along the way. Culinary Experience: In Sonid Right Banner, you must try the local hotpot. We recommend the spring water hotpot; the lamb here is Sonid lamb, which is incredibly tender and has little to no gamey smell. For breakfast, you can visit Yuanxiyuan Shaomai Restaurant; it's said that their pan-fried dumplings are even better than their steamed ones. Every August, Siziwang Banner also hosts a lamb offal food festival, where you can savor grassland-flavored delicacies. 05 Photography Guide: Creating Blockbuster Shots Dahongshan is a paradise for photographers. Here are some tips to help you capture stunning photos: Best Time: Sunrise and sunset, when low-angle sunlight makes the mountains appear more orange-red and dazzling. Essential Equipment: Drone (a must-have! Only from high altitude can the magnificent "earth's veins" be fully displayed). Clothing Suggestion: Wear white or bright-colored clothes (orange photographs exceptionally well). Special Shot: In the evening at sunset, the mountains are exceptionally crimson and vibrant. 06 In-depth Experience: Beyond Ordinary Travel Significance At Dahongshan, you can not only admire spectacular natural landscapes but also experience profound cultural heritage. It is close to the main landing site of the Shenzhou series spacecraft, deeply integrating aerospace memories with grassland scenery. Every August, Siziwang Banner also hosts the "Grassland Tour" Naadam and the Mongolian Horse Super League. Visitors can personally experience the "Three Manly Sports" competitions (archery, horse racing, wrestling) and feel the passion of the grassland. --- As the sun sets, its afterglow casts upon the crimson mountains, and the entire land seems to ignite. At that moment, I understood why some say, "The romance of the universe is not only beyond the nine heavens, but also in the folds of these crimson mountains." Dahongshan is unlike those overdeveloped popular attractions; there are no crowded throngs, no commercial hustle and bustle, only the purest natural wonder and the most profound spiritual experience. If you are tired of conventional attractions and yearn for a truly unique journey, Dahongshan in Siziwang Banner awaits your arrival.