Ordos in July-August is really not recommended to visit

Here’s an updated Ordos travel guide covering natural landscapes, cultural experiences, food exploration, and itinerary suggestions to help you fully appreciate the unique charm of grasslands and deserts: ------ 1. Must-Visit Attractions 1. **Xiangshawan (5A-rated)** ◦ Highlights: World-class desert resort offering dune buggies, sandboarding, and cable car rides. Stay overnight at Lotus Hotel for stargazing. ◦ Ticket: ¥120 (includes entry), open 8:30 AM–6:00 PM. ◦ Tips: Wear sandproof shoe covers; camel rides available (~¥100/hour). 2. **Genghis Khan Mausoleum (5A-rated)** ◦ Features: Spiritual symbol of the Mongols, featuring live performances of *Ordos Wedding* and traditional rituals. ◦ Ticket: ¥90, open 8:30 AM–6:00 PM. ◦ Tips: Allocate 3 hours to explore historical and cultural zones. 3. **Ordos Grassland (4A-rated)** ◦ Experiences: Horseback riding, archery, staying in yurts, and evening bonfire parties with roasted lamb and milk tea. ◦ Ticket: ¥248 (combo ticket), open all day. ◦ Tips: Bring mosquito repellent in summer. 4. **Kangbashi Tourist Zone (4A-rated)** ◦ Highlights: Modern grassland city with attractions like Ulan Mulun Lake light shows and the free-entry Ordos Museum. ◦ Unique blend of seven cultural landmarks and urban plazas, perfect for photos. 5. **Qixing Lake Desert Eco-Tourism Zone (4A-rated)** ◦ Scenery: Seven lakes arranged like the Big Dipper, ideal for desert hikes, birdwatching, and desert yoga. ◦ Ticket: ¥98, open 9:00 AM–5:00 PM. ------ 2. Food Guide 1. **Grassland Cuisine** ◦ Roasted Whole Lamb: Try at *Grassland Ballad* (¥398/lamb)—crispy skin, tender meat. ◦ Hand-Torn Lamb: *Herdsman Wellness* in Uxin Banner, boiled for authentic flavor. ◦ Milk Tea with Fried Rice: *Hantai Town Rice Jelly*, a classic pairing. 2. **Local Snacks** ◦ Lamb Offal Soup: *Old Li’s* in Dongsheng District, best with fried bread. ◦ Mongolian Pies: *Ordos Courtyard* in Ejin Horo Banner, buttery and stuffed. ◦ Buckwheat Noodles: *Yan’s Bowl Noodles* in Jungar Banner, tangy and spicy. 3. **Night Markets** ◦ Kangzhen Night Market: Skewers, yogurt pancakes, and Mongolian cheese. ◦ Tiexi Food Street: Locals’ favorite for *Wang’s Shaomai* and *Old Ma’s Xinjiang Lamb Skewers*. ------ 3. Accommodation • **Luxury Stays**: ◦ *Lotus Hotel (Xiangshawan)*: Desert luxury with private pools and stargazing. ◦ *Crowne Plaza Ordos*: Central Kangbashi, ideal for business/families. • **Unique Lodging**: ◦ *Herdsman Tribe (Hanggin Banner)*: Yurt stays with milking and bonfire activities. ◦ *Uxin Ju Eco-Lodge*: Tibetan Buddhist-themed retreat. ------ 4. Classic 3-Day Itinerary **Day 1: Culture** • AM: Genghis Khan Mausoleum (2h) → Ordos Museum (1.5h). • PM: Kangbashi (Ulan Mulun Lake, Wedding Park) → Kangzhen Light Show. • Dinner: Roast lamb + kumis at Kangzhen Night Market. **Day 2: Nature** • Full day: Xiangshawan (dune buggies, sandboarding) → Sunset at Lotus Hotel. • Dinner: Mongolian buffet at the hotel. **Day 3: Grassland** • AM: Ordos Grassland (horseback riding, archery, Nadam performances). • PM: Qixing Lake hike → Buy dairy souvenirs (*Sarqing Milk Layer Cake*). ------ 5. Practical Tips 1. **Transport**: ◦ Taxi from airport/railway: ~¥30; rent a car for grasslands (~¥200–300/day). ◦ Shuttle buses from Kangbashi Tourist Center to major sites. 2. **Tickets**: ◦ *Shenmu-Ordos Travel Pass* (¥145): Unlimited entry to 26 sites, including Xiangshawan and Genghis Khan Mausoleum. 3. **Avoid Pitfalls**: ◦ Confirm desert activity fees upfront; drones restricted in some areas. ◦ Large temperature swings—sun protection in summer, windproof gear in winter. 4. **Cultural Etiquette**: ◦ Don’t step on yurt thresholds; accept ceremonial scarves with both hands. Ask before photographing locals. ------ 6. Season & Budget • **Best Time**: May–Oct (lush grasslands, mild desert); winter offers ice Nadam festivals. • **Budget**: ¥1,500–2,500/person for 3 days (lodging, meals, tickets). Pass saves 60% on entry fees. ------ This guide unlocks Ordos’ “grassland + desert + culture” diversity. For niche routes, check the official *Cloud Tour Ordos* mini-program by the Ordos Tourism Bureau.